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.
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.
Exhaust 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
Loss 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
Fluid 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
Clutch 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
Brakes 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
Support 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
Fire 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
Passenger 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
Fire 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
Engine 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
Gearbox 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
Engine 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
Gearbox 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
Brakes 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
Possible 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
Accelerator 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
Power 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
Rear 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
Reduced 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
Engine 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
Braking 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
Engine 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
Fuel 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
Windscreen 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
Possible 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
Detachable 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
Detachable 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
Air 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
Brake 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
Auxiliary 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
Possible 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
Brake 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
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.