Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 67 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 16.8 times the median V40 year — the 2000 model ranks #1 of 7 V40 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 24 reports (36% of the total).
67
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 24 | 36% | new |
| Engine | 10 | 15% | new |
| Suspension | 7 | 10% | new |
| Electrical System | 6 | 9% | new |
| Speed Control | 4 | 6% | new |
| Lighting | 4 | 6% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 4% | new |
| Transmission | 2 | 3% | new |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 3% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 3% | new |
| Other | 1 | 1% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, WATER CAN ENTER THE ELECTRICAL BRAKE VACUUM PUMP, CAUSING THE PUMP TO FAIL.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER ASSIST AND AN INCREASE IN NEEDED BRAKE PEDAL FORCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PUMP WITH A NEW AND IMPROVED VERSION AND MOVE THE PUMP TO A NEW LOCATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH THE BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN A CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED ON CERTAIN VEHICLES WATER CAN ENTER THE ELECTRICAL BRAKE VACUUM PUMP, CAUSING THE PUMP TO…”
“THE VEHICLE BOTH ACCELERATED AND DECELERATED WITHOUT INPUT, PLACING ME IN A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR THE ENGINE, WHICH HAD OVERHEATED, THE RADIATOR HOSE BLEW OUT. THE RADIATOR HOSE WAS REPLACED. I AM CURRENTLY DISCUSSING CORRECTION TO THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE MODULE WHICH…”
“FAILURE OF UPPER STRUT MOUNT BUSHINGS CAUSING LOSS OF SUSPENSION / STEERING. REPLACED FOR THE THIRD TIME ON 2000 V-40 VOLVO. RECENTLY VOLVO OFFERED A NEWLY DESIGNED HEAVY DUTY MOUNT AT THREE TIME THE REPLACEMENT COST DEMONSTRATING THAT ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MOUNT WAS SEVERELY UNDER DESIGNED. *TR”
“VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY IS IN NEED OF NEW BRAKE PADS. VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 35,000 MILES ON IT. *AK. CONSUMER STATES PREVIOUSLY THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE, LOOSE PARTS INCLUDING A WHEEL AND AIR CONDITION FAILURE. *YD”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLVO V40. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO REVERSE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL ENGAGED WHEN THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED AND DROVE OVER A PLASTIC TRASH RECEPTACLE, CERAMIC POT AND THEN CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF A NEARBY HOUSE. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY AND THE EXTERIOR…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 67 complaints put the 2000 model at #1 of 7 V40 years. It is one of the V40 years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (24 complaints), engine (10 complaints), suspension (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2000 Volvo V40. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the V40 years to avoid are 2000. The cleanest record among V40 years belongs to 2013.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.