2007 Volvo S40 Problems

Severe Issues

Used VOLVO S40 shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 25 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Brake System the most reported area.

200610 years2008

Before you buy

This 2007 Volvo S40 has 25 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Brake System.

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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25
Complaints
4
Crashes
1
Fires
5
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
2
Recalls

2007 Volvo S40 Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2007 Volvo S40 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

19
MPG City
18–20 range
27
MPG Hwy
26–28 range
22
MPG Combined
21–23 range
404
g COβ‚‚/mile
Premium Gasoline
⚠️Costs $6,250 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.

2007 Volvo S40 Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2007 Volvo S40 has 25 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2007 Volvo S40 β€” key reliability facts
Make
Volvo
Model
S40
Model year
2007
NHTSA owner complaints
25
Crash-related complaints
4
Safety recall campaigns
2
Top reported component
Brake System
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
22
EPA MPG city / highway
19 / 27
Fuel type
Premium Gasoline
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2007 Volvo S40 problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
6
complaints

Brake System

Crash-related:2
Fires:1
Injuries:2
#2
5
complaints

Electrical Faults

#3
5
complaints

Engine Problems

Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Electrical Faults, Engine 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 2007 Volvo S40?

This VOLVO S40 year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle.

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 2007 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 2007 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 25 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. 4 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Recall context: 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.

Key Findings
  • 25 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 2 federal recall campaigns
  • 4 crash-related complaints on record
Top Concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Full breakdown

All 2007 Volvo S40 complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2007 Volvo S40. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Brake System621β€”
Electrical Faults5β€”β€”β€”
Engine Problems5β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic421β€”
Uncategorized Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects2β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions21β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues22β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration2β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain2β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility1β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems1β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Electric1β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues1β€”β€”β€”

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 2007 Volvo S40. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 25 most recent complaints

Electrical FaultsSep 22, 2020

ON OR ABOUT 12/04/2019 DURING A FLASH RAIN STORM LAST WINTER, MY HUSBAND AND I WAS HEADED HOME ON THE 215 FWY NORTHBOUND IN SAN BERNARDINO, CA WHEN THE CENTER DOME AREA AND THE ELECTRIC SUNROOF INSIDE OUR CAR BEGIN POURING IN HUGE AMOUNTS OF VERY COLD RAIN WATER ON US AND ON THE …

Steering DefectsMay 6, 2019

I WAS DRIVING AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AS THE POWER STEERING SHUT DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO STEER MY VEHICLE WITH DIFFICULTY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT STOPPED. ABOUT ONE WEEK LATER THIS HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME I WAS COMING OUT OF A PARK…

Airbag Malfunctions CrashOct 19, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DETACHED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED …

Electrical FaultsMay 31, 2018

AFTER PARKING CAR AND TURNING CAR OFF, AIRBAG, BRAKE, AND INFORMATION WARNING LIGHTS STAY ON, AS DOES VENTILATION SYSTEM. PASSENGER SEAT HAS EXCESS WATER UNDERNEATH. NOW CAR WILL NOT START.

Unintended AccelerationFeb 2, 2017

VEHICLE LOSES POWER DUE TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL LOW VOLTAGE/SIGNAL. THIS OCCURS IN MULTIPLE SITUATIONS. SAFEST IS SHORTLY AFTER STARTING THE CAR AN ENGINE LIGHT STATING 'ENGINE SYSTEM URGENT' APPEARS. UNSAFE OCCURRENCE INCLUDES POWER LOSS WHILE PEDAL IS DEPRESSES SUCH AS ON THE H…

Unintended AccelerationJan 25, 2017

SAFETY CONCERN: 2007 VOLVO S40 ELECTRONIC THROTTLE MODULE FAILURE - CAUSING "REDUCED ENGINE PERFORMANCE" MESSAGE AND VEHICLE (2007 VOLVO S40) SUDDENLY SLOWS DOWN WHILE IN MOTION, LIMPS AND CANNOT GO HIGHER SPEED. HAD BARELY EXITED THE FREEWAY ON 1/24/2017 AND THIS HAPPENED AS I W…

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 23, 2016

TAKATA RECALL SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE AIRBAGS. I T IS SHOWING ME THAT IT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED.

