2001 Volvo S40: common problems and reliability

The 2001 Volvo S40 has 86 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic. Owners most often flag major engine failure (head gasket, piston/cylinder scoring) in psa-sourced gasoline engines (1.6, 1.8, 2.0). frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2001 model year

86
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
12
Crash reports
4
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2001 Volvo S40 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

service brakes
27
hydraulic
25
engine and engine cooling
12
electrical system
10
vehicle speed control
9

Recalls affecting the 2001 S40

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 03V284000

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 CERTA…

equipment:appliance:air conditioner

Campaign 01V169000

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

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on the specific model year, engine, and maintenance history. For well-maintained examples with the correct powertrain, particularly the five-cylinder gasoline engines (2.4, 2.4i, T5), long-term owner reports d

  • Major engine failure (head gasket, piston/cylinder scoring) in PSA-sourced gasoline engines (1.6, 1.8, 2.0). Frequency: very frequent.
  • General reliability and high repair costs, leading to the "money pit" characterization, especially with age and high mileage. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Electrical gremlins, including faulty door lock mechanisms, ignition switch failures, and various sensor issues. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Coolant expansion tank cracking. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Automatic transmission failures or concerns, particularly with high-mileage units and certain GM-sourced gearboxes in related models. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the S40.

Typical used price

Used S40 listings typically run $4,999–$6,999 across 2001 to 2011 model years.

Other S40 model years

2011 S402007 S402006 S402004 S402000 S40
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