CarRecallDB

2000 Volvo S40 recalls and problems

1 recall and 122 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2000 Volvo S40.

1
recalls
122
owner complaints
12
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2000 Volvo S40 recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist, vacuum

NHTSA campaign 03V474000 · reported November 17, 2003 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. · 36,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, water can enter the electrical brake vacuum pump, causing the pump to fail.
The risk
This could result in loss of power assist and an increase in needed brake pedal force, which could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the pump with a new and improved version and move the pump to a new location. Owner notification began on march 15, 2004. Owners should contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 30, 2021 · Air bags · crash reported

This is to describe airbag injuries. My car performed well. If not for the airbag and good construction of this Volvo I would not be here to ask for your help. I am wondering why we still use explosive materials and a device that causes so many injuries. There has to be another device to absorb the force of impact…

Aug 8, 2018 · Service brakes · 148,800 miles

THE CAR HAS PROBLEMS STARTING AND TAKES A FEW TRIES BEFORE STARTING UP. HAVE ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WHERE THE CAR WAS IN PARK WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED AND THE CAR WAS REVVING ON ITS OWN. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN PROBLEMS WHILE THE CAR HAS BEEN SLOWING DOWN ON THE FREEWAY, SPECIFICALLY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE BEING ENGAGED…

Jan 29, 2016 · Electrical system · 103,000 miles

THIS HAPPENED YESTERDAY 1/28/16 AND IN APRIL 2015 (THE DEALERSHIP "FIXED IT" BUT IT DIDN'T WORK!!!!) YESTERDAY, WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, THE CAR DID THE SCARIEST THING I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED WHILE DRIVING. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH, ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS FLASHED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE…

Dec 17, 2014 · Vehicle speed control · 99,900 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED IN ORDER TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…

Apr 25, 2013 · Service brakes · 151,000 miles · crash reported

I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT BEHIND SEVERAL CARS. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, BUT DID NOT PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. THE CAR ENGINE REVVED UP AND LURCHED FORWARD DESPITE ME ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE HEAVILY. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT FULLY DECOMPRESS CAUSING ME TO REAR END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT…

S40 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 1122121
2001 284114
2002 12740
2003 21801

Across all years, the 2000 S40 has the most complaints (122). All Volvo S40 years →

Questions

Does the 2000 Volvo S40 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2000 Volvo S40, the most recent reported on November 17, 2003 (Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist, vacuum). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Volvo S40?
Owners have filed 122 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (49 complaints), followed by vehicle speed control (17).
How many 2000 Volvo S40 complaints mention a crash or fire?
12 of 122 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 30, 2021.