2010 Volvo S40 problems
The Volvo S40 is a series of subcompact executive cars marketed and produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1995 to 2012, offered as a more mainstream alternative to the compact executive Volvo S60 to compete in a lower pricing bracket. The S40 was more or less positioned against premium-leaning small family cars like the Volkswagen Jetta as well as some mass-market large family cars.
The first generation (1995–2004) was introduced in 1995 with the S40 (S from saloon) and V40 (V from versatility, estate) cars.
The second generation (2004–2012) was released in 2004, and the estate variant's name changed to V50.
The range was replaced by the Volvo V40 five door hatchback in 2012.
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Common 2010 Volvo S40 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2010 Volvo S40, several common problems have been reported:
- Exterior Accessories Problems:
- Complaints include issues like a loose or wobbly key in the ignition slot, which can be attributed to the design of the plastic key and its placement on the dashboard. This problem may require replacing the key and the ignition slot mechanism.
- Leaking Sunroof:
- Owners have reported water leaks through the sunroof seams, leading to musty smells or water damage inside the car. This problem is often caused by blocked drainage channels around the sunroof, which can be resolved by cleaning the channels to allow proper water drainage.
- Braking Issues:
- Some complaints involve extended braking distances, potentially leading to safety concerns. This problem is commonly linked to brake rotor issues, necessitating the replacement of brake rotors to restore proper braking performance and safety.
- Creaking Seats:
- Excessive creaking in the front seats of the S40 is a known issue, often misdiagnosed as a problem with the runners when, in fact, it is internal damage within the seats themselves. The recommended solution is to replace the affected seats with newer ones to address this issue.
- Drivetrain Problems:
- Owners have reported drivetrain issues with the 2010 Volvo S40, which can impact the vehicle's performance and drivability. Specific details about these drivetrain problems are not extensively covered in the provided sources.
These common problems with the 2010 Volvo S40 highlight various issues that owners have faced, ranging from electrical malfunctions to comfort-related concerns like creaking seats. Addressing these problems promptly and accurately is crucial to maintaining the vehicle's performance and safety.
Are Volvo S40 reliable?
The Volvo S40 is generally considered a reliable vehicle because of its decent ownership costs, great gas mileage, and above-average consumer ratings. Many owners of the S40 rarely bring in their vehicles for major repairs.
What is the common fault on Volvo S40?
Poor engine idling
The throttle body can get blocked up on this car. If it is blocked then you will be finding that the engine is idling badly. It could either have low or high idling, erratic idling, which are clear indications for this failure.
How many miles does a 2010 Volvo S40 last?
That being said, Volvo Cars is among the top brands when it comes to longevity. Among the factors mentioned above, regular maintenance and driving style can make a huge difference. Overall, expect to see your Volvo vehicle last for over 200,000 miles if you give it proper care each year.
How many miles can you put on a Volvo S40?
The estimated lifespan of a Volvo S40 is 286,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
Are Volvo S40 reliable?
The Volvo S40 is generally considered a reliable vehicle because of its decent ownership costs, great gas mileage, and above-average consumer ratings. Many owners of the S40 rarely bring in their vehicles for major repairs.
What is the common fault on Volvo S40?
Poor engine idling
The throttle body can get blocked up on this car. If it is blocked then you will be finding that the engine is idling badly. It could either have low or high idling, erratic idling, which are clear indications for this failure.
How many miles does a 2010 Volvo S40 last?
That being said, Volvo Cars is among the top brands when it comes to longevity. Among the factors mentioned above, regular maintenance and driving style can make a huge difference. Overall, expect to see your Volvo vehicle last for over 200,000 miles if you give it proper care each year.
Why did Volvo stop making the S40?
Volvo will stop selling its mid-size sedan, the S40, and its station wagon “twin”, the V50, in the USA during the 2012 MY. The reason? You guessed it; poor sales.
