Volvo S40 recalls
DVSA has published 32 safety recalls that name the Volvo S40 since 1999, 0 of them since 2020. Between them they cover at least 196,854 UK vehicles of this model.
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How the Volvo S40 does at the MOT: Volvo S40 MOT pass rate and common failures.
All Volvo S40 recalls, newest first
S40, V50 · exhaust sleeve may detach
23 Dec 2013 · R/2013/156
It has been established that the securing process for the exhaust tail pipe sleeve may not be to specification and result in the tail pipe sleeve detaching. This could cause an issue for other road users.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and secure the exhaust tail pipe sleeve.
3,311 vehicles · built 18 May 2010 to 7 May 2012
C30, S40, V50 · loss of drive
8 Apr 2013 · R/2013/046
It is possible that the right hand driveshaft may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. This can ultimately result in the failure of the drive shaft. This will be identified to the driver by noise and the loss of drive.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the right hand driveshaft.
826 vehicles · built 26 Apr 2011 to 28 May 2012
C30, C70, S40, V50 · fluid may leak into wiring harness which may cause fire
1 Dec 2011 · R/2011/163
A number of Volvo C30S40V50 and C70 may experience a problem with washer fluid leaking inside the washer pump unit through the wires into the central control electronic module. This can impact on a number of different features of the vehicle but in the worst case it may lead to a fire.
Fix: The solution is to replace and then modify the wiring harness for the washer fluid pump. In addition to this the washer pump connector will be inspected for any signs of corrosion and the washer pump will be replaced if necessary
53,203 vehicles
C30, C70, S40, V50 · clutch pedal mechanism may fail
7 Sep 2011 · R/2011/127
The rod connecting the clutch master cylinder and the clutch pedal may break. It may not be possible to disengage the clutch. In worst cases this may happen suddenly with no warning to the driver. If this happens bring the car to a safe stop using the engine and switch off the ignition.
Fix: Replace clutch master cylinder with a new metal push rod in-place of the plastic one.
35,587 vehicles
C30, S40, V50 · brakes may not perform as expected
28 Jun 2011 · R/2011/075
The cover on the top of the engine cover could chafe against the brake vacuum hose. If this occurs it may lead to a vacuum leak in the brake booster system and a gradual reduction of brake booster assistance. The will lead to the brake pedal becoming harder to push than normal and increased force would be required to stop the car.
Fix: Inspect and replace the vacuum hose if necessary. The hose will also be fitted with a safety net to prevent chafing in the future.
18,989 vehicles
C30, S40, V50 · support member may crack
23 Mar 2011 · R/2011/031
It is possible that stress cracks may occur in the offside main support member within the engine bay which could affect the vehicle structural performance if it is involved in an accident.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles for the inspection of the subject member and report findings to Volvo Car UK Ltd; who will then decide on the level of the repair.
325 vehicles
C30, S40, V50 · fire may occur
18 Feb 2011 · R/2011/019
Volvo quality follow-up procedures have identified an issue on a number of model year 2007 C30 S40 and V50s relating to the engine cooling fan control module. Under certain operating conditions water intrusion could occur into the control module causing a short circuit which in very rare instances could result in a fire in the engine compartment.
Fix: To install a water shield and a cable harness with relay in order to control the engine cooling fan module power supply.
2,398 vehicles
S40, S60, V50, XC60 · passenger seat may not be fitted correctly
22 Dec 2010 · R/2010/233
It is possible that the driver's and passenger's front powered seats may not be fitted with the front stop lug. The lug restricts the movement of the seats and if not fitted it is possible to position the seats too far forward or backwards. This could increase the chances of injury should the vehicle be involved in an accident.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect for fitment of the lugs and if found to be missing fit new lugs.
103 vehicles
C30, S40, S60, V50, V60, V70, XC60, XC70 · fire may occur
3 Dec 2010 · R/2010/224
On certain five cylinder engines it is possible that the high pressure fuel pipes may not have been correctly installed and may leak. This should be identified by a smell of fuel from the engine bay. However it is possible that in extreme cases an engine bay fire could occur.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the high pressure pipes.
