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Electrical system

Volvo S40 Electrical problems by year

100 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Volvo S40's electrical system. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.

Electrical complaints by model year

YearElectrical complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20114000
20101100
20091000
20084100
20075000
200624000
200520000
200411000
20033000
20025100
200110110
200012000

Latest S40 electrical complaints

2011 Volvo S40Electrical system

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Volvo S40. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 115,314. The contact stated that at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 350,000 on VIN History USA.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11699264
2005 Volvo S40Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemFuel system

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.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11578530
2010 Volvo S40Electrical systemAirbagsCrash

I got into a car accident today. The electrical wiring is constantly giving out and I had no idea my airbags wouldn't work until today when they did not deploy. My car hit the other car enough to move it several feet and no airbags.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bagsNHTSA 11569920
2008 Volvo S40SuspensionElectrical systemEngine & coolingCrash

After buying the vehicle on 7/9/21, the car started having problems with the cooling system. I took it to a repair shop and they said the cooling system was overfilled. The air problem continued. I took it back to the dealership who said they fixed it but it continued. I contacted the prior Manufactuer service center who informed me the computer chip was recommended to be replaced when the dealer had it serviced but they declined, causing all the electrical and cooling issues. I called the dealer and they said they...

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had the alarm disconnected also which was why the computer system wasn't working. The alarm system doesn't work and I have had to replace the key fob 3 times. I took it to another repair shop who diagnosed the following as permanent failure codes: 6 CEM codes, 1 ECM code, 6 SRS codes, 2 DIM codes, 11 CEM-HS codes, passenger and driver door codes, 4 climate control codes, 1EPS code, 4 SWM codes, DD11, all of which are safety hazards.

Filed Incident Suspension · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11428519
2004 Volvo S40Electrical systemDriver assistance

Having a coolant leakage, crash mode and safety alarm system check keeps coming on...When crash mode comes on...Car just shuts off.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11373691
2007 Volvo S40Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

On or about 12/04/2019 during a flash rain storm last winter, my husband and I was headed home on the 215 fwy northbound in san bernardino, ca when the center dome area and the electric sunroof inside our car begin pouring in huge amounts of very cold rain water on us and on the dashboard, stereo console, gear shifter, floor and seats. Until it was safe to exit the freeway, my husband tried to soak up as much of the leaking rainwater as he could with his coat but the water continued to pouring into the car. Once...

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it was safe to exit the freeway, we pulled into a gas station and examine the sunroof to make sure it was shut properly, which it was, not understanding why this was happening, he and I used as many pieces of napkins and cloth that we could find to sop up as much water as we could and as best as we could. We drove on the streets the remaining few miles to get home because it was much safer to do so at this point. Later, we researched as much as we could find out about the problem via online complaints and reviews from other volvo owners. We then tried one of the fixes offered: clearing potential debris from the sunroof drain hoses. However, when we took the car to a drive-thru carwash shortly afterwards, the exact same thing happen. We are looking forward to selling the volvo, but due to the leaky center dome and sunroof, there is no way we will consider selling the car without disclosing this safety issue to the next buyer, even though when we purchased the car in 2013, the dealer who sold it to us did not tell us about the safety defect. Undoubtedly, if caught off guard while driving (i.E. Without a passenger's helping hand), not knowing about the defect may result in a major accident or fatality. Please help!!!

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11360366
2001 Volvo S40Electrical systemBody, doors & structureEngine & coolingFire

Me an my husband was driving the car an it started to run hot so we went an got the part to go on the car an when when we got back to my father in law house the car cut off an started to smoke real bad then went into flames an when we first got the car we got everything fix on it an then when you plug the montior to the the car it said we had ten codes up there an they was the same codes that was on the car an we know we had got everything fix on the car an we was still having problems with the car no we out of a car cause it went into flames.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Structure · EngineNHTSA 11339721
2006 Volvo S40Electrical system

After a long period of rain, water pooled on rear driver and passenger floor. Windows would not function, door locks would not function, turn signals didn't work. Instrument panel flashed warnings of engine problems, brake failure, airbag problems. Often lost entire panel while vehicle was being driven on highway, measurements going dead. This has been going on for months and is getting worse. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11323976
2009 Volvo S40Electrical systemLights

Headlight wiring- made an attempt to change light bulbs for headlamps. Covering around electrical wiring harness which connect to headlight crumbled in my hands and electrical wiring is exposed. Worries that this may be potential fire hazard to my vehicle and myself. My vehicle was stationary in my driveway.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 11156046
2007 Volvo S40Electrical systemDriver assistance

After parking car and turning car off, airbag, brake, and information warning lights stay on, as does ventilation system. Passenger seat has excess water underneath. Now car will not start.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Electronic stability control (ESC)NHTSA 11098954
2004 Volvo S40SuspensionElectrical system

The key does not turn all the way to turn the ignition - it's locked after turning I and ii (not to iii). I had to have the car towed. I could have been stranded in an unsafe area. I called volvo customer service, but I was told it's not under warranty anymore. I went to youtube as to how I could fix it and found out quite a fee s40 owners have similar problems. I was told that the cost to fix this would run about $1000. I found a way to get around making it work by removing the steering cover, pull the...

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ignition switch with a screw driver. Without the key on the ignition, it still poses a safety issues because what if the steering locks while I am driving? Another issue is the suspension: the car feel as if it's falling apart. Twice we spent over a thousand for each occurrence. I'm quite certain there have a few complaints on similar issues. I would appreciate it very much if you could keep me in the loop if issues come up on this make, model and year we still own and keep on driving. I almost forgot, one of the head lights does not and even simple replacing with one after a bulb, still does not work. I guess it needs a trip to the dealership for them to figure it out. After all, sudden headlight failure while driving at night, is a serious safety issue. Thank you in advance for considering to take my issues.

Filed Incident Suspension · Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11084482
2003 Volvo S40Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemAcceleration & cruise control

Prior to latest incident, the car had occasionally gone into "limp" mode, sticking in 3rd gear but drivable. That problem would go away after a day or so. Local shop couldn't find anything definitive. Bigger problem was yesterday evening's loss of throttle control and multiple electrical issues. Idle throttle setting (eg stopped at lights) became unstable, occasionally revving upto to ~2000rpm. Moments later on suburban divided main street, throttle stuck at ~2200rpm which meant I was doing 45mph (straight line)...

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without any pressure applied to gas pedal. Slowed on the brakes until I shifted into neutral at which time everything died (electrical) and came to a stop, short of traffic lights. Time of incident approx 8pm est (dark), roadway fully lit thankfully. Car was pushed off street. Some electrics came back on when tried but full christmas tree lights (ie everything) across entire dash. Towed home. Removed ignition key (was inserted to ensure steering was unlocked) but radiator cooling fan remained on (engine hadn't run for 2.5 Hours by that time). Pulled a fuse under the hood to stop it dumping the battery. Car is no youngster, manuf 2003 in netherlands, purchased second hand in 2005 with approx 20,000 miles on the clock. Currently at 108,000 ish. Other issues with car (not safety related) means I wont be having it fixed given its age and general cosmetic condition. It will be donated for scrap.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11066109
2005 Volvo S40Electrical systemFuel system

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.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10985089
2008 Volvo S40Electrical system

The air pump has a faulty switch, started ringing when I turn the engine off. The mechanic says the switch isn't shutting off correctly.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10958042

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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