2010 Volvo S40 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo S40 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2010 Volvo S40 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2010 Volvo S40 complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2010 Volvo S40.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV1390MSXA2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: I got into a car accident today. The electrical wiring is constantly giving out and I had no idea my airbags wouldn't work until today when they did not deploy. My car hit the other car enough to move it several feet and no airbags.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-02
- VIN: YV1382MSXA2
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The adhesive and seal on the entire top of my windshield has failed. The glass is shaking while driving and rattles severely if a small bump is driven over on the road. This is a huge safety concern since my window could break or fall off at any given moment.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-02
- VIN: YV1672MS5A2
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The windshield is coming unglued at the top center and right . I am concerned that the windshield could come out on the highway, I plan to contact a windshield shop and see if they can repair it.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-20
- VIN: YV1672MH7A2
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING 65MPH ON HIGHWAY 101, JUST SOUTH OF WILLITS, CALIFORNIA, WHEN MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND AND IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO FIGURE OUT WHAT JUST HAPPENED. I COULD SEE THAT MY SUNROOF WAS MOSTLY GONE AND THERE WAS PIECES OF GLASS FALLING ON ME. I CALLED MY HUSBAND TO HELP CALM ME DOWN, AS MY HEART WAS RACING AND I WAS SHAKING. I PUT MY HAZARDS ON AN PULLED OVER A LITTLE MORE FOR SAFETY. JUST THEN I NOTICED A MAN WALKING TOWARD ME FROM FURTHER UP THE HIGHWAY. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND COULD HEAR THE CONVERSATION THAT THE MAN WAS HAVING WHILE ON HIS PHONE. WHEN HE HUNG UP THE PHONE, HE STATED THE HE CALLED 911. THE MAN EXPLAINED THAT HE WAS PASSING ME AND WITNESSED WHAT LOOKED LIKE ICE COMING UP OUT OF MY SUNROOF AND IT HIT HIS CAR. THE MAN WAS VISIBLY UPSET, BUT COULD SEE THAT I WAS NOT AT FAULT, AND ACTED APPROPRIATELY. THE MAN SAID THAT THE GLASS HAD CHIPPED THE CAR THAT HE WAS DRIVING. HE APPEARED AS SURPRISED AS I WAS ABOUT THE SITUATION. THE MAN HELPED ME TO PICK UP THE LOOSE GLASS AND THE GLASS ON MY SEATS. HE THEN SUGGESTED MOVING UP THE ROAD A FEW HUNDRED FEET WHERE HE WAS PULLED OFF, AS THE HIGHWAY PATROL WERE IN ROUTE. THE HP MADE SURE THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND ASKED THAT WE EXCHANGE INSURANCE. WE BOTH TOOK PICTURES, I GAVE MY INFORMATION TO ONE OF THE CHP OFFICERS AND DROVE HOME. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY. WHEN EXPLAINING WHAT HAPPENED TO THE AGENT HE STATED THAT HE HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING, WHICH PROMPTED ME TO RESEARCH "EXPLODING WINDSHIELDS" AND LED ME TO SEVERAL ARTICLES ON THE MATTER. I AM NOW RESPONSIBLE FOR NOT ONLY FIXING MY CAR, BUT ALSO THE PAINT JOB ON THE CAR OF GENTLEMAN WHO WAS PASSING ME ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT OCCURRED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-02
- VIN: YV1382MS0A2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AS THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS STUCK IN NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF ANY WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATING. THE DEALER ALAN BYERS (1230 W GENESEE ST, SYRACUSE, NY 13204) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE ONLINE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V255000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE RECALL COULD NOT BE FOUND IN THEIR SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER WAS: R227. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED A YEAR AGO, AND WAS CORRECTED BY AAA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-08
- VIN: YV1382MS1A2
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: I WAS PROMPTED TO ADD AIR TO MY FRONT TIRE DUE TO THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMING ON. AFTER I ADDED AIR I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE TIRE VALVE CAP BACK ON THE WHEEL AND IT BEGAN FORCEFULLY BLOWING OUT AIR. I ATTEMPTED AGAIN TO SECURE THE CAP AND THE VALVE STEM SENSOR CAME OUT OF THE VALVE STEM COMPLETELY. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY RISK, AND I AM NOW CONCERNED THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. I URGE VOLVO TO HONOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THEIR FAULTY TIRE STEM VALVES IMMEDIATELY
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-31
- VIN: YV1382MS2A2
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH OWN 2010 VOLVOS. MINE IS S40, HIS XC60. WE HAVE BOTH HAD LEAKS RELATING TO FAULTY SUNROOF DRAIN. DEALER REPAIRED AND REPLACED FOR MY HUSBAND AT NO COST, BUT FOUGHT WITH ME - BECAUSE I AM A WOMAN - UNTIL MY HUSBAND CAME WITH ME TO DEALERSHIP. EVEN THOUGH THEY ULTIMATELY FIXED THE SUNROOF DRAIN, THERE IS STILL THE STENCH OF MOLD OR MILDEW IN MY CAR. MY HUSBAND ALSO HAD A LEAK DEVELOP IN HIS WINDSHIELD. DEALER TOLD HIM THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY COATING ON WINDSHIELDS THIS MODEL YEAR AND THEY REPLACED HIS WINDSHIELD AT NO COST. JUST NOW, I WAS OUT DRIVING, IT STARTED RAINING, AND WATER STARTED POURING IN THROUGH MY WINDSHIELD. (LUCKILY I WAS JUST ARRIVING AT MY DESTINATION, AND I WAS ABLE TO WAIT UNTIL THE RAIN SUBSIDED BEFORE DRIVING HOME, BECAUSE THERE WERE MULTIPLE STEADY STREAMS OF WATER POURING ON TO ME AND THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE RAIN WAS AT ITS PEAK.) APPARENTLY MY WINDSHIELD HAS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT MY HUSBAND'S HAD. I KNOW THERE IS ALREADY A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BREWING ABOUT THE LEAKY SUNROOF DRAIN, AND I SEE THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ONLINE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS. I ALSO SEE THAT THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE ONLINE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE WINDSHIELD LEAK. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. HOW CAN VOLVO KNOWINGLY LET BUYERS OF ITS CARS DRIVE AROUND KNOWING THAT THEY ARE IN DANGER OF HAVING RAIN POUR IN ON THEM AS THEY ARE DRIVING? OR THAT THE INTERIORS OF THEIR CARS WILL BE SOAKED AND POLLUTED WITH MOLD AND MILDEW? IS NHTSA GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS????
