2004 Volvo V40 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 4 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Volvo V40.

3
recalls
4
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
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.

2004 Volvo V40 recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist, vacuum, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 04V493000 · reported October 14, 2004 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. · 1,719 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the non-return valve may crack due to a poor weld causing a vacuum leak.
The risk
If this occurs, more brake pedal force may be required to stop the vehicle and/or may experience a rough engine idle, which could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the vacuum hose. The recall began on november 29, 2004. Owners should contact volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA campaign 03V424000 · reported October 24, 2003 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. · 15,067 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain sedans and station wagons, there may be a fuel leak from the fuel rail due to inadequate welding.
The risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will install a v-clamp to the fuel rail. Owner notification began on january 28, 2004. Owners should contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Equipment: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 03V284000 · reported August 1, 2003 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. · 220,407 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
The fix
Owners will receive a letter/package consisting of the second isofix guide with installation instructions, and in certain cases, the corrected owner's manual may be provided. If the owner wants to take their vehicle to a volvo dealer for installation of the guide, it will be performed at no charge to the owner. Owner notification began on december 19, 2003. 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 24, 2016 · Service brakes · 44,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO V40. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.

Feb 7, 2008 · Air bags · 87,036 miles

THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG HAS FAILED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE COST OF REPAIR WILL BE AROUND $900.00 THE CAR WAS PURCHASED 4 YEARS AGO. THAT IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR FOR A RELATIVELY YOUNG VEHICLE. I ASKED THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT MY AUTHORIZED VOLVO REPAIR SHOP IF I SHOULD EXPECT THE RIGHT SIDE TO FAIL AS SOON…

Jul 22, 2005 · Structure

DT: CONSUMER STATES WHEN THERE IS A SUN GLARE ON THE DASHBOARD THERE ISN'T ENOUGH ILLUMINATION. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE INSTRUMENTS ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. THE CONSUMER STATED A FLASH LIGHT MUST BE USED TO…

May 23, 2005 · Service brakes, hydraulic · crash reported

ON APRIL 13, 2005 AT APPROXIMATELY 4 PM, I WAS BACKING MY V40 VOLVO 2004 WAGON OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT THE KOSSMAN GARAGE, LIBERTY AVENUE,PITTSBURGH, PA, GOING SLOWLY BECAUSE IT WAS A TIGHT SPACE, WHEN MY BRAKES DID NOT WORK, AT ALL. DESPITE PUSHING MY BRAKES AS FAR AS THEY WOULD GO, THE CAR DID NOT STOP, AND…

V40 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 21110
2002 1400
2003 2200
2004 3410

All Volvo V40 years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Volvo V40 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2004 Volvo V40, the most recent reported on October 14, 2004 (Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist, vacuum, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volvo V40?
Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (1 complaints), followed by service brakes (1).
How many 2004 Volvo V40 complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 4 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 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 24, 2016.