845 vehicles
C30, S40, V50 · engine may overheat
21 Sep 2010 · R/2010/144
It is possible that the hose connection between the coolant expansion tank and the bleed hose can work loose. If this should occur then coolant will leak and air will enter the system. Under these conditions the low coolant level warning light will not function. If the vehicle is driven in this condition it will cause engine damage and in the extreme possible failure.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicle to replace the tank and bleeder hose.
159 vehicles
C30, C70, S40, S80, V50, V70, XC60, XC70, XC90 · gearbox may jam
11 Jun 2010 · R/2010/071
A section of the gear shift mechanism may over time become loose and cause the mechanism to become jammed. If this was to occur it might not be possible to change gear or select neutral.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check that the ball joint for the gear selector is properly secured.
6,961 vehicles
C30, C70, S40, S80, V50, V70, XC60, XC70 · engine speed may not decrease
12 May 2010 · R/2010/051
The engine oil level may rise. This situation may lead to the engine speed being maintained or possibly increased after the throttle pedal is released. In an extreme situation the engine may continue to run after it has been switched off.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and carry out a ECM software upgrade adjust engine oil level and install a decal to confirm oil level to the consumer.
20,204 vehicles
C30, C70, S40, V50, V70 · gearbox may not engage or shift gears as intended
21 Dec 2009 · R/2009/155
It has been identified that due to internal leakage the gearbox hydraulic control module may not be able to engage or shift gears as intended.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the gearbox replaced.
42 vehicles
C30, C70, S40, S80, V50, V70 · brakes may not perform adequately
8 May 2009 · R/2009/052
Brake assistance from the vacuum pressure pump may be reduced under certain cold start conditions. The brakes will still function but more pressure on the pedal will be required than normal.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the non-return valve in the vacuum pump.
2,004 vehicles
C30, S40, V50 · possible engine bay fire
6 Mar 2009 · R/2009/024
It has been identified that on subject vehicles the engine cooling fan module could under certain operating conditions develop a short circuit caused by water intrusion. This in rare circumstances could result in an engine bay fire.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will be fitted with a water shield and a cable harness with a relay in order to control the engine cooling fan module power supply.
4,023 vehicles
C30, S40, V50 · accelerator pedal may not return to resting position
22 Jul 2008 · R/2008/116
Accelerator pedal may be prevented from returning to its rest position by the floor mat.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the floor mat with a shorter version.
4,037 vehicles
C30, C70, S40, V50 · power steering pipe may leak.
17 Jul 2008 · R/2008/112
It has been established that the material in the power steering return line hose has not been manufactured to specification.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the hose inspected and replaced as necessary.
3 vehicles
C30, S40, V50 · rear wheels may loosen
25 Apr 2008 · R/2008/066
It has been identified that on the subject vehicles the rear wheel studs may be of an incorrect size. This in rare cases may during particular forms of low speed manoeuvring result in the wheel becoming loose.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the rear wheel studs inspected and changed to a modified type as necessary.
260 vehicles
C30, C70, S40, V50 · reduced braking performance
5 Mar 2008 · R/2008/040
It has been identified that internal leakage of the brake master cylinder could occur. Should this be the case the driver may experience reduced braking performance whilst applying and maintaining force on the brake pedal.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the brake master cylinder inspected and possibly replaced. At the same time the brake fluid reservoir will be checked and the affected pipes cleansed.
2 vehicles
S40, V50 · engine fuel pump may fail
21 Jan 2008 · R/2008/013
It has been identified that long term exposure to salt or wet conditions may lead to internal corrosion of the fuel pump electronic module. A faulty signal from the module may lead to incorrect amounts or no fuel being delivered to the fuel pump.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the fuel pump module replaced.
3,062 vehicles
C30, S40, V50 · braking performance may be affected
29 Nov 2007 · R/2007/176
Brake servo assistance from the vacuum pump may be reduced under certain cold start conditions. The brakes will still function but more pressure on the pedal will be required than normal.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a modified non-return valve to the vacuum pump.
