2005 Volvo S40 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 3%of 69 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 127,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Volvo S40, 3% of the 69 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 127,000 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.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11578530, filed 2024-03, 170,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Volvo S40. The contact stated that vehicle stalled with the illumination of the information sensor light. The vehicle was not repaired nor was the manufacturer notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10512825, filed 2013-05, 84,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10037893May 25, 2012Volvo: there is a software update. *rm updated 4/11/2012. *kb updated 4/13/12. *pe updated 5/15/12. *pe updated 6/4/12.
- 10037896Jan 5, 2011Volvo: abs light on, four-wheel drive is not working. There is a software problem.
- 10032425Jul 10, 2009Volvo: the 5 speed automatic transmission, aw55-50/51, has a bolt on top that anchors the b4 band, which applies 3rd gear. If that bolt is removed, the band will be disengaged…
- 10025688Jun 23, 2008Vibration during acceleration front wheel drive (fwd) only. A vibration, especially while in 2nd or 3rd gear, at an engine speed between 1000 and 2000 rpm. May be worse in a…
- 10016434Jul 7, 2006Transmission control module (tcm) upgrades available to correct complaints/symptoms.
- 10019961Apr 6, 2006Aw55 transmission control module diagnostic trouble code 010a, 010b, 010c shift solenoid s5 signal low, high or missing.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 11% |
| 2009 | 3 | 30% |
| 2007 | 2 | 8% |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 3% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 6 | 33% |
| 2002 | 2 | 7% |
| 2001 | 4 | 5% |
| 2000 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2005 Volvo S40
20 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Volvo S40
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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