- The problem
- Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
- The risk
- AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
- The 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.
Vehicle safety record
2005 Volvo S40 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 81 complaints about the 2005 Volvo S40 with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (21) and the electrical system (20). Those complaints describe 2 crashes and 1 injury. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in November 2010 for the navigational system(global positioning system). For comparison, the 2004 has 50 and the 2006 has 59.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical S40 year, for its age
#126 most complained-about 2005 vehicle
- Complaints
- 81
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2005 Volvo S40 problems
Share of all 81 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2005 Volvo S40 recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The risk
- This may potentially result in fuel line leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- The 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.
What owners say
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81 complaints about the 2005 Volvo S40
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.
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.
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.
Tl* 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,...
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gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. Additionally, the vehicle was originally sold in the state of california and had been driven in the state of michigan the past 6 years. The failure mileage was 147,000.
I was told by shop that work on my car that were a recall on the pvc vaul on the 2005 volv s40 2.4. *Tr
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. *Tr
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] ...
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congratulations! Your 2005 volvo s40 is included in the following auto parts cases: in re: instrument panel clusters in re: air conditioning systems in re: alternators in re: windshield wiper systems
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo s40. The contact stated that the rear passenger side carpet was saturated with water after a rain storm. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 45,506. *Bf consumer stated the foam in roof of car is crumbling and roof seams are no longer intact.*Jb
The car starts missing then stalls out after about 30miles of driving it stalled in the middle of crossing a 4 lane and was about hit.It is the pem they had recalls on them but not my car for some reason
Every time I drive the car it misses a little then it just shuts down like it's not getting any fuel the car don't die just won't pull out I tried to cross a 4 lane and it stalled in the first lane and I about got hit in the side it also did it on the interstate.It is very dangerous I was told it's the electronic fuel module,or pen and was told there was a recall on that part all over the internet but volvo said there wasn't which I don't believe why would the internet say there was on like 5or notre websites
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo s40. When the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal vibration coming from the vehicle. Upon opening the hood and checking the engine, the contact noticed that the passenger side of the engine was fractured. The contact stated that the fracture was along the top side of the engine. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.
Car loosing power and engine missing at highway speeds. Engine light went on. Failure of fuel pressure monitor.
Car is all of a sudden accelerating on its own. It has happened a handful of times within the last month. I will make a turn, let off the gas peddle and then the car will just jerk forward revving up the rpms and accelerating on its own.
Fuel pump control module (pem) fails during wet conditions. Car will crank like normal but will not start. Let car dry out for a few days and then the car will run normal again.
Takata recall. I had engine stuttering at high speed. My fuel pressure sensor failed and was replaced. I question why it is not covered under the nhtsa campaign i.D. # 07V226000 which is for the same part in the same engine but in 2004 s60 models.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo s40. The contact stated that the key was unable to turn and prevented the vehicle from starting. The battery was tested by an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was to be taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was unable to be driven. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin and failure mileage were not available.
[This is a preventative complaint. No injury sustained.] This car has a failed passenger seat sensor that when depressed activates the passenger side air bag. This vehicle also has a driver side seat belt that clicks and then can be pulled out of the locking harness. These items are not recalled by the manufacture but, in my opinion, should be for customer safety.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo s40. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, the steering wheel and entire vehicle began to shake as there was an abnormal noise. In addition, the air conditioner, radio, horn and sun roof failed to function when activated. The srs warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ecm, front axles and struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 194,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo s40. While driving approximately 40 mph, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard and failed to stop the vehicle when it was depressed. The vehicle shook violently without warning. The contact let the vehicle decelerate and then slowly drove the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 03v474000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo s40. While driving various speeds on several occasions, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump electronic module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 08v033000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Inserted key in ignition and nothing happened. Computer reads key error try again. Kept trying and finally started. Next day same thing happened.
2005 Volvo s40 faulty wire in ignition switch. Car fails to start. No messages initially, then immobilizer light indicated. Unsure of equipment model. Original to factory installed. *Tr
Often, the headlamps bulbs fail, after a few years changing bulbs, I found out that due to contact between detachment of the wiring harness cover is the cause of the failure bulbs in right and left headlamps. The wiring harness installed by the manufacturer do not resist voltage and heat. *Tr
(S40 2.4I) initial car message: "brake failure, pull over safely." I continued to drive home since I was a few blocks away. Message changed to "anti skid service required" then back to brake failure again. Difficulty accelerating after stopping, felt like the parking brake was on but drove ok once accelerated. Attempted to turn off car but message changed to "immobilizer, check manual" and could not turn key to off position. From what I read in the manual, it appeared that the card didn't recognize it was in...
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park. Turned parking brake on and off a few times and was able to turn off car. Brought to local mechanic who replaced brake pad sensor and anti-stop switch. --In and out of auto repair shop 4x over the past month w/the same issues and new symptoms: wipers turned on automatically and don't shut off and new message: engine system service urgent. --Mechanic replaced some rusted wires, brought to a volvo dealer who reset computer and did not find any problems. --Still having same issues. Cannot put car into drive or turn off car when brake failure or anti-skid message appear but if I wait a few minutes, I can turn the car off and on a couple of times to get to the engine system service urgent message and I can then put it into drive. Sometimes all messages go away and it is fine for a few days but then the car jerks forward as if someone bumped the car and all messages appear again. New message: power steering message flashed briefly .. Although there was no problem w/the steering. Bringing to another volvo dealer.. The saga continues. --I read prior consumer complaints on this site and I also had the sunroof leakage problem in 2013. Entire floor of car was soaked, especially passenger side. Took 3 visits, weeks and $900 to get it fixed. Volvo first cleaned out the clogged line but carpets were wet again so they then replaced the entire line. *Js
Car stalls with out warning when travel at speeds of 0-65 mph very dangerous!! There are recalls re: fuel pressure sensors for nearly all volvo makes except the s40 2005 this part is truly a defective item and needs to be recalled before a death occurs on the highway!! I thought volvo was a safe reliable car but I can honestly say this car is the biggest piece of junk I have ever spent a lot of money on. The tires blew out on the sides which also put me in danger the interior headliner fell off as well as all other...
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material on the doors all leather is loose gear shifter cover fell apart. Gas cap broke gas builds too much pressure loosening the gas cap frequently these are just some of the issues I have. Very disappointed in this vehicle I keep my car in the garage. Only drive to and from grocery shopping and dr appts please consider recalls on the important parts of the vehicle that can save lives! *Js
3 Of the 4 door lock actuators on my car have stopped working. This happened right after the warranty expired. The locks will not longer lock or unlock. This is a safety issue. Please look at requiring volvo to fix this issue. It is a know issue due to faulty parts. *Tr
Volvo S40: every year compared
All S40 years2005 Volvo S40 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Volvo S40 | 81 | 3 | D | |
| 2005 Volvo XC90 | 223 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2005 Volvo S60 | 44 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 2005 Volvo XC70 | 27 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2005 Volvo V70 | 21 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 2005 Volvo V50 | 18 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2005 Volvo S80 | 15 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2005 Volvo VNL | 6 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2005 Volvo VHD | 3 | 6 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2005 Volvo S40
Does the 2005 Volvo S40 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Volvo S40: navigational system(global positioning system) (November 2010); fuel pump (January 2008); fuel system, gasoline (April 2006). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Volvo S40?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (21), electrical system (20), engine & cooling (17).
How many complaints has the 2005 Volvo S40 had?
81 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 22, 2004 and the latest on March 20, 2024. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 2005 Volvo S40 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 26 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Volvo S40 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Volvo S40 years have the most complaints?
2000 (122), 2001 (84), 2005 (81). See every Volvo S40 year compared.
What should I do if my 2005 Volvo S40 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data