VehicleVerdict

2001 Volvo S40 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 112 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.2 times the median S40 year — the 2001 model ranks #2 of 12 S40 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (27), engine (17), and electrical system (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

112

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other S40 years?

S40 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted166 complaints2000: 166 complaints2001: 112 complaints2002: 34 complaints2003: 23 complaints2004: 75 complaints2005: 91 complaints2006: 81 complaints2007: 36 complaints2008: 27 complaints2009: 14 complaints2010: 11 complaints2011: 7 complaints
S40 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S40 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Volvo S40 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2724%
Engine1715%
Electrical System109%
Speed Control98%
Airbags87%
Visibility & Wipers76%
Fuel System65%
Body & Structure54%
Tires & Wheels44%
Transmission44%
Lighting44%
Other44%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)22%
Seat Belts22%
Steering22%
Seats11%

Does the 2001 Volvo S40 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V284000OtherAugust 1, 2003 · 220,407 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy

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.

01V169000Climate Control (A/C & Heat)May 21, 2001 · 19,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDAN AND WAGON PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DIODE IN THE ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM MAY HAVE A REDUCED SERVICE LIFE.

Consequence

IF THE DIODE FAILS, THE HEATER FAN STOPS OPERATING AND THE DEFROSTER FUNCTION IS AFFECTED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADAPTER WITH A DIODE FITTED TO THE HEATER FAN MOTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 11, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VOLVO MODEL S40 VACUUM BRAKE FAILURE. MY 28 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS MAKING A LOW SPEED TURN AT INTERSECTION AND BRAKES FAILED AND SHE HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. IN 2003 SHE WAS COMING TO A STOP BEHIND ANOTHER CAR AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. SUBSEQUENTLY THEY REPLACED THE VACUUM PUMP AT THE 30,000 MILE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 12, 2002 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 29, 2010 · fire

“DRIVING WE SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL TYPE OF SMELL, THEN BELL OWING SMOKE AND THEN WE STOPPED AND TRIED TO OPEN HOOD FIRE CAME GUSHING OUT. CALLED 911 REPORT TO FIRE DEPT. CAR TOTALLED.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 20, 2001 · fire

“CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND VEHICLE TOOK OFF. CONSUMER HIT A TELEPHONE POLE WHILE TRYING TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 11, 2001 · crash

“THE CONSUMER STATES THAT BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH OUT SUFFICIENT IMPACT WHEN THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE STRUCK A PAVEMENT AT 40 MPH. DURING THE ACCIDENT THE FRONT WHEEL DROPPED OFF BREAKING THE TIE ROD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *YH ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 17, 2002 · crash

2001 Volvo S40 — common questions

Is the 2001 Volvo S40 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 112 complaints put the 2001 model at #2 of 12 S40 years. It is one of the S40 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 S40 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (27 complaints), engine (17 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints).

Does the 2001 Volvo S40 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Volvo S40. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Volvo S40 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volvo S40 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S40 years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2004. The cleanest record among S40 years belongs to 2011.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.