VehicleVerdict

2002 Volvo S40 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Volvo S40 sits mid-pack among S40 years: 34 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 35, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (8), electrical system (5), and suspension (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

34

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other S40 years?

S40 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 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, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S40 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Volvo S40 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes824%
Electrical System515%
Suspension412%
Lighting39%
Engine39%
Airbags26%
Fuel System26%
Transmission26%
Visibility & Wipers26%
Other13%
Seat Belts13%
Speed Control13%

Does the 2002 Volvo S40 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO S40. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKES WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER SLOWED DOWN CAUSING A CRASH. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACTS VEHICLE HAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 20, 2010 · crash

“THE HORN FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN HORN BUTTON WAS PRESSED FROM THE LEFT SIDE. THE HORN DID NOT WORK AT TIMES OR EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS NEEDED.*AK CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION IN WHICH HE TRIED TO USE THE HORN BUT IT DIDN'T WORK. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN SEVERAL TIMES BUT NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · crash

“FRONT END SUSPENSION ISN'T RIGHT,PULLS WHEN DRIVING AND THERE IS A KNOCKING ITEMS NHTSA 10016415 AND 630879. CHECK ENGINE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON 10003441. THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING 10003398. THERE WAS NEVER AN ACCIDENT THESE ARE JUST ONGOING THINGS AND THE SUSPENSION MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 6, 2009

“TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINEWAS IDLING HIGH. VOLVO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. THE RPM SURGE OCCURRED FREQUENTLY WHEN THE CONTACTWAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON PERIODICALLY. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 1, 2002

“VOLVO S40 2002 HEADLIGHTS BURNED OUT, REPLACED 4-5 TIMES. *BF THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THIS TO BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SINCE THE HEAD LIGHTS WERE BEING USED AS DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 1, 2005

2002 Volvo S40 — common questions

Is the 2002 Volvo S40 reliable?

It is close to typical for the S40: 34 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2002 S40 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (8 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), suspension (4 complaints).

Does the 2002 Volvo S40 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Volvo S40. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.