2000 Volvo S40 acceleration problems

Filed Aug 8, 2018 · Acceleration, Brakes · 148,800 miles · CA

The car has problems starting and takes a few tries before starting up. Have also had a problem where the car was in park with the parking brake engaged and the car was revving on its own. There have also been problems while the car has been slowing down on the freeway, specifically when the brakes are being engaged the car will attempt to move forward as though it is trying to push pass the fact that the brakes are being engaged. As well as the car will accelerate faster than the gas pedal is being pushed e.g when the gas pedal is slightly pushed the car will accelerate quickly as though the gas pedal was being pushed upon firmly.

Filed Dec 17, 2014 · Acceleration · 99,900 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volvo s40. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The contact mentioned that the brake pedal was depressed in order to slow down or stop the vehicle. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,900.

Filed Oct 9, 2012 · Acceleration · 95,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volvo s40. The contact stated that while traveling 30 MPH the vehicle's speed erroneously increased to 55 MPH. The contact firmly depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact merged to the side of the road to restart the vehicle. The vehicle then functioned as normal. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic where it was found that the coolant temperature sensor had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred several times after the repair. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 96,828. Updated 11/13/12 *cn the idle control valve as replaced to correct the problem. However, the consumer continued to experience problems. Updated 11/19/12

Filed Mar 29, 2012 · Acceleration · 74,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volvo s40. The contact stated that the vehicle would accelerate abnormally without depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure occurred intermittently whether driving in reverse or going forward, as well as when sitting at a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that they need to repair the electronic throttle control, idle control valve and the brake system. The repairs were not completed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.

Filed Aug 25, 2011 · Acceleration · 130,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volvo s40. The contact stated with his foot on the brake pedal there was an increase in engine rpms and the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 130,000.

Filed Feb 6, 2011 · Acceleration · 95,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Sep 27, 2010 · Acceleration · 88,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volvo s40. The contact stated that the vehicle would sporadically accelerate independently. The contact stated that the throttle was replaced in 2008 and the failure did not recur until 2010. Most recently, the contact was entering a parking lot when the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by shifting into park. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was informed that her model was not involved in any recalls therefore any repairs would be at her expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000 and the current mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed Aug 13, 2010 · Acceleration · 135,000 miles · TN

My 2000 volvo s40 had another unintended acceleration episode on april 12, 2010 (I filed a previous complaint #10288666 in oct 2009). On the highway it would go 60 MPH without depressing the gas pedal (and no it was not stuck and there was no floor mat in the way). The last time this occurred was six or seven months earlier. The ect sensor was replaced at that time. This last time the volvo memphis dealership replaced the ect sensor and it has not occurred again.....yet. This was the third ect sensor replaced in about a year's time. I asked that volvo corporate be involved to check out why this was happening. They had a field technician ride in the car with me and check it out. Basically they shared no reason for the recurrent replacement of the ect sensor and even though I continued to try to get an answer (and reimbursement for the repeat repairs). This is one of the emails I received from the volvo investigator after their inspection and my continued dissatisfaction with not identifying a root cause ---- "[xxx] , I can certainly understand your disappointment in having to replace the same part three times. As stated, if the symptoms reoccur, please either contact me directly, or contact the service manager at volvo of memphis, randy pearson, so that we may get been involved once again to review your concerns regarding your vehicle. To date, your vehicle is performing as designed. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to inspect your vehicle. Erica kirsch product investigation coordinator volvo cars or north america" I am not interested in continuing to pursue this just because of repair costs I feel should be covered by volvo. The symptoms I have repeatedly experienced are scary and a huge safety issue. I also saw an on complaint #10288666 filed on feb 18 2010 that sounds like the same issue as mine. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 23, 2010 · Acceleration, Engine · 88,000 miles · IL

Unintended acceleration occurred with car in drive. Car began to accelerate slowly increasing speed with foot off accelerator. Pulled up on accelerator with no results. Put car into neutral and RPM increased to 6000 RPM then back to 750 idle speed. Back into drive and engine accelerated again. Engine shut off via key then it wouldn't start again. Cranked but would not turn over. Dealer replaced ect because of failure of part.

Filed Oct 16, 2009 · Acceleration · 130,000 miles · TN

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.