Before you buy
This 2004 Volvo S40 has 50 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2004 Volvo S40 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2004 Volvo S40 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2004 Volvo S40 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Volvo S40 has 50 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Volvo
- Model
- S40
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 50
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 27
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2004 Volvo S40 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Brake System
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Brake System, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2004 Volvo S40?
This VOLVO S40 year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2004 Volvo S40
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Volvo S40, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The VOLVO S40 has 50 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. 5 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 50 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 6 federal recall campaigns
- 5 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2004 Volvo S40 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Volvo S40. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 12 | 3 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 12 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 11 | — | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 8 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Volvo S40. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
HAVING A COOLANT LEAKAGE, CRASH MODE AND SAFETY ALARM SYSTEM CHECK KEEPS COMING ON...WHEN CRASH MODE COMES ON...CAR JUST SHUTS OFF.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO S40 EQUIPPED WITH COOPER ZEON RS3-A TIRES, SIZE: 205/55/16R (NA). THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE TIRES. THE INSIDE OF THE TREAD HAD A LINE AND THE CONTACT NOTICED DAMAGE OR AN OPENING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CONFIRMED THA…
NO COLLISION. SRS LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON SINCE 2007. DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED WIRING, AIR BAGS AND NOTHING HELPS. SRS LIGHT COMES ON EVERY 7 TO 12 MONTHS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 11 YEARS.
THE KEY DOES NOT TURN ALL THE WAY TO TURN THE IGNITION - IT'S LOCKED AFTER TURNING I AND II (NOT TO III). I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED. I COULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN AN UNSAFE AREA. I CALLED VOLVO CUSTOMER SERVICE, BUT I WAS TOLD IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY ANYMORE. I WENT TO YOUT…
THE ISSUE OF NO HEADLIGHTS (LOW-BULB FAILURE) IS DANGEROUS & EXPENSIVE. NOR IS THERE A VIABLE PERMANENT REPAIR AS THE "LOW-BULB FAILURE" ALWAYS RE-OCCURS & HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR ME SINCE MY CAR WAS NEW. SUDDENLY HAVING NO HEADLIGHTS CAUSES A SERIOUS & IMMEDIATE SAFETY …
BRAKE PEDAL IS TOO CLOSE TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHENEVER I OPERATE THE GAS PEDAL, THE SIDE OF MY SHOE ALSO ACTIVATES THE BRAKE. THE PROBLEM IS AGGRAVATED BY THE CENTER TUNNEL CARPET INTRUDING ON THE MINIMAL ACCELERATOR PEDAL SPACE.
MY VEHICLE DOORS LOCK UP AND CAN'T BE UNLOCKED DUE TO FAULTY LOCKS. NO WAY TO GET DOOR OR DOORS TO UNLOCK. WHICH CAN CAUSE DEATH IF INVOLVED IN A ROLL OVER, SUBMERGED, OR ANY MAJOR ACCIDENTS. IT CAN BE ANY DOOR ON THE VEHICLE. ON MINE IT'S MY REAR PASSENGER DOOR WHICH MY CHILD SI…
CAR IS STALLING OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN PUT ON MACHINE ERROR GIVEN IS FUEL PRESSURE. THE FUEL PRESSURE WAS CHECKED AND WAS AT CORRECT PRESSURE FOR THE CAR. I HAVE REPLACED FUEL CENSER AND CAR RAN FINE FOR 2 DAYS THEN SAME ISSUE WITH SAME ERROR …
I GOT NEW CAR IN NOV 2003 OF THE YEAR 2004 MODEL. IT FEELS LIKE ONE HAS TO PUT FOOT ON BRAKES ALL THE WAY TO APPLY. IT IS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. IN DEC 2005, WHILE EXISTING FROM HIGHWAY WE MEET AN ACCIDENT AS IT DID NOT STOP WHERE IT WAS SUPPOSE TO STOP. VOLVO DEALER TOP TH…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT DUE TO THE PROXIMITY OF THE PEDALS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS INADVERTENTLY DEPRESSED WHEN APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PED…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO S40. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PEM WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AW…
I JUST BROUGHT THE CAR FROM JCL AUTO SALES IN ALLENTOWN PA AT THE END OF AUGUST AND MY CHECK ENGINE CONTINUES TO COME ON. *TR
FOR THE PAST TWO MORNINGS MY CAR HAS NO BRAKES WHEN I FIRST START MY CAR, ONCE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES IT'S OKAY, BUT FIRST THING THE PAST TWO MORNINGS I HAVEN'T HAD BRAKES! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CHECK ENGINE AND BATTERY INDICATORS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE OCCUPANT WEIGHT SENSOR MAY HAVE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER…
FIRST OCCURRENCE ABOUT 87000 MILES WAS TRAVELING ON FREEWAY WHEN CAR STALLED. STARTED IT BACK UP AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND THEY INSTALLED NEW SPARK PLUG AND WIRES. STALLED AGAIN AT ABOUT 89000 MILES AND WAS TOLD TO BRING BACK WHEN CHECK ENGINE L…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS WERE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATING CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE BUT THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THE AIR…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO S40. WHILE THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WAS REPLACED. ONE YE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE WHILE BRAKING ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THE FLOOR BEHIND THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WAS SOAKING WET. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE WATER WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DRAINAGE ON THE SUNROOF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSIS…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Volvo S40.
Safety recalls
2004 Volvo S40 recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Volvo S40. 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2004 Volvo S40 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Volvo S40 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 50 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. This VOLVO S40 year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Volvo S40?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (12 complaints). #2: Brake System (12 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Volvo S40?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Volvo S40?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Volvo S40, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 50 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Volvo S40 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Volvo S40. A major recall area is EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Volvo S40?▾
This VOLVO S40 year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Volvo S40 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Volvo S40 based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.