2002 Volvo S40 recalls and problems

The 2002 Volvo S40 has 1 safety recall and 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

4 / 0

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Volvo S40 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Volvo S40 recalls

Recall 03V-284: Equipment

Reported Aug 1, 2003 · 220,407 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.

Fix: 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.

2002 Volvo S40 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	7
Electrical System	5
Suspension	4
Exterior Lighting	3
Engine and Engine Cooling	3
Visibility	2
Air Bags	2
Power Train	2
Unknown or Other	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Seat Belts	1
Fuel System, Gasoline	1

Most reported parts

Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 3
Air Bags › Frontal — 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 2
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
Visibility › Windshield — 1
Electrical System › Horn — 1
Seat Belts › Front — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 48,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Volvo S40 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · at 145,000 miles · reported Nov 3, 2013

I was driving on a main road and my brakes failed. It was determined that a brake line corroded through. It appears that the vehicle has a single master brake cylinder. I asked a volvo dealership about this, and they confirmed to me that the master brake cylinder is a single one. It is my understanding that in the 80's, all vehicles sold in the united states were to have a dual master brake cylinder.

Suspension · at 114,800 miles · reported Jan 3, 2013

While driving the right front and right rear coil springs broke and the front coil spring damaged the tire. Dealer stocks these expensive springs (Both front and rear) in larger than normal amounts due to incidences of breakage. I feel that this was an early failure for this type and age of vehicle and should it have been a a higher speed the incident could have been severe.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 150,000 miles · reported Sep 7, 2011

The contact owns a 2002 volvo s40. The contact stated that the brakes were applied while reversing and the pedal traveled to the floorboard abnormally. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic where the mechanic advised that there was a crack in the master cylinder. The master cylinder was replaced however, the failure recurred while in reverse. The mechanic was contacted a second time who advised the contact of NHTSA campaign id number: 04v493000 (Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings) and informed the contact to call a dealer. The contact…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 104,000 miles · reported Jan 7, 2011

The contact owns a 2002 volvo s40. While driving 30 MPH the contact engaged the brakes when the vehicle in front of her slowed down causing a crash. The vehicle failed to slow down when the brakes were applied. The contact was not injured. A police report was filed. The contacts vehicle had front end damages. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that a local mechanic replaced all of the left front lights, the hood, the bumper and the fender. The failure mileage was 104,000 and the current mileage was 104,900.

Electrical System · reported Jul 11, 2009

Front end suspension isn't right,pulls when driving and there is a knocking items NHTSA 10016415 and 630879. Check engine has always been on 10003441. There is a clunking noise when shifting 10003398. There was never an accident these are just ongoing things and the suspension may cause an accident and check engine light is hard to get passed for inspection in nc.

Other Volvo S40 years

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 200320022001 2000

Compare all Volvo S40 years · All Volvo models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Volvo S40 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Volvo S40: 03V-284 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Volvo S40?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (7 reports), followed by electrical system (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 48,000 miles.

Are Volvo recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volvo dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.