Volvo S40 years to avoid
The Volvo S40 years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2004 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2011 is the cleanest year on record.
677
Total complaints
12
Recall campaigns
2000–2011
Years covered
5
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
S40 years to avoid
Every S40 year
Common questions
What are the worst Volvo S40 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the S40 years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2004. The cleanest year on record is 2011.
What is the best year for the Volvo S40?
By complaint volume, 2011 has the cleanest NHTSA record among S40 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Volvo S40 have?
Across all model years, the S40 has 12 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 677 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.