10,871 vehicles
S40 · engine may fail
14 Dec 2006 · R/2007/006
It has been identified that due to a possible communication error between the Central Electronic Module (CEM)and the Engine Control Module (ECM) the engine may over run and break down.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have new software downloaded into the CEM
1 vehicle
S40, V50 · fuel may leak - possibility of fire
15 May 2006 · R/2006/090
It has been identified that the fuel line is sensitive to the extreme temperatures that occur in the area where the turbo and exhaust manifold are located. This can result in a fuel leak a non-start and in extreme cases a fire.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the existing fuel line replaced with one made from Teflon which is capable of withstanding the extreme temperatures encountered.
932 vehicles
S40, V50 · windscreen may separate from support areas on impact
2 Mar 2005 · R/2005/046
Internal test have shown that due to contamination of the windscreen primer if the vehicle is subject to an impact the windsceen may separate from the support area of the roof and pillars.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected inspect and where necessary replace the windscreen
234 vehicles · built 30 Nov 2004 to 6 Dec 2004
S40, V40 · possible fuel leak
17 Nov 2003 · R/2003/173
The engine fuel rail may leak and cause drivability disturbances and a fuel leak
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and secure fuel rail end cover with a V- clamp
8,212 vehicles
700 SERIES, 800 SERIES, 900 SERIES, S40, S70, S80, S90, V40, V70, V90 · detachable tow bar may work loose
10 Jan 2003 · R/2003/008
Under certain conditions the detachable tow bar may work loose resulting in the tow bar becoming detached from the vehicle.
Fix: Replace the tow ball and housing with a calibrated unit.
1,042 vehicles
700 SERIES, 800 SERIES, 900 SERIES, S40, S70, S80, S90, V40, V70, V90 · detachable tow bar may work loose
11 Jul 2002 · R/2002/097
A combination of internal and external forces caused the towball to prematurelydetach itself from the towball housing resulting in separation of the trailer from the drawing unit.
Fix: All towballs and housing will initially be modified and then replaced with calibrated units at a later date.
1,042 vehicles
S40, V40 · air bag mounting may loosen
2 Jul 2002 · R/2002/089
Part of the horn operating mechanism may foul the drivers air bag module and cause it to become loose on its mounting.
Fix: Replace the air bag mounting plate.
1,696 vehicles
S40, V40 · brake vacuum pump concern
14 May 2002 · R/2002/053
The brake vacuum pump may fail and cause a reduction in brake servo assistance. This will make the brake pedal heavy to operate.
Fix: Fit a modified brake vacuum pump.
1,551 vehicles · built 1 Jan 1999 to 31 Dec 2000
S40, V40 · auxiliary drive belt concern
14 May 2002 · R/2002/054
A fault in the alternator drive pulley may cause the auxiliary drive belt to break which would result in a loss of power assistance to the steering. A broken drive belt may also damage the cambelt and cause engine failure.
Fix: Fit a modified alternator drive pulley
2,372 vehicles · built 1 Jan 1999 to 31 Dec 2000
S40, V40 · possible failure of demist/defrost system
14 Jun 2001 · R/2001/074
A diode in the climate control system may not be sufficiently durable. In consequence the fan may stop working resulting in failure of the demist/defrost system.
Fix: Affected vehicles are being recalled for the installation of an additional heater fan cable harness which includes a climate control diode.
11,379 vehicles · built 1 Jan 2001 to 31 Dec 2001
S40, V40 · brake caliper concern
18 Nov 1999 · R/1999/100
Some front brake calipers on the affected vehicles may have been manufactured using an incorrect material and may crack and leak under heavy load.
Fix: Recall potentially affected vehicles and replace all front brake calipers that are found to be in the suspect range.
1,178 vehicles · built 1 Jan 2000 to 31 Dec 2000
Other Volvo models
Source: DVSA recalls register, check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk, copy dated 6 Sep 2026, Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall is listed here when DVSA names this model in it; the build dates on each recall say which cars it covers, and a registration check confirms your own.