VehicleVerdict

2007 Volvo S40 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2007 Volvo S40 sits mid-pack among S40 years: 36 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 35, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (6), brakes (6), and engine (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

36

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other S40 years?

S40 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 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, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S40 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 Volvo S40 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes617%
Electrical System617%
Engine514%
Other38%
Airbags26%
Speed Control26%
Steering26%
Transmission26%
Visibility & Wipers26%
Seat Belts26%
Latches & Locks13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Seats13%
Body & Structure13%

Does the 2007 Volvo S40 have recalls?

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

10V566000Electrical SystemNovember 8, 2010 · 416 units

Defect

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

Consequence

AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy

VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.

08V101000BrakesMarch 5, 2008 · 1,114 units

Defect

VOLVO IS RECALLING 1,114 MY 2007 C30, C70, S40, AND V50 PASSENGER VEHICLES. A SOFT ANODIZED LAYER IN THE MASTER CYLINDER MAY TRIGGER EARLY WEAR ON A RUBBER SEAL THAT CAN RESULT IN INTERNAL LEAKAGE OF BRAKE FLUID. IF AFFECTED, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE REDUCED BRAKE PERFORMANCE WHEN APPLYING AND MAINTAINING FORCE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL.

Consequence

THE CAPACITY TO BRAKE WILL GRADUALLY DETERIORATE FORCING THE DRIVER TO USE A HIGHER THAN EXPECTED FORCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN COMPARED TO AN INTACT BRAKE SYSTEM. THE DETERIORATION CAN EVENTUALLY RESULT IN COMPLETE LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WILL BE REPLACED AND CERTAIN BRAKE LINES CLEANED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2008. OWNERS MAY 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.

“AFTER PARKING CAR AND TURNING CAR OFF, AIRBAG, BRAKE, AND INFORMATION WARNING LIGHTS STAY ON, AS DOES VENTILATION SYSTEM. PASSENGER SEAT HAS EXCESS WATER UNDERNEATH. NOW CAR WILL NOT START.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 31, 2018

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE BRAKES FAILED CAUSING HER TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF A VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, WHIPLASH AND WAS NOT TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 18, 2011 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLVO S40. WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PVC VALVE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 17, 2015

“AFTER PARKING CAR AND TURNING CAR OFF, AIRBAG, BRAKE, AND INFORMATION WARNING LIGHTS STAY ON, AS DOES VENTILATION SYSTEM. PASSENGER SEAT HAS EXCESS WATER UNDERNEATH. NOW CAR WILL NOT START.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 31, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DETACHED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED LEG, BACK, AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 11, 2016 · crash

2007 Volvo S40 — common questions

Is the 2007 Volvo S40 reliable?

It is close to typical for the S40: 36 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2007 S40 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (6 complaints), brakes (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints).

Does the 2007 Volvo S40 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2007 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.