Check a VIN

2004 Volvo V40 problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Volvo V40 is brakes. Its complaint count is close to a typical V40 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
153
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 2004 Volvo V40 problems

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

  • Brakes
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Brakes
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1

Recalls 3

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported October 14, 2004 · 1,719 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, the non-return valve may crack due to a poor weld causing a vacuum leak.
Risk
If this occurs, more brake pedal force may be required to stop the vehicle and/or may experience a rough engine idle, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the vacuum hose. The recall began on november 29, 2004. Owners should contact volvo cars at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 04V493000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasolineReported October 24, 2003 · 15,067 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sedans and station wagons, there may be a fuel leak from the fuel rail due to inadequate welding.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a v-clamp to the fuel rail. Owner notification began on january 28, 2004. Owners should contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 03V424000 · Recall details

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 3 recalls for the 2004 Volvo V40

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Volvo V40 153

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

See all 153 bulletins for the 2004 Volvo V40

What 2004 Volvo V40 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 24, 2016 · Brakes · 44,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volvo v40. While driving 15 MPH, the brakes malfunctioned. The contact depressed the brake pedal to the floorboard in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 44,000.

Filed Feb 7, 2008 · Airbags · 87,036 miles · CA

The driver's side airbag has failed for no apparent reason. The cost of repair will be around $900.00 the car was purchased 4 years ago. That is a very costly repair for a relatively young vehicle. I asked the service representative at my authorized volvo repair shop if I should expect the right side to fail as soon as I repair the left one. He said "no, the right never goes out." "I had one in just last week- exact same problem as yours."

Filed Jul 22, 2005 · Body · FL

Dt: consumer states when there is a sun glare on the dashboard there isn't enough illumination. The consumer was unable to see the instruments on the dashboard. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealership and was told there was nothing that could be done about it.*ak the consumer stated a flash light must be used to see the instruments on the panel.

Filed May 23, 2005 · Brakes · PA · crash

On april 13, 2005 at approximately 4 pm, I was backing my v40 volvo 2004 wagon out of a parking space at the kossman garage, liberty avenue,pittsburgh, pa, going slowly because it was a tight space, when my brakes did not work, at all. Despite pushing my brakes as far as they would go, the car did not stop, and crashed into a concrete support beam, crashing in the entire back window and denting the back bumper vertically where the tall concrete beam hit it. Thank goodness, no people were hurt, and I was not injured either. No other vehicles were damaged, because the beam was directly behind me, thank goodness. The volvo headquarters inspected the car and said there was nothing wrong, but there was indeed something wrong with the brakes. Through my insurer, amica, I became aware of the reported hydraulics pro blem with brakes on certain v40 volvo 2004 cars. I also found a website showing a november, 2004 recall notice required to be sent by the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act to owners of such vehilces, but I never received such a notice. What is more, even after my accident, the company has never told me of such a problem. I found out today about this, thanks to my insurer who researched this. The car is now being repaired, at my and my insurers expense, although it may be due to the faulty brakes noted in the recall. I think there is some response needed from volvo for not informing me of this recall, for indicating it was my fault, and for not being willing to even send me a memo based on their evaluation of my car. My insurer is also wanting to know what their response is.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2004 Volvo V40 before you buy

Compare the 2004 Volvo V40

Other model years

1993200020012002200320042013

Questions about the 2004 Volvo V40

Is the 2004 Volvo V40 reliable?

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2004 Volvo V40, close to a typical V40 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Volvo V40?

Brakes, with 2 complaints. Next is airbags (1).

How many recalls does the 2004 Volvo V40 have?

3 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, fuel system, gasoline and equipment.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Volvo V40 brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 04V493000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Share your experience with the 2004 Volvo V40

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 2004 Volvo V40?

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