Engine ProblemsAug 24, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLVO S40. WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PVC VALVE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MAN…

Steering DefectsJul 30, 2015

MY CAR WOULD NOT START BECAUSE THERE WAS A MESSAGE INDICATING THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED, BUT, IT WAS NOT LOCKED. I HAD TO TOW THE CAR TO THE SHOP. THEY REPORTED A DEFECTIVE STEERING COLUMN LOCK MODULE. I FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS CARS WHICH IS TOTALLY UNSAFE AND…

Engine ProblemsDec 5, 2014

THE COOLING SYSTEM AND DEFROST SHUT DOWN AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE. TURNS OUT THE CLUTCH WENT BAD ON THE COMPRESSOR. AFTER RESEARCHING FURTHER ONLINE, THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS FAILURE. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR THAT I CANNOT AFFORD. *TR

Electrical FaultsOct 20, 2014

SUNROOF DRAIN BECAME CLOGGED. THIS CAUSED THE POORLY DESIGNED DRAINS TO LEAK AT A JUNCTION INSIDE THE VEHICLE ALONG THE DOOR PILLAR AND BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WATER COLLECTS ON THE REAR PASSENGER FLOORBOARDS AND AROUND THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE CAR OWNER IS UNAWARE OF THE…

Brake SystemOct 20, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE SENSOR ILLUMINATED INDICATING LOW BRAKE FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN REPLENISHED THE BRAKE FLUID AND RESET THE BRAKE SENSOR. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER …

Tire IssuesNov 9, 2013

MICHELIN PRIMACY MXV4 TIRES - DRY ROT ON ALL 4 TIRES AFTER ONLY 20,000 MILES. THE WARRANTY IS FOR 60,000 MILES. THIS DRY ROT IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. *TR

Brake System CrashDec 10, 2011

12/9/2011 WHILE ON AN INCLINE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH BRAKES FAILED, EVEN AFTER PRESSING PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, CAR FAILED TO STOP CAUSING COLLISION WITH VEHICLE IN FRONT DESPITE MORE THAN NECESSARY BRAKING DISTANCE MAINTAINED BETWEEN TWO VEHICLES AND UNDER CLEAR…

Engine ProblemsNov 29, 2011

I OWN A '07 VOLVO S40 WITH 78,000 MILES. IT BEGAN MAKING A LOUD WHISTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE OIL DIPSTICK. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE I FOUND THAT IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY VOLVO AND THE DEFECTIVE PART IS COVERED UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, HOWEVER THIS DEFECTIVE PART CAUSES EXC…

Brake SystemOct 18, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND A BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID.…

Seat Belt Issues CrashFeb 10, 2011

2007 VOLVO S-40. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING A SEAT BELT DEFECT AFTER SUFFERING AN INJURY TO THE EYE DUE TO A REAR END COLLISION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS STRUCK FROM THE REAR WHILE STOPPED YIELDING TO TRAFFIC. THE CONSUMER STATED HE AND HIS WIFE WERE HIT WITH SUCH FORCE THA…

Brake System CrashJan 26, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE BRAKES FAILED CAUSING HER TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF A VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, WHIPLASH AND WAS NOT TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. TH…

Electrical FaultsFeb 22, 2010

I PARKED THE 2007 S40 VOLVO AND CAN'T REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CAR IS IN PARK, BRAKE ON, ALL NECESSARY CHECKS ARE CHECKED. STILL CAN'T GET THE KEY TO RELEASE, HAD TO TURN IT SEVERAL TIMES (30 MINUTES) RIGHT TO LEFT UNTIL I HEARD A CLICK AND THE KEY CAME OUT. I…

Brake SystemFeb 20, 2010

I DROVE INTO A HOTEL PARKING GARAGE , CAME INTO MY SPOT AND THE CAR ACCELERATED AND WENT INTO A WALL. I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT MY WHOLE CAR GOING THRU THE WALL. JUST THE FRONT OF THE CAR WENT INTO THE WALL. *TR

Page 1 of 2

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2007 Volvo S40.

Safety recalls

2007 Volvo S40 recalls

2 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2007 Volvo S40. 2 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.

Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

#08V101000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDERMay 3, 2008
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

#10V566000EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)Aug 11, 2010

Across model years

Compare Volvo S40 model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2007 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2007 Volvo S40 buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2007 Volvo S40 reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 25 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. This VOLVO S40 year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle. 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 2007 Volvo S40?β–Ύ

#1: Brake System (6 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (5 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (5 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2007 Volvo S40?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2007 Volvo S40?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2007 Volvo S40, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 25 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2007 Volvo S40 have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2007 Volvo S40. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER. 2 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 2007 Volvo S40?β–Ύ

This VOLVO S40 year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Brake System 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 2007 Volvo S40 based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

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.