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Volvo S40 safety recalls

Every road vehicle recall DVSA lists for the Volvo S40 since 1992: what the problem is, how it is put right, how many vehicles it covers and when they were built. Newest first.

Recalls for the Volvo S40. Also see car recalls by year and make.

Last updated
Records analysed
32 recalls matched to this model
Methodology
View methodology
  • Recalls since 1992 32 launched 1999 to 2013
  • Most recent 23 December 2013 DVSA recall R/2013/156
  • Recalls 2016 to 2025 0 launched in those ten years
  • Busiest year 2008 5 recalls launched

Does a recall affect your Volvo S40?

Not every Volvo S40 is affected. Each recall covers cars built on particular dates or with particular VINs, which DVSA’s file does not list in full. To check a specific car, use GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check with its registration, or ask the manufacturer or a dealer, who can check the VIN.

Volvo S40 recalls by year

Recalls launched each year, 1999 to 2026

2008 had the most, with 5. A count of recalls is not a measure of safety: one recall can cover a handful of cars or tens of thousands.

Volvo S40 safety recalls by year of launch
Year Recalls
’99 1
’00 0
’01 1
’02 4
’03 2
’04 0
’05 1
’06 2
’07 1
’08 5
’09 3
’10 5
’11 5
’12 0
’13 2
’14 0
’15 0
’16 0
’17 0
’18 0
’19 0
’20 0
’21 0
’22 0
’23 0
’24 0
’25 0
’26 0

Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis January 1992 to September 2026 Updated

Every Volvo S40 recall, newest first

2013 2 recalls

Exhaust sleeve may detach

Launched 23 December 2013 DVSA recall R/2013/156 Manufacturer ref. R29419

Defect
It has been established that the securing process for the exhaust tail pipe sleeve may not be to specification and result in the tail pipe sleeve detaching. This could cause an issue for other road users.
Remedy
Recall all affected vehicles and secure the exhaust tail pipe sleeve.
Vehicles affected
3,311 across everything the recall covers
Built
18 May 2010 to 7 May 2012
Also covers

Loss of drive

Launched 8 April 2013 DVSA recall R/2013/046 Manufacturer ref. R49379

Defect
It is possible that the right hand driveshaft may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. This can ultimately result in the failure of the drive shaft. This will be identified to the driver by noise and the loss of drive.
Remedy
Recall all affected vehicles and replace the right hand driveshaft.
Vehicles affected
826 across everything the recall covers
Built
26 Apr 2011 to 28 May 2012
Also covers

2011 5 recalls

Fluid may leak into wiring harness which may cause fire

Launched 1 December 2011 DVSA recall R/2011/163 Manufacturer ref. R39247

Defect
A number of Volvo C30S40V50 and C70 may experience a problem with washer fluid leaking inside the washer pump unit through the wires into the central control electronic module. This can impact on a number of different features of the vehicle but in the worst case it may lead to a fire.
Remedy
The solution is to replace and then modify the wiring harness for the washer fluid pump. In addition to this the washer pump connector will be inspected for any signs of corrosion and the washer pump will be replaced if necessary
Vehicles affected
53,203 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given

Clutch pedal mechanism may fail

Launched 7 September 2011 DVSA recall R/2011/127 Manufacturer ref. R49221

Defect
The rod connecting the clutch master cylinder and the clutch pedal may break. It may not be possible to disengage the clutch. In worst cases this may happen suddenly with no warning to the driver. If this happens bring the car to a safe stop using the engine and switch off the ignition.
Remedy
Replace clutch master cylinder with a new metal push rod in-place of the plastic one.
Vehicles affected
35,587 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given

Brakes may not perform as expected

Launched 28 June 2011 DVSA recall R/2011/075

Defect
The cover on the top of the engine cover could chafe against the brake vacuum hose. If this occurs it may lead to a vacuum leak in the brake booster system and a gradual reduction of brake booster assistance. The will lead to the brake pedal becoming harder to push than normal and increased force would be required to stop the car.
Remedy
Inspect and replace the vacuum hose if necessary. The hose will also be fitted with a safety net to prevent chafing in the future.
Vehicles affected
18,989 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given
Also covers

