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Electrical systemPart report

2000 Volvo S40 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
13about this part
Share
11%of 122 total for the year
Median mileage
54,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 2000 Volvo S40, 11% of the 122 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,500 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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

“Bought a new 2000 Volvo S40 in april of 2000. The car now has 60,000 miles on it....light driving by most standards. At 18,000 miles rear brakes and rotors were replaced at a cost of more than $400. Front and rear brakes have been replaced another time since then. On 9/21/05, I have now also had to replace the alternator at a cost of $600. This car only has 60,000 miles on it. I have read a lot of other discussions online from other 2000 Volvo S40 owners who also complain about the car running through brakes every 15-20,000 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #10137305, filed 2005-09

“While driving 40 MPH, my car engine stopped. After being in the shop for a month, they detected that the tackometer was bad and replace it. This is a major safety issue in that I do not feel comfortable driving the car anymore. It has not occurred again but I think this needs to be researched. Regarding the radio, we have had problems with this over the last year. I have had them look at the problem at least 12 times. We are having static throughout the chicagoland area.”

NHTSA complaint #753950, filed 2001-10

“While driving, vehicle will loose electrical power and shut off. Sometimes prior to this happening lights will dim and flicker. Sometimes the engine will stumble. This seems to happen more when it is hot outside and the AC is on. This happens mostly when car is at idle or low speeds. Car was taken to dealer and they cannot duplicate the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10082461, filed 2004-07

“The starter keeps getting stuck in the forward position, I have to manually turn it back to the correct position. Also, it is taking about 5 seconds to start the car.”

NHTSA complaint #10178299, filed 2007-01

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2011480%
2010111%
2009110%
2008425%
2007520%
20062441%
20051928%
20041123%
2003317%
2002519%
20011012%
20001311%

Other parts of the 2000 Volvo S40

Brakes
52 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2000 Volvo S40

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology