Volvo V40 recall history and complaint patterns

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Volvo V40, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)

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At a Glance

Total Recalls 9
Total Complaints 94
Years Covered 1993–2013

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Volvo V40. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.

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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data. Always check your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov for vehicle-specific recall information.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Volvo V40, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Brakes

2 campaigns · Years: 2000, 2004

These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.

Official notices (evidence):
  • 04V493000 · Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
  • 03V474000 · Service brakes, hydraulic: Vacuum

Equipment and labeling

2 campaigns · Years: 2001–2004

These campaigns relate to equipment compliance, labeling, or tires.

Official notices (evidence):

Fuel and emissions

1 campaign · Years: 2003–2004

These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.

Official notices (evidence):

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Volvo V40 in NHTSA complaint data are Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Engine and engine cooling, Service brakes, hydraulic.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

Model Year Recalls Complaints Details
2013 0 1 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
2004 3 4 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:hydraulic:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Structure, Air bags:side/window.
2003 2 2 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Service brakes, hydraulic.
2002 1 7 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:drum:wheel cylinders, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder, Electrical system.
2001 2 12 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Air bags.
2000 1 67 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Engine and engine cooling, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:pads.
1993 0 1 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts.

What to Do Next

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Equipment , Fuel system and Service brakes

Show recall evidence by year

2004

  • Equipment: Labels: Safety recall involving the equipment area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (03V284000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems." The second isofix guide was not installed in these vehicles and, in certain cases, the owner's manual isofix information is incorrect.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (03V424000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain sedans and station wagons, there may be a fuel leak from the fuel rail due to inadequate welding.
  • Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings: Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (04V493000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain passenger vehicles, the non-return valve may crack due to a poor weld causing a vacuum leak.

2003

  • Equipment: Labels: Safety recall involving the equipment area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (03V284000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems." The second isofix guide was not installed in these vehicles and, in certain cases, the owner's manual isofix information is incorrect.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (03V424000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain sedans and station wagons, there may be a fuel leak from the fuel rail due to inadequate welding.

2002

  • Equipment: Labels: Safety recall involving the equipment area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (03V284000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems." The second isofix guide was not installed in these vehicles and, in certain cases, the owner's manual isofix information is incorrect.

2001

  • Equipment: Air conditioner: Safety recall involving the equipment area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (01V169000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vehicle description: sedan and wagon passenger vehicles. A diode in the electronic climate control system may have a reduced service life.
  • Equipment: Labels: Safety recall involving the equipment area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (03V284000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems." The second isofix guide was not installed in these vehicles and, in certain cases, the owner's manual isofix information is incorrect.

2000

  • Service brakes, hydraulic: Vacuum: Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (03V474000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain passenger vehicles, water can enter the electrical brake vacuum pump, causing the pump to fail.

Other Volvo Models

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⚠️ Important Safety Information

Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

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