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Model reliability

Volvo S40 reliability

The Volvo S40 fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 42.9% of 21,178 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Over 10 years old
42.9% failed their MOT
About average
From 21,178 MOT tests of Volvo S40s this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 49% more oftenSprings6.1% vs 4.1%Fix about £150
Fails 46% more oftenTyre condition6% vs 4.1%Fix about £90
Fails 40% more oftenAnti-roll bars5.9% vs 4.2%
Fails 73% more oftenTransmission4.5% vs 2.6%
Advised 31% more oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)6.8% vs 5.2%Fix about £30
Advised 2× as oftenDirection indicators4.8% vs 2.4%
Advised 59% more oftenTransmission4.6% vs 2.9%
Safety recalls

32 DVSA recalls for the Volvo S40

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2013/15623 Dec 2013Built 2010–2012Exhaust sleeve may detach

It has been established that the securing process for the exhaust tail pipe sleeve may not be to specification and result in the tail pipe sleeve detaching. This could cause an issue for other road users.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and secure the exhaust tail pipe sleeve.

Recalled models: S40 · 3,311 vehicles

R/2013/0468 Apr 2013Built 2011–2012Loss of drive

It is possible that the right hand driveshaft may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. This can ultimately result in the failure of the drive shaft. This will be identified to the driver by noise and the loss of drive.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the right hand driveshaft.

Recalled models: S40 · 826 vehicles

R/2011/1631 Dec 2011Fluid may leak into wiring harness which may cause fire

A number of Volvo C30S40V50 and C70 may experience a problem with washer fluid leaking inside the washer pump unit through the wires into the central control electronic module. This can impact on a number of different features of the vehicle but in the worst case it may lead to a fire.

Fix: The solution is to replace and then modify the wiring harness for the washer fluid pump. In addition to this the washer pump connector will be inspected for any signs of corrosion and the washer pump will be replaced if necessary

Recalled models: S40 · 53,203 vehicles

R/2011/1277 Sept 2011Clutch pedal mechanism may fail

The rod connecting the clutch master cylinder and the clutch pedal may break. It may not be possible to disengage the clutch. In worst cases this may happen suddenly with no warning to the driver. If this happens bring the car to a safe stop using the engine and switch off the ignition.

Fix: Replace clutch master cylinder with a new metal push rod in-place of the plastic one.

Recalled models: S40 · 35,587 vehicles

R/2011/07528 Jun 2011Brakes may not perform as expected

The cover on the top of the engine cover could chafe against the brake vacuum hose. If this occurs it may lead to a vacuum leak in the brake booster system and a gradual reduction of brake booster assistance. The will lead to the brake pedal becoming harder to push than normal and increased force would be required to stop the car.

Fix: Inspect and replace the vacuum hose if necessary. The hose will also be fitted with a safety net to prevent chafing in the future.

Recalled models: S40 · 18,989 vehicles

R/2011/03123 Mar 2011Support member may crack

It is possible that stress cracks may occur in the offside main support member within the engine bay which could affect the vehicle structural performance if it is involved in an accident.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles for the inspection of the subject member and report findings to Volvo Car UK Ltd; who will then decide on the level of the repair.

Recalled models: S40 · 325 vehicles

R/2011/01918 Feb 2011Fire may occur

Volvo quality follow-up procedures have identified an issue on a number of model year 2007 C30 S40 and V50s relating to the engine cooling fan control module. Under certain operating conditions water intrusion could occur into the control module causing a short circuit which in very rare instances could result in a fire in the engine compartment.

Fix: To install a water shield and a cable harness with relay in order to control the engine cooling fan module power supply.

Recalled models: S40 · 2,398 vehicles

R/2010/23322 Dec 2010Passenger seat may not be fitted correctly

It is possible that the driver's and passenger's front powered seats may not be fitted with the front stop lug. The lug restricts the movement of the seats and if not fitted it is possible to position the seats too far forward or backwards. This could increase the chances of injury should the vehicle be involved in an accident.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect for fitment of the lugs and if found to be missing fit new lugs.

