2000 Volvo S40: headlights failing or too dim

13 of the 122 complaints about the 2000 Volvo S40 describe headlights failing or too dim.

owner complaints: 13
of this car's complaints: 11%
typical mileage: 98,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 3 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Headlights failing or too dim by model year

2009
1
2008
1
2006
1
2005
1
2004
3
2002
4
2001
5
2000
13

What owners say

Filed Jan 29, 2016 · Electrical, Fuel system · 103,000 miles · WA

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. When I say shut off I mean the headlights, dome lights, engine....anything that was electrical completely shut off. This would include the steering wheel locking up. Imagine driving on the freeway/highway in the middle of the night with traffic around you and your lights going out, steering wheel locking and having no way to control the vehicle. This could have killed me and my baby. Last night, I has nightmares all night long of that happening on the freeway or the trestle with my baby. Where I drive frequently. Had that have happened there, I could have been killed especially if a semi truck was behind me, as is often the case. They can't stop that fast. Most people can't stop that fast going 55-75 MPH. I had been on the trestle about 15 minutes before it happened. And I am petrified to think what could have happened since I often have my baby in the car. The car is at the dealership in service. They cannot find anything wrong with it. The check engine light didn't come on, so there are no codes. They cannot get it do it again.

Filed Jan 5, 2009 · Lights · 120,000 miles · GA

Noticed decreased visibility driving at night. The aiming mechanism on both headlamps has disintegrated causing loss of the headlamp calibration and allowing the headlamps to aim downward to a point approximately 30' in front of the vehicle. The failure is continuous, results in reduced visibility. Nothing has been done to correct the problem. Replacement parts are prohibitively expensive and volvo customer service has disavowed any responsibility for the failure due to the age and mileage of the vehicle, (2000 s40 with 130k mi.) the service manager at my local volvo dealership has said that he has seen this failure on other volvos of similar age and mileage including one owned by his son.

Filed Jan 16, 2008 · Lights · NY

Two different mechanics informed me that the casing in both of my headlights was deteriorating and would need to be replaced.

Filed Sep 10, 2007 · Engine, Lights · 98,000 miles · MN

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 volvo s40. While driving 65 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The contact was able to pull safely off the road. The dealer stated that the failure was caused by coolant leaking from the engine. The cause of the leakage was unknown. The contact had a maintenance package performed on august 9, 2007 and no failures were found in the engine. The current and failure mileages were 98,000. The consumer stated she expects to be reimbursed the full $3,000 for repairs. The consumer stated upon maintenance repair the passenger side headlight was out and needed to be replaced. Updated 12/12/07

Filed Mar 6, 2007 · Brakes, Lights · NY

3/6/2007. Volvo s40 2000. Contact has a concern with the brakes and the headlights.*mc the headlights and brakes failed.

Filed Jul 6, 2004 · Lights · 28,000 miles · NJ

Both headlamp units need replacement because the adjustment mechanisim has broken out of each unit. Only repair is total replacment of head lamp units.

Filed May 3, 2004 · Lights · NM

2000 s40 purchase new. I have replaced 8-10 headlights already. Vehicle has been costly to maintain. Dealer has taken a minumum of 3 visits to locate problems. None has been resolved completely. Brakes pads replace at 37k- my cost- delar said they wore thin. I have them check the brakes every time I get an oil change - to feel safe. Problems with high pitch whistling noise staring at 60 MPH took back several times not able to stop noise before warranty expired. Recently: vehicle ran rough took in to delaer for 90k tune-up. Dealer said bushing on motor mounts are gone cost to replace is $800. Noticed the drivers side power window going out now.

Filed Jan 6, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · 6,000 miles · CT

Dealer replaced, in the past two years, headlights/alternator/tail lights, and signal lights, but the problem was still occurring.

Filed Jul 21, 2003 · Lights · MI

Headlamp buld burned out (12380 miles).

Filed Jul 21, 2003 · Lights · MI

Headlight burned out for 2nd time in less than 30,000 miles.

Filed Apr 11, 2003 · Lights · 14,700 miles · NJ

The head lights failed. *jb

Filed Sep 19, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · NY

Both headlights almost simutaneously went out while driving. Dealer notified, and made repairs. *ak the dealer replaced both bulbs,at 16766 the brakes were replaced, the dealer suggested that since asbestos has been removed from brake pads that the brake life is shorter. Nlm consumer suggest that manufacturer design a back up lighting system in case of headlight failure.