2001 Volvo S40
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes leads by volume: 27 of 84 complaints (32%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (4) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 122 in 2000 to 84 in 2001.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | vs. 2001 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,700 | 3,350 | 3,500 | 3,500 | |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 23 | 22 | 22 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 19 / 26 | 20 / 29 | 19 / 27 | 19 / 27 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423 | 386 | 404 | 404 | |
| Complaints filed | 122 | 84 | 27 | 18 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 12 | 11 | 4 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 3 | 5 | 2 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2001 Volvo S40 have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2001 Volvo S40?
Brakes: 27 of 84 NHTSA complaints (32%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Volvo S40 get?
EPA rates it 23 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2001 Volvo S40?
EPA estimates $3,350 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (1)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 20 mpg | 29 mpg | 23 mpg | $3,350 | 386 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 17 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical | 10 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 27 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 8 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 10 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 03V284000 · Aug 7, 2003
Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WAS NOT INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES AND, IN CERTAIN CASES, THE OWNER'S MANUAL ISOFIX INFORMATION IS INCORRECT.
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL RECEIVE A LETTER/PACKAGE CONSISTING OF THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, AND IN CERTAIN CASES, THE CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL MAY BE PROVIDED. IF THE OWNER WANTS TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A VOLVO DEALER FOR INSTALLATION OF THE GUIDE, IT WILL BE PERFORMED AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER · Campaign 01V169000 · May 23, 2001
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDAN AND WAGON PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DIODE IN THE ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM MAY HAVE A REDUCED SERVICE LIFE.
Consequence: IF THE DIODE FAILS, THE HEATER FAN STOPS OPERATING AND THE DEFROSTER FUNCTION IS AFFECTED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADAPTER WITH A DIODE FITTED TO THE HEATER FAN MOTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 11, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.