Support member may crack

Launched 23 March 2011 DVSA recall R/2011/031

Defect
It is possible that stress cracks may occur in the offside main support member within the engine bay which could affect the vehicle structural performance if it is involved in an accident.
Remedy
Recall affected vehicles for the inspection of the subject member and report findings to Volvo Car UK Ltd; who will then decide on the level of the repair.
Vehicles affected
325 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given
Also covers

Fire may occur

Launched 18 February 2011 DVSA recall R/2011/019 Manufacturer ref. R29188

Defect
Volvo quality follow-up procedures have identified an issue on a number of model year 2007 C30 S40 and V50s relating to the engine cooling fan control module. Under certain operating conditions water intrusion could occur into the control module causing a short circuit which in very rare instances could result in a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy
To install a water shield and a cable harness with relay in order to control the engine cooling fan module power supply.
Vehicles affected
2,398 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given
Also covers

2010 5 recalls

Passenger seat may not be fitted correctly

Launched 22 December 2010 DVSA recall R/2010/233 Manufacturer ref. R89166 & R89176

Defect
It is possible that the driver's and passenger's front powered seats may not be fitted with the front stop lug. The lug restricts the movement of the seats and if not fitted it is possible to position the seats too far forward or backwards. This could increase the chances of injury should the vehicle be involved in an accident.
Remedy
Recall all affected vehicles to inspect for fitment of the lugs and if found to be missing fit new lugs.
Vehicles affected
103 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given

Fire may occur

Launched 3 December 2010 DVSA recall R/2010/224 Manufacturer ref. R29162

Defect
On certain five cylinder engines it is possible that the high pressure fuel pipes may not have been correctly installed and may leak. This should be identified by a smell of fuel from the engine bay. However it is possible that in extreme cases an engine bay fire could occur.
Remedy
Recall all affected vehicles and replace the high pressure pipes.
Vehicles affected
845 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given

Engine may overheat

Launched 21 September 2010 DVSA recall R/2010/144 Manufacturer ref. R29124

Defect
It is possible that the hose connection between the coolant expansion tank and the bleed hose can work loose. If this should occur then coolant will leak and air will enter the system. Under these conditions the low coolant level warning light will not function. If the vehicle is driven in this condition it will cause engine damage and in the extreme possible failure.
Remedy
Recall the affected vehicle to replace the tank and bleeder hose.
Vehicles affected
159 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given
Also covers

Gearbox may jam

Launched 11 June 2010 DVSA recall R/2010/071 Manufacturer ref. R49111

Defect
A section of the gear shift mechanism may over time become loose and cause the mechanism to become jammed. If this was to occur it might not be possible to change gear or select neutral.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check that the ball joint for the gear selector is properly secured.
Vehicles affected
6,961 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given

Engine speed may not decrease

Launched 12 May 2010 DVSA recall R/2010/051 Manufacturer ref. R29100 R29117 R29118

Defect
The engine oil level may rise. This situation may lead to the engine speed being maintained or possibly increased after the throttle pedal is released. In an extreme situation the engine may continue to run after it has been switched off.
Remedy
Recall the affected vehicles and carry out a ECM software upgrade adjust engine oil level and install a decal to confirm oil level to the consumer.
Vehicles affected
20,204 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given

2009 3 recalls

Gearbox may not engage or shift gears as intended

Launched 21 December 2009 DVSA recall R/2009/155 Manufacturer ref. R49077

Defect
It has been identified that due to internal leakage the gearbox hydraulic control module may not be able to engage or shift gears as intended.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the gearbox replaced.
Vehicles affected
42 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given

Brakes may not perform adequately

Launched 8 May 2009 DVSA recall R/2009/052 Manufacturer ref. R5902

Defect
Brake assistance from the vacuum pressure pump may be reduced under certain cold start conditions. The brakes will still function but more pressure on the pedal will be required than normal.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the non-return valve in the vacuum pump.
Vehicles affected
2,004 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given

