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2005 Volvo S40 problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Volvo S40 is fuel and propulsion system, typically around 84,000 miles. It has 2.8 times the complaints of a typical S40 model year.

Year to avoid2.8x the typical complaints
Year score
37/100
Owner complaints
69
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
170
Worst area
Fuel system
Fuel economy
20-22mpg

The worst 2005 Volvo S40 problems

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

Problems by type

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

  • Fuel system
    20
  • Electrical
    19
  • Engine
    16
  • Airbags
    5
  • Brakes
    5
  • Visibility
    5
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Volvo S40

Stalling 17Fuel pump 10Check engine light 7Wipers 6Brake failure 5Won't start 5

Recalls 3

Equipment: electrical: navigational system(global positioning system)Reported November 8, 2010 · 416 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (GPS) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
Risk
An overheated battery could lead to a fire.
Remedy
Volvo advises owners to please stop using the garmin portable GPS device immediately, and visit the garmin website to determine if their unit is affected. The unit's battery will be replaced with a new battery and a spacer will be inserted on top of the battery next to the pcb. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 18, 2010. Owners may contact garmin at 866‑957‑1981 or visit garmin's website at www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.

Recall number 10V566000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported January 28, 2008 · 23,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain vehicles sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, reoccurring, long-term exposure to certain environmental conditions such as salty-wet conditions, it is possible for the pump electronic module (pem) to become corroded internally. This can cause a faulty signal to the fuel pump, resulting in low or no fuel pressure to the engine.
Risk
If this occurs, the check engine light may illuminate. In some cases, the vehicle may fail to start or may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the pem and install it in a new location to prevent corrosion. The recall began on february 20, 2008. Owners may contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 08V033000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasolineReported April 24, 2006 · 16,175 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with t5 turbo engines, the polyamide tube in the fuel line is sensitive to the extreme temperatures that may occur in the area where the turbo/exhaust manifold is located.
Risk
This may potentially result in fuel line leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will change the fuel line material to teflon free of charge. The recall began on june 5, 2006. Owners may contact volvo cars at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 06V137000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2005 Volvo S40

Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Volvo S40 170

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

See all 170 bulletins for the 2005 Volvo S40

2005 Volvo S40 fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 5‑cylFWD192722
2.5L 5‑cylFWD1927-2922
2.5L 5‑cyl4WD17-182520

What 2005 Volvo S40 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 20, 2024 · Electrical, Fuel system · 170,000 miles · WA

The contact's wife owns a 2005 Volvo S40. The contact stated the vehicle was difficult to start for several days. Eventually, the failure progressed and the vehicle was not able to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired by the contact, a previous Volvo technician. The contact stated the failure was due to the pump electrical module being located out of the vehicle. The contact spoke with the dealer. The contact referenced The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed Sep 24, 2023 · Seat belts · FL

The drivers seat belt does not lock/latch in properly. Everytime I enter the vehicle I reach for my seat belt and buckle myself, well so I thought I did. When I insert the belt it seems as though its buckles however once I start to drive the belt comes un done and it i always have to pull over to put it back on becsuse it locks the seat belt so I'm not able to just buckle back in.

Filed Mar 18, 2021 · Fuel system · 147,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo s40. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump electronic module had failed due to rusting and corrosion. The fuel pump electronic module was replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number 08v033000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. Additionally, the vehicle was originally sold in the state of california and had been driven in the state of michigan the past 6 years. The failure mileage was 147,000.

Filed Jun 15, 2020 · Fuel system · 84,000 miles · GA

I was told by shop that work on my car that were a recall on the pvc vaul on the 2005 volv s40 2.4.

Filed Jun 6, 2020 · Fuel system · 168,505 miles · CA

My vehicle shuts off while im driving it. I took it to a mechanic 3 times and was advised its an issue with the fuel pump. I was also advised this is an known issue with this particular vehicle and was provided a the federal safety agency campaign id # 08v033000.

Filed Aug 23, 2019 · Engine · 86,000 miles · MI

2005 volvo s40 engine air conditioning malfunctioned. When the problem first begun the car would be cool at start then get warm until one day the air conditioning just quit working. I read on this forum authorized volvo dealership admits this is a common problem in this year/make/model. The compressor clutch or compressor or both required replacing. In a class action lawsuit [filed 2018] http://www.autopartsclass.com/index.php includes the 2005 volvo s40 air conditioning unit: [see below] congratulations! Your 2005 volvo s40 is included in the following auto parts cases: in re: instrument panel clusters in re: air conditioning systems in re: alternators in re: windshield wiper systems

Filed Apr 8, 2019 · Body · 45,506 miles · RI

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo s40. The contact stated that the rear passenger side carpet was saturated with water after a rain storm. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 45,506. *bf consumer stated the foam in roof of car is crumbling and roof seams are no longer intact.

Filed Jul 16, 2018 · Fuel system · 205,000 miles · TN

The car starts missing then stalls out after about 30miles of driving it stalled in the middle of crossing a 4 lane and was about hit.it is the pem they had recalls on them but not my car for some reason

Filed Jul 15, 2018 · Fuel system · 200,011 miles · TN

Every time I drive the car it misses a little then it just shuts down like it's not getting any fuel the car don't die just won't pull out I tried to cross a 4 lane and it stalled in the first lane and I about got hit in the side it also did it on the interstate.it is very dangerous I was told it's the electronic fuel module,or pen and was told there was a recall on that part all over the internet but volvo said there wasn't which I don't believe why would the internet say there was on like 5or notre websites

Filed Jan 2, 2018 · Engine · 43,000 miles · RI

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo s40. When the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal vibration coming from the vehicle. Upon opening the hood and checking the engine, the contact noticed that the passenger side of the engine was fractured. The contact stated that the fracture was along the top side of the engine. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2005 Volvo S40 before you buy

Compare the 2005 Volvo S40

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Questions about the 2005 Volvo S40

Is the 2005 Volvo S40 reliable?

Owners have filed 69 complaints about the 2005 Volvo S40, 2.8 times a typical S40 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2005 Volvo S40 year score?

The 2005 Volvo S40 scores 37 out of 100 (poor). 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 2005 Volvo S40?

Fuel and propulsion system, with 20 complaints, typically around 84,000 miles. Next is electrical (19).

How many recalls does the 2005 Volvo S40 have?

3 recalls, covering equipment and fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Volvo S40 fuel system?

Yes, 2 recalls: 08V033000, 06V137000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What gas mileage does the 2005 Volvo S40 get?

Official estimates for the 2005 Volvo S40 range from 20 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 5-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 27 highway.

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