VehicleVerdict

2002 Volvo V40 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2002 Volvo V40 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

7

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other V40 years?

V40 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted67 complaints1993: 1 complaints2000: 67 complaints2001: 12 complaints2002: 7 complaints2003: 2 complaints2004: 4 complaints2013: 1 complaints
V40 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all V40 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Volvo V40 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes343%
Electrical System114%
Other114%
Seat Belts114%
Body & Structure114%

Does the 2002 Volvo V40 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.

“BRAKES FAILED ON MAY 17. DEALER COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM. BRAKES FAILED ON MAY 28. DEALER REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER AND WHEEL CYLINDER. BRAKE WARNING LIGHT AGAIN ON 6/12/2002. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 17, 2002

“I HAVE A 2002 VOLVO V40 AND IT HAS 50,200 MILES. MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THE CAR. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE CAR ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING AT SLOWER SPEEDS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME OCCASIONALLY AND I CAN COUNT LIKE 20 TIMES. MY DAUGHTER EXPERIENCED THIS AND I DO NOT HAVE A COUNT. I CALLED CARLSEN VOLVO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 19, 2008

“THERE IS S RIP ON MY SEAT BELT THAT COULD RESULT TO AN INJURY OR DEATH. SEAT BELT COVER WAS THE THING THAT RIP THE SEAT BELT IT LOOKS LIKE A KNIFE CUTS THE BELT ON IT. THIS MIGHT JUST ME HAVING THIS PROBLEM PLS. CHECK THIS CONCERN... THANK'S”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 10, 2015

“THERE IS S RIP ON MY SEAT BELT THAT COULD RESULT TO AN INJURY OR DEATH. SEAT BELT COVER WAS THE THING THAT RIP THE SEAT BELT IT LOOKS LIKE A KNIFE CUTS THE BELT ON IT. THIS MIGHT JUST ME HAVING THIS PROBLEM PLS. CHECK THIS CONCERN... THANK'S”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 10, 2015

“THERE IS S RIP ON MY SEAT BELT THAT COULD RESULT TO AN INJURY OR DEATH. SEAT BELT COVER WAS THE THING THAT RIP THE SEAT BELT IT LOOKS LIKE A KNIFE CUTS THE BELT ON IT. THIS MIGHT JUST ME HAVING THIS PROBLEM PLS. CHECK THIS CONCERN... THANK'S”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 10, 2015

2002 Volvo V40 — common questions

Is the 2002 Volvo V40 reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 Volvo V40 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Volvo V40. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo V40 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the V40 years to avoid are 2000. The cleanest record among V40 years belongs to 2013.

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.