Check a VIN

2002 Volvo S40 problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Volvo S40 is brakes, typically around 145,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical S40 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
71/100
Owner complaints
27
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
157
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
22mpg

The worst 2002 Volvo S40 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    7
  • Electrical
    5
  • Engine
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Suspension
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    7
  • Electrical
    5
  • Engine
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Suspension
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Seat belts
    1

Recalls 1

Equipment: other: labelsReported August 1, 2003 · 220,407 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 03V284000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2002 Volvo S40

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Volvo S40 157

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 157 bulletins for the 2002 Volvo S40

2002 Volvo S40 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.9L 4‑cylFWD192722

What 2002 Volvo S40 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 21, 2017 · Fuel system · 130,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 volvo s40. The contact inquired about getting her vehicle included in an open recall. The contact stated that there was a delay when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact also stated that she observed a fuel odor inside the vehicle and she was concerned of a fuel leak. In addition, the check engine indicator illuminated before and after the failure. The contact specifically inquired about the federal safety agency campaign number: 08v033000 (fuel system, gasoline) and campaign number: 06v137000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact scheduled an appointment with 128 volvo cars (614 north ave, wakefield, ma). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Nov 3, 2013 · Brakes · 145,000 miles · MA

I was driving on a main road and my brakes failed. It was determined that a brake line corroded through. It appears that the vehicle has a single master brake cylinder. I asked a volvo dealership about this, and they confirmed to me that the master brake cylinder is a single one. It is my understanding that in the 80's, all vehicles sold in the united states were to have a dual master brake cylinder.

Filed Jan 3, 2013 · Suspension · 114,800 miles · NY

While driving the right front and right rear coil springs broke and the front coil spring damaged the tire. Dealer stocks these expensive springs (both front and rear) in larger than normal amounts due to incidences of breakage. I feel that this was an early failure for this type and age of vehicle and should it have been a a higher speed the incident could have been severe.

Filed Sep 7, 2011 · Brakes · 150,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 volvo s40. The contact stated that the brakes were applied while reversing and the pedal traveled to the floorboard abnormally. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic where the mechanic advised that there was a crack in the master cylinder. The master cylinder was replaced however, the failure recurred while in reverse. The mechanic was contacted a second time who advised the contact of the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v493000 (service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings) and informed the contact to call a dealer. The contact called the dealer regarding the recall but the dealer stated that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 10/04/11 *bf the consumer stated he was experiencing problems with the brakes on his vehicle. When he backed out of the driveway, the brake pedal would sink to the floor. When the vehicle was put in drive, the vehicle continued to roll when the brakes were applied. Initially, the consumer was informed there was a crack in the master cylinder, which was replaced. After the replacement, the same problem occurred, the consumer took the vehicle back to the repair shop and was then informed, there was a recall for the brake vacuum pump. The consumer called the dealer and was informed there was a recall. However, his VIN was not included. Updated 10/05/11

Filed Jan 7, 2011 · Brakes · 104,000 miles · OH · crash

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volvo s40. While driving 30 MPH the contact engaged the brakes when the vehicle in front of her slowed down causing a crash. The vehicle failed to slow down when the brakes were applied. The contact was not injured. A police report was filed. The contacts vehicle had front end damages. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that a local mechanic replaced all of the left front lights, the hood, the bumper and the fender. The failure mileage was 104,000 and the current mileage was 104,900.

Filed Jul 11, 2009 · Electrical, Suspension · NC

Front end suspension isn't right,pulls when driving and there is a knocking items the federal safety agency 10016415 and 630879. Check engine has always been on 10003441. There is a clunking noise when shifting 10003398. There was never an accident these are just ongoing things and the suspension may cause an accident and check engine light is hard to get passed for inspection in nc.

Filed Dec 8, 2007 · Suspension · 40,000 miles · VT

Both rear springs broke, vehicle had less then 40k miles.

Filed Jun 27, 2007 · Transmission · 42,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volvo s40. The vehicle hesitated when it was started by the contact. The winter weather driving warning indicator arrow and the check engine light illuminated while driving 5 MPH. The check engine light remained illuminated after turning the vehicle on an off. On june 23, 2007, the dealer advised the contact not to drive the vehicle until it was diagnosed. The dealer stated that the vehicle had a faulty transmission control module and the original battery was weak. The estimated cost of repair is $1,000, which does not guarantee that the failure will not recur. The current and failure mileages were 42,000.

Filed May 22, 2007 · Brakes, Lights · 2,000 miles · OK

Types of recurring issues with volvo s40: headlights, driver front window motor, early brake pad wear. Headlight bulbs were replaced 2-3 times a year at consumer's cost. When brought to the attention of volvo dealer they reported that it was probably due to lights being used during daylight. They check electrical and reported no issue. Had brake pad and rotor issued shortly after purchasing the vehicle. Volvo dealer reported volvo rotors were built thin and soft. Cost of brake replacement was not covered under warranty as it was considered regular wear. Driver side window regulator has been replaced three times. First regulator was replaced in june 2005, then february 2006 and now may 2007. May 2007 regulator was at the cost of the consumer as warranty had expired and warranty on part only lasts 12 months even though there is an apparent problem.

Filed Feb 15, 2007 · Electrical · 30,000 miles · AZ

Tl*- the contact stated that while attempting to drive the 2002 volvo s40 he turned the key in the ignition and a thick black smoke came from the front driver side door panel and filled the interior of the vehicle immediately. The contact turned the vehicle off and exited the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a volvo dealer and they could not find the cause of the smoke. The current and failure mileage were 30,000.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2002 Volvo S40 before you buy

Compare the 2002 Volvo S40

Other model years

200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011

Questions about the 2002 Volvo S40

Is the 2002 Volvo S40 reliable?

Owners have filed 27 complaints about the 2002 Volvo S40, close to a typical S40 model year.

What is the 2002 Volvo S40 year score?

The 2002 Volvo S40 scores 71 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volvo S40: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Volvo S40?

Brakes, with 7 complaints, typically around 145,000 miles. Next is electrical (5).

How many recalls does the 2002 Volvo S40 have?

1 recall, covering equipment.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Volvo S40 get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Volvo S40 range from 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 27 highway.

Share your experience with the 2002 Volvo S40

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2002 Volvo S40?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN