Volvo V40 reliability
The Volvo V40 fails its MOT about as often as most cars 6 to 10 years old: 27.7% of 72,702 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
16 DVSA recalls for the Volvo V40
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.
There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components
There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.
Fix: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air
Recalled models: V40 · 76,945 vehicles
There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system
There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.
Fix: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air.
Recalled models: V40 · 15,167 vehicles
The engine's plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
The engines plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
Fix: Update vehicles with improved soot reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.
Recalled models: V40
Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose
Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose.
Fix: Replacement of affected fuel hoses.
Recalled models: V40 · 30,777 vehicles
One or more airbags may fail to deploy in the event of a collision
It has been identified by the manufacturer that the air-bag initiator does not meet specification. This can therefore result in the initiator not functioning correctly which can lead to none deployment of the air-bag. Should a collision occur then there is an increased risk of injury to the occupants of the vehicle.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the air-bags with a new quality assured component.
Recalled models: V40 · 1,415 vehicles
Coolant leakage may result in a fire
It has been identified that during the engine warm-up process and under certain driving/climate conditions for instance periods of high acceleration or high engine load immediately after a cold start in cold climates there is the possibility for coolant leakage or oil seepage. This can lead to the possibility in a worst-case scenario of smoke or a slow developing fire in the engine compartment. However the driver will receive a warning message on the Driver�s Information Module indicating a low coolant level.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to modify the coolant bypass valve and install a new exhaust manifold gasket.
Recalled models: V40 · 3,192 vehicles
Driver's airbag module may not deploy as intended
Due to a potential manufacturing defect the gas generator in the driver�s airbag module may not deploy as intended. This may reduce the affectivities of the airbag.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the driver's air bag module.
Recalled models: V40 · 123 vehicles
Cem software may malfunction
A software issue within the Central Electronic Module (CEM) may cause the left hand (nearside) rear light to stop functioning. This will result in the illumination of a warning light on the instrument panel.
Fix: Recall all effected vehicles to install new upgraded software into the CEM.
Recalled models: V40 · 1,492 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: V40 · 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: V40 · 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: V40 · 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: V40 · 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: V40 · 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: V40 · 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: V40 · 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: V40 · 1,178 vehicles
Checking a Volvo V40 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.