2002 Volvo S40: common problems and reliability
An average S40 year.
30 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2002 S40?The 2002 Volvo S40 has 30 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic.
Safety record for the 2002 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Volvo S40 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other S40 years only. How we score it
Is 2002 a good year for the S40?
Across the 12 S40 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 5 (2011) to 134 (2000). With 30 complaints, the 2002 S40 sits about the same as the model's median of 30.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2002 S40
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 03V284000CERTAIN 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on the specific model year, engine, and maintenance history.
Owner insights cover all generations of the S40. See the full S40 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used S40 listings typically run $4,999–$6,999 across 2001 to 2011 model years.
Other S40 model years
Compare every S40 year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.
Compare the S40 against its rivals
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