Possible engine bay fire

Launched 6 March 2009 DVSA recall R/2009/024

Defect
It has been identified that on subject vehicles the engine cooling fan module could under certain operating conditions develop a short circuit caused by water intrusion. This in rare circumstances could result in an engine bay fire.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will be fitted with a water shield and a cable harness with a relay in order to control the engine cooling fan module power supply.
Vehicles affected
4,023 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given
Also covers

2008 5 recalls

Accelerator pedal may not return to resting position

Launched 22 July 2008 DVSA recall R/2008/116 Manufacturer ref. R88075

Defect
Accelerator pedal may be prevented from returning to its rest position by the floor mat.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the floor mat with a shorter version.
Vehicles affected
4,037 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given
Also covers

Power steering pipe may leak.

Launched 17 July 2008 DVSA recall R/2008/112

Defect
It has been established that the material in the power steering return line hose has not been manufactured to specification.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the hose inspected and replaced as necessary.
Vehicles affected
3 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given

Rear wheels may loosen

Launched 25 April 2008 DVSA recall R/2008/066 Manufacturer ref. R78027

Defect
It has been identified that on the subject vehicles the rear wheel studs may be of an incorrect size. This in rare cases may during particular forms of low speed manoeuvring result in the wheel becoming loose.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the rear wheel studs inspected and changed to a modified type as necessary.
Vehicles affected
260 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given
Also covers

Reduced braking performance

Launched 5 March 2008 DVSA recall R/2008/040

Defect
It has been identified that internal leakage of the brake master cylinder could occur. Should this be the case the driver may experience reduced braking performance whilst applying and maintaining force on the brake pedal.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the brake master cylinder inspected and possibly replaced. At the same time the brake fluid reservoir will be checked and the affected pipes cleansed.
Vehicles affected
2 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given

Engine fuel pump may fail

Launched 21 January 2008 DVSA recall R/2008/013

Defect
It has been identified that long term exposure to salt or wet conditions may lead to internal corrosion of the fuel pump electronic module. A faulty signal from the module may lead to incorrect amounts or no fuel being delivered to the fuel pump.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the fuel pump module replaced.
Vehicles affected
3,062 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given
Also covers

2007 1 recall

Braking performance may be affected

Launched 29 November 2007 DVSA recall R/2007/176

Defect
Brake servo assistance from the vacuum pump may be reduced under certain cold start conditions. The brakes will still function but more pressure on the pedal will be required than normal.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a modified non-return valve to the vacuum pump.
Vehicles affected
10,871 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given
Also covers

2006 2 recalls

Engine may fail

Launched 14 December 2006 DVSA recall R/2007/006

Defect
It has been identified that due to a possible communication error between the Central Electronic Module (CEM)and the Engine Control Module (ECM) the engine may over run and break down.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have new software downloaded into the CEM
Vehicles affected
1 S40 vehicle
Built
Build dates not given

Fuel may leak - possibility of fire

Launched 15 May 2006 DVSA recall R/2006/090

Defect
It has been identified that the fuel line is sensitive to the extreme temperatures that occur in the area where the turbo and exhaust manifold are located. This can result in a fuel leak a non-start and in extreme cases a fire.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the existing fuel line replaced with one made from Teflon which is capable of withstanding the extreme temperatures encountered.
Vehicles affected
932 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given
Also covers

2005 1 recall

Windscreen may separate from support areas on impact

Launched 2 March 2005 DVSA recall R/2005/046

Defect
Internal test have shown that due to contamination of the windscreen primer if the vehicle is subject to an impact the windsceen may separate from the support area of the roof and pillars.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected inspect and where necessary replace the windscreen
Vehicles affected
234 across everything the recall covers
Built
30 Nov 2004 to 6 Dec 2004
Also covers

