2002 Volvo S40 problems
Owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Volvo S40. Brakes is the most reported problem area, at 24% of complaints. After that come electrical system (15%) and suspension (12%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 34 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Brakes 24% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 5 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 3 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 42,000 miles 19 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 5 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 3 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 3 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 2 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 0 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 2 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 3 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 19 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 42,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 5 complaints mention a crash; 3 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2002 ranks 6th most-complained-about out of 8 model years of the Volvo S40 with enough data (22 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 1 safety recall campaign.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
The consumer sustained major injuries when the vehicle struck a tree. The seat belt didn't hold him in place and the air bags didn't deploy.
Crack in upper tank of sending unit resulting in gas leakage. 15 month old daughter may have been affected by the toxic fumes.
While driving 35 MPH the consumer was involved in a frontal collision but the airbags failed to deploy. The manufacturer indicated that the system worked properly. *nlm
Types of recurring issues with volvo s40: headlights, driver front window motor, early brake pad wear. Headlight bulbs were replaced 2-3 times a year at consumer's cost. When brought to the attention of volvo dealer they reported that it was probably due to lights being used during daylight. They check electrical and reported no issue. Had brake pad and rotor issued shortly after purchasing the vehicle. Volvo dealer reported volvo rotors were built thin and soft.