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Volvo S40Model year report

2000 Volvo S40 Problems

Complaints
122filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
73,458miles, 47 complaints with mileage
Recalls
1campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
21 mpgcombined, 1.9L 4-cyl FWD · 19 city / 26 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Volvo S40 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2000 S40 most often describe brake concerns, especially rear brake pads and rotors wearing out early, along with occasional hard or unresponsive pedal in cold or cold-start conditions. A second recurring theme is engine speed rising on its own without the accelerator being pressed, which several owners link to a temperature sensor or idle control part. Suspension noise and broken coil springs, headlamp problems and electrical faults round out the reports.

  1. Vehicle speed control

    Engine speed rises on its own

    • 11 complaints (9%)
    • median 95,000 mi at 10.5 yrs old (11 state mileage)
    • filed 2005–2018

    Complaints describe the engine revving and the car moving or surging forward without the accelerator being pressed, sometimes while braking or at a stop. Owners report repeated dealer visits, with idle air control valve, electronic throttle and coolant temperature sensor replacements offered as fixes, and several say the behavior returned. Some mention the car being hard to restart afterward. Reported from about 44,000 to 150,000 miles, often intermittently and at various speeds, including in wet conditions.

    What to check: Ask for records of throttle body, idle air control valve and coolant temperature sensor work; on a test drive note whether idle speed stays steady with the car in gear and stationary.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was pulling into my parking garage and my 2000 Volvo S40 began to accelerate on its own. It revved up to 3000 rpms and I had to press hard on the brake for it to stop. I pulled over in the garage and placed the car in park. The car continued to rev. I stepped on the gas a couple of times and after about 4 minutes it returned to its normal operating RPM after which I was able to park the car.”

    NHTSA complaint #10380874, filed 2011-02, 95,000 miles

    “Unintended acceleration on my 2000 Volvo S40. Accelerating in traffic without pressing pedal. Must press brake hard to stop. Continues to rev high. This has happened twice in the last month. After the first time, my service shop replaced the idle air control valve but it occurred again about a week and a half after that. Service technician has indicated he cannot potentially diagnose unless it is occurring when he can drive and look at it. It is a serious risk for crash or injury.”

    NHTSA complaint #10288666, filed 2009-10, 130,000 miles
  2. Brakes

    Rear brakes wear out early

    • 19 complaints (16%)
    • median 29,330 mi at 4.1 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $545 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 2001–2005

    Complaints describe rear pads and rotors needing replacement at unusually low mileage, sometimes with the rear wearing faster than the front. Owners mention crunching or scraping noises, rotors cut by worn pads, and in some cases a brake warning light that did not warn them in time. Several report paying for the work themselves, and some note the dealer called fast rear pad wear common for this model. Mostly reported between roughly 8,000 and 50,000 miles, often discovered during routine service or an oil change.

    What to check: Check rear pad and rotor thickness and ask for service records of past rear brake work; measure how quickly they have been wearing on this car.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have Volvo S40 2000 which I purchased in october 1999. I brought my car to service regularly, it was serviced while in warranty by the royal motor sales who sold me this car. On the second service I have been told that my rear brakes completely worn out and they have to change not only brake pads but also rotors and something else, I ended up paying $1000+ for that service . …”

    NHTSA complaint #10043536, filed 2003-10, 8,000 miles

    “I own a 2000 Volvo S40. We just had our fifth trip to the dealer to correct knocking noise/rattle in the front suspension. Problem started at 44,191 miles. Now at 59,800. Two sets of control arm bushings and two sets of sway bar bushings replaced. Noise returns within 2000 mi of service. Also, I have had the rear brakes go out at 17,500 miles. Pads wore thin and cut into the rotors. That one cost $335. Also, air conditioner went out at 9000 miles. I paid the extra money to get a Volvo because I keep my cars for a long time. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10060610, filed 2004-03, 44,191 miles
  3. Brakes

    Hard or unresponsive brake pedal

    • 26 complaints (21%)
    • median 80,000 mi at 8.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2000–2018

    Owners describe the pedal going hard or to the floor, particularly when the car is cold or in cold weather, with longer stopping distances until the car warms up. Some complaints link it to the electric brake vacuum pump or a vacuum hose connector, and dealers reportedly replaced the pump at owner expense or could not duplicate the problem. One owner reported a recall repair that did not end the intermittent behavior. Reported from low mileage up to about 150,000 miles, several times specifically in cold weather or while the car was warming up.

