Before you buy
This 2006 Volvo S40 has 59 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
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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2006 Volvo S40 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2006 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. 6 trims analysed.
2006 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 2006 Volvo S40 has 59 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Volvo
- Model
- S40
- Model year
- 2006
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 59
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 28
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Common problems
Most common 2006 Volvo S40 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Structural Problems. 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 2006 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 2006 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 2006 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 59 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. 1 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 59 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 3 federal recall campaigns
- 1 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 2006 Volvo S40 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Volvo S40. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 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 2006 Volvo S40. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
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…
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…
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 V…
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.
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 D…
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 IND…
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 GOI…
RECALL ON- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP VOVLVO RECALL NO. 190
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 PR…
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH I NOTICED MY DIM ( DRIVER INFORMATION MODULE) HAD COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. I WAS UNABLE TO READ MY SPEEDOMETER, RPM, FUEL LEVEL, AND ENGINE TEMPERATURE WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING . AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE, IT APPE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUN ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEM WAS CLOGGED AND WATER ENTERED INTO TH…
PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, MY CAR IDLED DOWN AND PRESSING THE GAS DID NOT PREVENT IT FROM COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND ALL OF THE LIGHTS CAME ON TO INCLUDE, WARNING LIGHTS, AIRBAG, STABILITY CONTROL, AND OTHERS INCLUDING ABS. FORTUNATELY WE HAD …
THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THAT MY CAR HAS COMPLETELY STOPPED AND GONE IDLE WHEN I HAVE CHILDREN IN MY CAR. SINCE MARCH OF 2015 MY CAR STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BUSY HIGHWAYS IN HOUSTON. IT STARTS SHAKING AND ALSO WON'T LET ME ACCELERATE WHEN I PRESS ON THE GAS AND IT IS SO SCARY FOR …
WE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING RAIN SHOWERS ON THE WAY TO WORK THE VOLVO TWICE HAD ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD LIGHT UP BUT THE CAR DID NOT STALL. I WAS AFRAID THE AIR BAG MIGHT DEPLOY. AS SOON AS I GOT HOME I HAD MY HUSBAND CHECK TO SEE IF HE COULD LOCATE THE PROBLEM. HE FOUND…
WATER LEAKED INTO MY VEHICLE THROUGH THE SUNROOF, DESTROYED THE COMPUTER AND AIR AIRBAG SYSTEM. THE CARPETS ARE SOAKED WITH STANDING WATER SITTING IN THE BODY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE TUBES W…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUNROOF LEAKED WATER CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS TO FAIL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRAIN HOSE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT R…
VEHICLE PASSENGER REAR FLOOR FLOODING CONTINUOUSLY. ONE DAY THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULDN'T TURN OFF AND NONE OF THE INTERIOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT WOULD WORK, NO POWER WINDOWS OR LOCKS. DROVE TO VOLVO, THEY STATED CLOGGED SUNROOF DRAIN AND THAT FLOORMAT HAD AFFECTED THE ECM UNDE…
THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. PLEASE TELL ME WHETHER THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LOOK UP BY VIN IS NOT WORKING ON YOUR WEBSITE. *TR
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2006 Volvo S40.
Safety recalls
2006 Volvo S40 recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2006 Volvo S40. 3 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:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2006 Volvo S40 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2006 Volvo S40 reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 59 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 3 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 2006 Volvo S40?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (24 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (10 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (9 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2006 Volvo S40?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2006 Volvo S40?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2006 Volvo S40, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 59 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2006 Volvo S40 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2006 Volvo S40. A major recall area is EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). 3 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 2006 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 Electrical Faults 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
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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.