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-20
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEATBELT BUCKLES STICK WHEN TRYING TO EJECT. THE BUCKLE CLASPS HAVE TO BE PUSHED DOWN AND WIGGLED A FEW TIMES TO UNCLASP. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO EXIT THE CAR QUICKLY. THIS IS ALL BELTS IN THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE. *TR
2010 Volvo S40 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2010 Volvo S40.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER FRONT PASSENGER SEATS. THE FRONT SEAT RAIL'S DETECTION SYSTEM WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY AND MAY PERMIT THE PASSENGER TO FORWARD THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM.
- Consequence: POSITIONING OF THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM CAN CAUSE INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT POWER SEAT STOPS FOR BOTH FRONT SEATS FOR THE PRESENCE OF AN "END STOP" AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR AT [email protected].
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
- Summary: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
- Consequence: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
- Remedy: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
Negative 2010 Volvo S40 car reviews
Positive 2010 Volvo S40 car reviews
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Fun to drive! Plenty of pep. Handles like a dream.
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This car is great! It handles the lumps and bumps of New Jersey's winter worn roads with ease. I love the great pick-up and the nimble way it handles! The clutch shifts smoothly and is extremely easy to. The instrument panel is simple to use as it is very logically designed. I am really enjoying this car and am so glad I made the choice to purchase it.
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I bought the S40 a couple of months ago and I really like it. European cars are always the best!
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This is my third Volvo and I continue to enjoy driving it. I was in a serious accident with my previous Volvo, but thanks to its safety features, my child and I walked away relatively unhurt. That's why I believe in the safety and peace of mind that comes with owning a Volvo. Although the 2009 model is more expensive, the standard equipment is fantastic and the warranty and maintenance plans make it a great value compared to lower-priced competitors. I'm a Volvo fan for life!
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The VOLVO S40 AWD Turbo is awesome. I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying every mile you've driven so far. It drives and handles really well, and it's such an attractive looking car. I highly recommend the VOLVO S40. It's truly a great driving experience.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2010 Volvo S40 problems:
Volvo S40 Reliability and Common Problems - In The Garage with ...
Jan 20, 2024 ... RepairPal gives the model a 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it third out of 17 luxury compact cars. Meanwhile, the 2006 and 2010 model years received an ...
2010 Volvo S40 Q&A: Common Problems & Shaking Issues
Jul 29, 2022 ... I have a 2010 Volvo s40, when driving down the road I have a vibration only when on the gas pedal. When I let go of the - Answered by a ...
Volvo S40 Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top Volvo S40 Problems · Right Front Engine Mount May Wear and Cause Vibration at Idle. 64 people have reported this · Problems With Starter Control Modules · " ...
2010 S40 T5 AWD - To buy or not to buy? | SwedeSpeed - Volvo ...
Mar 31, 2014 ... I have a 2009 T5 AWD with just over 75K miles...had a few issues while under warranty but nothing major. Happy with the reliability so far. I ...
2.4 common problems? : r/Volvo
Jun 9, 2022 ... Is there a definitive difference in reliability between the S40 and V50? ... Sorry for the double comment, but I'm seeing more than a few 2010 ...
Other years of Volvo S40
Are you having problems with your 2010 Volvo S40?
Tremaine Moore 2024-05-09
The car looks great and performs well on the road. However, we have experienced some issues with this car that we have not encountered with other new cars we have owned. We had to replace the rotors at approximately 18K miles, which unfortunately was not covered under warranty. We also had to have the car aligned at 22K and replace the tires due to a bad alignment, which caused the tires to toe out and cup, resulting in a terrible road roar. The battery went dead after 2 years, and the only thing covered by the 4-year warranty was the battery. Overall, owning this car has been expensive. We have decided not to purchase another Volvo due to these issues. Additionally, the back seat(s) provide a rough ride.
Foster Wuckert 2024-04-27
Avoid purchasing this car. I made the mistake of buying a Volvo in 2009 when my daughter was born, selling my reliable 1.7 Puma. Unfortunately, the engine failed just over two years later. Despite having my second-year service late, Volvo voided the warranty and their customer care team refused to speak with me. Even after spending £6,000 on a new engine, it failed in the same way as the previous one just seven days later. Upon researching the engine, I discovered it to be of poor quality.
Guy Gerhold 2024-03-08
I have owned my S40 since 2010. Unfortunately, last week I hit a pothole which resulted in an engine failure. Although the oil was lost immediately, the oil pan was not affected. Despite my disappointment, it appears that Farmers will not cover the claim. After researching online, I found very few options available and the premiums were very high. However, I remain confident that I will find a suitable solution.