    Recall 03V474000

    What to check: Ask whether recall 03V474000 (brake vacuum pump) was completed and check for records of pump or vacuum line replacement; test pedal feel from a cold start.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “2000 Volvo S40 no brakes until car is at operating temperature. I reported this to the manufacturer and they said to continue to drive the vehicle after letting it warm for a few minutes. I have already rolled into numerous intersections due to no brakes.”

    NHTSA complaint #10060027, filed 2004-02, 30,000 miles

    “It was close to 9pm. I had exited the freeway to stop in a parking lot to check directions. I had been driving for about an hour, so I got out to walk around and buy a cup of coffee. I came back a few minutes later and drove out of the lot. The on ramp was about 200 yards away and there was a red light at the intersection, so I was only moving at around 20mph. I was the only car in my lane, so about 100 feet away from the intersection I pressed down on my brake pedal, but the for some reason it the car kept rolling. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10457440, filed 2012-05, 151,278 miles
  4. Suspension

    Broken coil springs and front end noise

    • 17 complaints (14%)
    • median 63,750 mi at 9.0 yrs old (13 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2002–2013

    Owners report broken rear coil springs, often found during tire or brake service with the car still sitting level, and one case where a spring damaged a tire. Others describe clunking, knocking or grinding from the front suspension, with control arm and sway bar bushings replaced repeatedly and noise returning. Dealers reportedly replaced springs and bushings, sometimes quoting several hundred dollars per side. Mostly reported between roughly 60,000 and 130,000 miles, with several springs found cracked at the lower seat where corrosion collects.

    What to check: Have the car on a lift and inspect both rear coil springs near the bottom seat for cracks and corrosion, and listen for front end clunks over uneven pavement.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “On 3/4/2009, while doing other work to the car, a mechanic discovered that the rear passenger side coil spring was broken. It was broken at the lowest point and the car still sat level, so I was not even aware. I do not know how long it was broken. It looked like it just deteriorated over time. Although over 9 years old, the car has less than 64,000 mile, so I would not expect a coil spring to deteriorate like that. The dealer replaced both rear coil springs for $773.”

    NHTSA complaint #10262473, filed 2009-03, 63,750 miles

    “1. Events = regular tire rotation in september 2008. Technician pointed out to me the corrosion and crack/failure in both rear coil springs. Mileage on the vehicle about 68,000 at time of discovery on my 2000 Volvo S40. 2. Corroded and cracked rear coil springs (both). The corrosion and crack were almost in the same location with the same amount of corrosion near the bottom (the first half-moon curve) of both springs where they are seated/braced. 3. October 2008 - took vehicle to local Volvo dealer for evaluation. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10254138, filed 2009-01, 68,000 miles
  5. Exterior lighting

    Headlamp aim and light failures

    • 9 complaints (7%)
    • median 28,000 mi at 4.3 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2001–2009

    Complaints describe the headlamp aiming mechanism breaking or disintegrating, so the lamps droop and light the road just in front of the car, with replacement assemblies needed. Others report repeated bulb failures and turn signals that stop working intermittently until the hazard switch is used. Owners say repairs were costly and dealers often attributed it to age and mileage. Reported from about 28,000 miles upward, with several cases on cars past 90,000 miles.

    What to check: At night, check that both headlamps aim down the road properly rather than at the ground, and cycle the turn signals and hazards to confirm they work.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “2000 S40 purchase new. I have replaced 8-10 headlights already. Vehicle has been costly to maintain. Dealer has taken a minumum of 3 visits to locate problems. None has been resolved completely. Brakes pads replace at 37k- my cost- delar said they wore thin. I have them check the brakes every time I get an oil change - to feel safe. Problems with high pitch whistling noise staring at 60 MPH took back several times not able to stop noise before warranty expired. Recently: vehicle ran rough took in to delaer for 90k tune-up. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10068196, filed 2004-05