2003 2 recalls

Possible fuel leak

Launched 17 November 2003 DVSA recall R/2003/173 Manufacturer ref. R23057

Defect
The engine fuel rail may leak and cause drivability disturbances and a fuel leak
Remedy
Recall affected vehicles and secure fuel rail end cover with a V- clamp
Vehicles affected
8,212 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given
Also covers

Detachable tow bar may work loose

Launched 10 January 2003 DVSA recall R/2003/008 Manufacturer ref. R82056

Defect
Under certain conditions the detachable tow bar may work loose resulting in the tow bar becoming detached from the vehicle.
Remedy
Replace the tow ball and housing with a calibrated unit.
Vehicles affected
1,042 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given
Also covers

2002 4 recalls

Detachable tow bar may work loose

Launched 11 July 2002 DVSA recall R/2002/097 Manufacturer ref. R82055

Defect
A combination of internal and external forces caused the towball to prematurelydetach itself from the towball housing resulting in separation of the trailer from the drawing unit.
Remedy
All towballs and housing will initially be modified and then replaced with calibrated units at a later date.
Vehicles affected
1,042 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given
Also covers

Air bag mounting may loosen

Launched 2 July 2002 DVSA recall R/2002/089 Manufacturer ref. R62054

Defect
Part of the horn operating mechanism may foul the drivers air bag module and cause it to become loose on its mounting.
Remedy
Replace the air bag mounting plate.
Vehicles affected
1,696 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given
Also covers

Auxiliary drive belt concern

Launched 14 May 2002 DVSA recall R/2002/054 Manufacturer ref. R21124

Defect
A fault in the alternator drive pulley may cause the auxiliary drive belt to break which would result in a loss of power assistance to the steering. A broken drive belt may also damage the cambelt and cause engine failure.
Remedy
Fit a modified alternator drive pulley
Vehicles affected
2,372 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Jan 1999 to 31 Dec 2000
Also covers

Brake vacuum pump concern

Launched 14 May 2002 DVSA recall R/2002/053 Manufacturer ref. R21125

Defect
The brake vacuum pump may fail and cause a reduction in brake servo assistance. This will make the brake pedal heavy to operate.
Remedy
Fit a modified brake vacuum pump.
Vehicles affected
1,551 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Jan 1999 to 31 Dec 2000
Also covers

2001 1 recall

Possible failure of demist/defrost system

Launched 14 June 2001 DVSA recall R/2001/074 Manufacturer ref. R31028

Defect
A diode in the climate control system may not be sufficiently durable. In consequence the fan may stop working resulting in failure of the demist/defrost system.
Remedy
Affected vehicles are being recalled for the installation of an additional heater fan cable harness which includes a climate control diode.
Vehicles affected
11,379 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Jan 2001 to 31 Dec 2001
Also covers

1999 1 recall

Brake caliper concern

Launched 18 November 1999 DVSA recall R/1999/100

Defect
Some front brake calipers on the affected vehicles may have been manufactured using an incorrect material and may crack and leak under heavy load.
Remedy
Recall potentially affected vehicles and replace all front brake calipers that are found to be in the suspect range.
Vehicles affected
1,178 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Jan 2000 to 31 Dec 2000
Also covers

Data sources and methodology

Datasets used on this page
Figures Source Period Records Updated
Safety recalls Vehicle safety recalls Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Derived statistics UK Motoring 		January 1992 to September 2026 32 recalls matched to this model 15 September 2026
  • Road vehicle recalls (DVSA numbers starting R/) whose model names match the Volvo S40. DVSA records some recalls under a range or chassis name we cannot match, so this list may be incomplete.
  • Vehicles affected is the number the manufacturer reported to DVSA. When one recall covers several models, DVSA often gives only the total.
  • Build dates are the periods the manufacturer gave. Some recalls have none. VINs are not shown.
  • Concerns written in capitals have been put in sentence case, and apostrophes lost in DVSA’s file have been put back. The text is otherwise DVSA’s.
How we calculate these figures All data sources

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.