2007 Volvo S40: common problems and reliability

The 2007 Volvo S40 has 25 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and electrical system. 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 2007 model year

25
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
4
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2007 Volvo S40 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

service brakes
6
electrical system
5
hydraulic
4
engine and engine cooling
3
steering
2

Recalls affecting the 2007 S40

service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder

Campaign 08V101000

VOLVO IS RECALLING 1,114 MY 2007 C30, C70, S40, AND V50 PASSENGER VEHICLES. A SOFT ANODIZED LAYER IN THE MASTER CYLINDER MAY TRIGGER EARLY WEAR ON A RUBBER SEAL THAT CAN RESULT IN INTERNAL LEAKAGE OF BRAKE FLUID. IF AFFE

equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)

Campaign 10V566000

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

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