Recalled models: S40 · 103 vehicles

R/2010/2243 Dec 2010Fire may occur

On certain five cylinder engines it is possible that the high pressure fuel pipes may not have been correctly installed and may leak. This should be identified by a smell of fuel from the engine bay. However it is possible that in extreme cases an engine bay fire could occur.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the high pressure pipes.

Recalled models: S40 · 845 vehicles

R/2010/14421 Sept 2010Engine may overheat

It is possible that the hose connection between the coolant expansion tank and the bleed hose can work loose. If this should occur then coolant will leak and air will enter the system. Under these conditions the low coolant level warning light will not function. If the vehicle is driven in this condition it will cause engine damage and in the extreme possible failure.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicle to replace the tank and bleeder hose.

Recalled models: S40 · 159 vehicles

R/2010/07111 Jun 2010Gearbox may jam

A section of the gear shift mechanism may over time become loose and cause the mechanism to become jammed. If this was to occur it might not be possible to change gear or select neutral.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check that the ball joint for the gear selector is properly secured.

Recalled models: S40 · 6,961 vehicles

R/2010/05112 May 2010Engine speed may not decrease

The engine oil level may rise. This situation may lead to the engine speed being maintained or possibly increased after the throttle pedal is released. In an extreme situation the engine may continue to run after it has been switched off.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and carry out a ECM software upgrade adjust engine oil level and install a decal to confirm oil level to the consumer.

Recalled models: S40 · 20,204 vehicles

R/2009/15521 Dec 2009Gearbox may not engage or shift gears as intended

It has been identified that due to internal leakage the gearbox hydraulic control module may not be able to engage or shift gears as intended.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the gearbox replaced.

Recalled models: S40 · 42 vehicles

R/2009/0528 May 2009Brakes may not perform adequately

Brake assistance from the vacuum pressure pump may be reduced under certain cold start conditions. The brakes will still function but more pressure on the pedal will be required than normal.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the non-return valve in the vacuum pump.

Recalled models: S40 · 2,004 vehicles

R/2009/0246 Mar 2009Possible engine bay fire

It has been identified that on subject vehicles the engine cooling fan module could under certain operating conditions develop a short circuit caused by water intrusion. This in rare circumstances could result in an engine bay fire.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will be fitted with a water shield and a cable harness with a relay in order to control the engine cooling fan module power supply.

Recalled models: S40 · 4,023 vehicles

R/2008/11622 Jul 2008Accelerator pedal may not return to resting position

Accelerator pedal may be prevented from returning to its rest position by the floor mat.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the floor mat with a shorter version.

Recalled models: S40 · 4,037 vehicles

R/2008/11217 Jul 2008Power steering pipe may leak.

It has been established that the material in the power steering return line hose has not been manufactured to specification.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the hose inspected and replaced as necessary.

Recalled models: S40 · 3 vehicles

R/2008/06625 Apr 2008Rear wheels may loosen

It has been identified that on the subject vehicles the rear wheel studs may be of an incorrect size. This in rare cases may during particular forms of low speed manoeuvring result in the wheel becoming loose.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the rear wheel studs inspected and changed to a modified type as necessary.

Recalled models: S40 · 260 vehicles

R/2008/0405 Mar 2008Reduced braking performance

It has been identified that internal leakage of the brake master cylinder could occur. Should this be the case the driver may experience reduced braking performance whilst applying and maintaining force on the brake pedal.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the brake master cylinder inspected and possibly replaced. At the same time the brake fluid reservoir will be checked and the affected pipes cleansed.

Recalled models: S40 · 2 vehicles

R/2008/01321 Jan 2008Engine fuel pump may fail

It has been identified that long term exposure to salt or wet conditions may lead to internal corrosion of the fuel pump electronic module. A faulty signal from the module may lead to incorrect amounts or no fuel being delivered to the fuel pump.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the fuel pump module replaced.

Recalled models: S40 · 3,062 vehicles

R/2007/17629 Nov 2007Braking performance may be affected

Brake servo assistance from the vacuum pump may be reduced under certain cold start conditions. The brakes will still function but more pressure on the pedal will be required than normal.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a modified non-return valve to the vacuum pump.

Recalled models: S40 · 10,871 vehicles

R/2007/00614 Dec 2006Engine may fail

It has been identified that due to a possible communication error between the Central Electronic Module (CEM)and the Engine Control Module (ECM) the engine may over run and break down.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have new software downloaded into the CEM

Recalled models: S40 · 1 vehicles

R/2006/09015 May 2006Fuel may leak - possibility of fire

It has been identified that the fuel line is sensitive to the extreme temperatures that occur in the area where the turbo and exhaust manifold are located. This can result in a fuel leak a non-start and in extreme cases a fire.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the existing fuel line replaced with one made from Teflon which is capable of withstanding the extreme temperatures encountered.

Recalled models: S40 · 932 vehicles

R/2005/0462 Mar 2005Built 2004Windscreen may separate from support areas on impact

Internal test have shown that due to contamination of the windscreen primer if the vehicle is subject to an impact the windsceen may separate from the support area of the roof and pillars.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected inspect and where necessary replace the windscreen

Recalled models: S40 · 234 vehicles

R/2003/17317 Nov 2003Possible fuel leak

The engine fuel rail may leak and cause drivability disturbances and a fuel leak

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and secure fuel rail end cover with a V- clamp

Recalled models: S40 · 8,212 vehicles

R/2003/00810 Jan 2003Detachable tow bar may work loose

Under certain conditions the detachable tow bar may work loose resulting in the tow bar becoming detached from the vehicle.

Fix: Replace the tow ball and housing with a calibrated unit.

Recalled models: S40 · 1,042 vehicles

R/2002/09711 Jul 2002Detachable tow bar may work loose

A combination of internal and external forces caused the towball to prematurelydetach itself from the towball housing resulting in separation of the trailer from the drawing unit.

Fix: All towballs and housing will initially be modified and then replaced with calibrated units at a later date.

Recalled models: S40 · 1,042 vehicles

R/2002/0892 Jul 2002Air bag mounting may loosen

Part of the horn operating mechanism may foul the drivers air bag module and cause it to become loose on its mounting.

Fix: Replace the air bag mounting plate.

Recalled models: S40 · 1,696 vehicles

R/2002/05314 May 2002Built 1999–2000Brake vacuum pump concern

The brake vacuum pump may fail and cause a reduction in brake servo assistance. This will make the brake pedal heavy to operate.

Fix: Fit a modified brake vacuum pump.

Recalled models: S40 · 1,551 vehicles

R/2002/05414 May 2002Built 1999–2000Auxiliary drive belt concern

A fault in the alternator drive pulley may cause the auxiliary drive belt to break which would result in a loss of power assistance to the steering. A broken drive belt may also damage the cambelt and cause engine failure.

Fix: Fit a modified alternator drive pulley

Recalled models: S40 · 2,372 vehicles

R/2001/07414 Jun 2001Built 2001Possible failure of demist/defrost system

A diode in the climate control system may not be sufficiently durable. In consequence the fan may stop working resulting in failure of the demist/defrost system.

Fix: Affected vehicles are being recalled for the installation of an additional heater fan cable harness which includes a climate control diode.

Recalled models: S40 · 11,379 vehicles

R/1999/10018 Nov 1999Built 2000Brake caliper concern

Some front brake calipers on the affected vehicles may have been manufactured using an incorrect material and may crack and leak under heavy load.

Fix: Recall potentially affected vehicles and replace all front brake calipers that are found to be in the suspect range.

Recalled models: S40 · 1,178 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Volvo S40 before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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