    “Noticed decreased visibility driving at night. The aiming mechanism on both headlamps has disintegrated causing loss of the headlamp calibration and allowing the headlamps to aim downward to a point approximately 30' in front of the vehicle. The failure is continuous, results in reduced visibility. Nothing has been done to correct the problem. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10253782, filed 2009-01, 120,000 miles

Buying note. Have a used 2000 S40 inspected with attention to rear brake wear, rear coil springs and headlamp aim, and ask for service records covering brake vacuum pump, throttle and temperature sensor work before buying.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 122 consumer complaints for the 2000 Volvo S40. 47 of the complaints include a mileage, and 32% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 73,458 miles. Of all complaints, 12 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 151 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Equipment (3), Steering (3), Transmission and drivetrain (3), Engine (2), Seats (2), Body and structure (2), Wheels (2), Fuel system (1), Tires (1).

Example complaints

Brakes: “I was stopped at a red light behind several cars. The light turned green and I took my foot off the brake, but did not put my foot on the accelerator. The car engine revved up and lurched forward despite me attempting to brake heavily. The brakes would not fully decompress causing me to rear end the vehicle in front of me. I purchased the car used with 134,100 miles. I noticed about 5 months after purchase that the engine would rev and the RPM's would remain high without pressing on the accelerator and the car will move approximately 10-15 MPH without pressing on the accelerator. …”

NHTSA complaint #10509612, filed 2013-04, 151,000 miles

Vehicle speed control: “The key has been sticking in my ignition when I park. This time when I could not get the key out, I restarted the car in park, of course with my foot on the brake. The car jumped into reverse and flew backwards out of my garage at a high rate of speed. It crossed the road and ended up knocking down a garage and totaling the car. The brakes were on as evidenced by the tire tread and skid marks. It was a bizarre occurrence and very frighteningly.”

NHTSA complaint #10168776, filed 2006-09, 44,000 miles

Suspension: “Both of the vehicle's front shocks failed. When the shocks failed the consumer could hear rattling abd clunking noise in the front end of the vehicle while driving. The vehicle's thermostat failed which caused the check engine light to illuminate.”

NHTSA complaint #10110999, filed 2005-01, 33,999 miles

Electrical system: “This happened yesterday 1/28/16 and in april 2015 (the dealership fixed it but it didn't work!!!!) yesterday, while driving home from work, the car did the scariest thing I've ever experienced while driving. All the lights on the dash, all the warning lights flashed several times and the car came to a complete standstill. No power at all. It didn't slow to a stall, no weird sounds...it just literally stopped in it's tracks. Right there, in the road. All of a sudden my car shut off. …”

NHTSA complaint #10823121, filed 2016-01, 103,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

32% of the 47 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 45,500 and 98,000 miles.

6%0–104%10–2521%25–5021%50–7523%75–10019%100–1504%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (47 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 73,458 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

22’02’05’08’11’14’21
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2000 Volvo S40 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
S40 FWD1.9L 4-cyl4-speed automatic192621$3,900

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2000 Volvo S40 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 151 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 151 bulletins →

Other model years of the Volvo S40

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2011599,5002—24—Not enough data
2010976,0002—24—Not enough data
20091065,0003—23—Not enough data
20081675,2652—23—Falling
20072557,5002—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20065875,0003—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20056976,5003—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20044864,0006—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20031885,1062—22—Falling
20022745,0001—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20018467,0002—23Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200012273,4581—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Volvo S40 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2000 Volvo S40?

Owners of the 2000 S40 most often describe brake concerns, especially rear brake pads and rotors wearing out early, along with occasional hard or unresponsive pedal in cold or cold-start conditions. The issues reported most often: Engine speed rises on its own; Rear brakes wear out early; Hard or unresponsive brake pedal.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 Volvo S40 have?

NHTSA recorded 122 consumer complaints for the 2000 Volvo S40 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2000 Volvo S40 is reported most often?

Brakes is named most often, in 52 complaints (43% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 17.

Has the 2000 Volvo S40 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2000 Volvo S40 get?

The EPA rates the 2000 Volvo S40 (S40 FWD, 1.9L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Volvo S40 reported?

Among the 47 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 73,458 miles and the middle half falls between 45,500 and 98,000 miles; 32% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.