2005 Volvo S40 recalls and problems

The 2005 Volvo S40 has 3 safety recalls and 69 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
69
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Volvo S40 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Volvo S40 recalls

Recall 10V-566: Equipment

Reported Nov 8, 2010 · 416 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (Gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.

Risk: An overheated battery could lead to a fire.

Fix: Volvo advises owners to please stop using the garmin portable GPS device immediately, and visit the garmin website to determine if their unit is affected. The unit's battery will be replaced with a new battery and a spacer will be inserted on top of the battery next to the pcb. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 18, 2010. Owners may contact garmin at 866-957-1981 or visit garmin's website at www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.

Recall 08V-033: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jan 28, 2008 · 23,000 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: On 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.

Risk: If this occurs, the check engine light may illuminate. In some cases, the vehicle may fail to start or may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the pem and install it in a new location to prevent corrosion. The recall began on february 20, 2008. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Recall 06V-137: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Apr 24, 2006 · 16,175 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: On 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.

Risk: This may potentially result in fuel line leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will change the fuel line material to teflon free of charge. The recall began on june 5, 2006. Owners may contact volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.

2005 Volvo S40 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System19
Fuel System, Gasoline12
Engine and Engine Cooling11
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Visibility6
Air Bags5
Engine5
Unknown or Other3
Seat Belts3
Service Brakes3
Equipment2
Power Train2

Most reported parts

  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 3
  • Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift — 1
  • Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 78,000 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 2005 Volvo S40 complaints

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

Power Train · at 170,000 miles · reported Mar 20, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2005 Volvo S40. The contact stated the vehicle was difficult to start for several days. Eventually, the failure progressed and the vehicle was not able to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired by the contact, a previous Volvo technician. The contact stated the failure was due to the pump electrical module being located out of the vehicle. The contact spoke with the dealer. The contact referenced The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
Seat Belts · reported Sep 24, 2023
The drivers seat belt does not lock/latch in properly. Everytime I enter the vehicle I reach for my seat belt and buckle myself, well so I thought I did. When I insert the belt it seems as though its buckles however once I start to drive the belt comes un done and it i always have to pull over to put it back on becsuse it locks the seat belt so I'm not able to just buckle back in.
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 147,000 miles · reported Mar 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2005 volvo s40. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump electronic module had failed due to rusting and corrosion. The fuel pump electronic module was replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number 08v033000 (Fuel system, gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the…
Unknown or Other · at 168,505 miles · reported Jun 6, 2020
My vehicle shuts off while im driving it. I took it to a mechanic 3 times and was advised its an issue with the fuel pump. I was also advised this is an known issue with this particular vehicle and was provided a NHTSA campaign id # 08v033000.
Engine · at 86,000 miles · reported Aug 23, 2019
2005 volvo s40 engine air conditioning malfunctioned. When the problem first begun the car would be cool at start then get warm until one day the air conditioning just quit working. I read on this forum authorized volvo dealership admits this is a common problem in this year/make/model. The compressor clutch or compressor or both required replacing. In a class action lawsuit [filed 2018] http://www.autopartsclass.com/index.php includes the 2005 volvo s40 air conditioning unit: [see below] congratulations! Your 2005 volvo s40 is included in the following auto parts cases: in re: instrument…

Other Volvo S40 years

Compare all Volvo S40 years · All Volvo models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Volvo S40 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Volvo S40: 10V-566 (equipment), 08V-033 (fuel system, gasoline), 06V-137 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Volvo S40?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (19 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (12). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 78,000 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.