2005 Volvo S40: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker S40 years.
81 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2005 S40?The 2005 Volvo S40 has 81 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and fuel system.
Safety record for the 2005 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2005 Volvo S40 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other S40 years only. How we score it
Is 2005 a good year for the S40?
Across the 12 S40 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 5 (2011) to 134 (2000). With 81 complaints, the 2005 S40 sits above 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 2005 S40
equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
Campaign 10V566000VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 06V137000ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH T5 TURBO ENGINES, THE POLYAMIDE TUBE IN THE FUEL LINE IS SENSITIVE TO THE EXTREME TEMPERATURES THAT MAY OCCUR IN THE AREA WHERE THE TURBO/EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS LOCATED.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 08V033000ON CERTAIN VEHICLES SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, REOCCURRING, LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS SALTY-WET CONDITIONS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE PUMP ELECTRONIC MODULE (PEM) TO BECOME CORRODED INTERNALLY. THIS CAN CAUSE A FAULTY SIGNAL TO THE FUEL PUMP, RESULTING IN LOW OR NO FUEL PRESSURE TO THE ENGINE.
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 2005 ranks against the rest.
Compare the S40 against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy