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2006 Volvo S40 problems

The most common problem on the 2006 Volvo S40 is electrical system, typically around 74,000 miles. It has 2.3 times the complaints of a typical S40 model year.

Year to avoid2.3x the typical complaints
Year score
44/100
Owner complaints
58
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
162
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
20-23mpg

The worst 2006 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.

  • Electrical
    24
  • Body
    9
  • Engine
    9
  • Fuel system
    9
  • Visibility
    7
  • Airbags
    4
  • Brakes
    4
  • Driver assistance
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Lights
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Volvo S40

Stalling 10Check engine light 8Brake failure 6Fuel pump 6Door locks 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 2006 Volvo S40

Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Volvo S40 162

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

See all 162 bulletins for the 2006 Volvo S40

2006 Volvo S40 fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 5‑cylFWD19-2028-2922-23
2.4L 5‑cylFWD192722
2.5L 5‑cyl4WD1825-2620-21

What 2006 Volvo S40 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 19, 2022 · Fuel system · PA

Check engine light came on and stays in. Vehicle always sputters to start, acceleration is sometimes slow to respond, has stalled out on a rare occasion usual on hills. I’m afraid someday I might be involved in a crash because of a lack of acceleration.

Filed Jun 25, 2022 · Fuel system · PA

Check engine light came on and has stayed on. Stalled out in traffic, turned the car off and it restarted and I continued. Happens two more times. Initial start up has a delay in the engine turning over. Gas pedal is slow to respond to acceleration. Verified at a garage with code reader. Suspect faulty wiring (corrosion) to fuel pump needing PEM replacement. No warning prior to first incident around 02/2022. I have had the check engine light reset on multiple occasions and each time the light comes back on within 2 days. Safety has been a concern at multiple times. Entered VIN number with Volvo, a Volvo dealer, and with no help in resolving issue.

Filed Dec 8, 2020 · Fuel system · 108,000 miles · CA

In some occasions car won't start and while driving the car it would shut off unexpectedly causing a dangerous situation. I believe it's the pump electronic module which is already recalled in some cars. According to your recall I have the exact same symptoms but my VIN number is not part of the recall.

Filed May 9, 2020 · Electrical · CA

After a long period of rain, water pooled on rear driver and passenger floor. Windows would not function, door locks would not function, turn signals didn't work. Instrument panel flashed warnings of engine problems, brake failure, airbag problems. Often lost entire panel while vehicle was being driven on highway, measurements going dead. This has been going on for months and is getting worse.

Filed Apr 26, 2020 · Fuel system · VA

I went out to start my car for work and it would not start like it was out of but I have a half tank of gas in it but for some reason it sounds like the fuel pump/module is not working.

Filed Apr 13, 2020 · CT

Ive had car 3 yrs and within last few monthe notice large water puddles on rear floors windows were all closed took it to my mechanic and states channels for sunroof were flawed as I later found out under computer car complaints volvo had class action on this few yrs back but I did not own car then there were many complaints from car owners re this issue and volvo will do nothing im having new channels put in to drain water but its only temp as its a flaw that will continue to happen my electris is starting to short out car smells moldy/musty and will be worth very little I need some feedback on this issue as car is becoming totally worthless

Filed Mar 18, 2020 · Engine · 114,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 volvo s40. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several minutes and several attempts. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure recurred intermittently. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.

Filed Aug 2, 2019 · Engine · 100,000 miles · NJ

Found complaints on multiple sites about issue found on my vehicle . The oil filter housing corrugated breathing hose was so badly rotted was only little piece left rest fell off somewhere while operating vehicle. On top of that issue im ssuming due to thiss problem and it on going until I got check engine light it has caused oil filter housing itself to go bad im assuming in part to all oil build up from hose missing causing vacuum issues' why isnt his car that has same issue as others that were recalled with same exact operating and looking part with same exact hose rotting issue causing oil filter housing to become built up with gunk causing leaks both air and oil.. .. Pleae answer these issues for it shows how much volvo cares about quality of there products

Filed Jul 27, 2019 · Fuel system · RI

Recall on- fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump vovlvo recall no. 190

Filed Mar 18, 2016 · Engine · 95,000 miles · NJ

Egr or aka. Oil trap housing, tubing is broken and sucking in air. Improper ventilation is tripping off emission code on dash. Brittle black plastic housing, defective in nature and by design. Potential other issues is the unwanted pressure build up in engine which can cause premature failure of oil cam seals which I also experienced.

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Compare the 2006 Volvo S40

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Questions about the 2006 Volvo S40

Is the 2006 Volvo S40 reliable?

Owners have filed 58 complaints about the 2006 Volvo S40, 2.3 times a typical S40 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2006 Volvo S40 year score?

The 2006 Volvo S40 scores 44 out of 100 (below 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 2006 Volvo S40?

Electrical system, with 24 complaints, typically around 74,000 miles. Next is body (9).

How many recalls does the 2006 Volvo S40 have?

3 recalls, covering equipment and fuel system, gasoline.

What year does the Volvo S40 have the most electrical problems?

The Volvo S40 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2006 (24 complaints), 2005 (19 complaints) and 2000 (13 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Volvo S40 get?

Official estimates for the 2006 Volvo S40 range from 20 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 5-cyl, FWD) gets 19-20 city and 28-29 highway.

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