2004 Volvo V40 problems
The Volvo V40 is a small family car (C-segment in Europe) manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars from 2012 to 2019. It was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and was on sale in Europe between 2012 and 2019.
Models
V40
The V40 was designed by American Chris Benjamin, the interior is the work of Pontus Fontaeus, and was the last Volvo to be designed under Steve Mattin, before he departed the company. It is built on the Global C platform with modifications to the electric power steering, and revised spring and damper settings.
The engine lineup at launch are: two petrol engines; a 1.6 litre EcoBoost I4 producing either 150 or 180 hp, dependent on specification, and a 2.5 litre Volvo B525 I5 producing 254 hp, and two diesel engines; a 1.6 litre PSA Peugeot Citroën / Ford Duratorq engine, which produces 115 hp, whilst only emitting 94 g/km of CO2, and a 2.0 litre I5 Volvo diesel engine available in two versions, 150 hp and 177 hp. In some countries, the V40 T5 uses a 2.0 litre I5 (B5204T9) producing 213 hp @ 6000 rpm and 300 nm from 2,700 to 5,000 rpm.
From the model year of 2014, Volvo has begun fitting its in-house developed Drive E (VEA) diesel and petrol engines to the V40. As of January 2015, these engines are available in the new V40 D4 (replacing the previous five cylinder D4) and V40 T5 (replacing the petrol five cylinder T5). Also available is the IntelliSafe safety precrash system.
Available in both the V40 and V40 Cross Country bodies, the D4 Drive E includes a four-cylinder twin turbo diesel engine rated 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp) and 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft), a six speed manual transmission tuned for improved fuel economy, pressure feedback from each fuel injector, reduced friction, and a smart valve solution on the cooling system for a more rapid heat up phase after a cold start.
The T5 Drive-E includes a four-cylinder turbo petrol engine rated 243 PS (179 kW; 240 hp) and 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft), with eight speed automatic transmission.
These new engines replace the older, but identically branded, five cylinder engines. After introduction of the VEA D4 and T5, the 1.6 D2 and 2.0 five cylinder D3 are replaced with VEA 2.0 D2 and D3 engines. The 1.6 EcoBoost and 2.0 five cylinder are replaced with VEA 2.0 T2, T3, and T4 engines. For some petrol automatic models, a de stroked version of the VEA 2.0, with 1.5 litre displacement, is used for T2 and T3.
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Common 2004 Volvo V40 problems
The 2004 Volvo V40 has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. One of the most frequently mentioned issues is a loose airbag mounting, which is caused by a defect in the horn operating mechanism. This problem can be resolved by replacing the airbag mounting plate, which can be found on the parts list.
Another common problem with the 2004 Volvo V40 is poor engine idling, which is caused by a build-up of carbon in several parts, including the MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor, ICV (Idle Control Valve), and throttle body. This issue can be resolved by cleaning these parts with a toothbrush and a cleaner such as MAF sensor cleaner or throttle body cleaner.
The boot seals of the 2004 Volvo V40 are also prone to leaking, particularly in the spare wheel well. This issue can be resolved by removing the black boot seal and applying sealer before refitting the seals. If the water damage is not too bad, the carpets and spare wheel well can be dried out and any water can be emptied.
The EGR (Exhaust Gas Re-circulation) valve on the 2004 Volvo V40 can become blocked, leading to a lack of power, poor acceleration, and issues with idling. This issue can be resolved by cleaning out the current EGR valve with a toothbrush and some carb cleaner. If a replacement part is needed, it can be found at a low price.
In addition to these common problems, the 2004 Volvo V40 has also been reported to have issues with rattling dashboards and electrical faults, particularly in early models.
Overall, while the 2004 Volvo V40 has several common problems, many of these issues can be resolved with simple maintenance and repairs. However, it is important for owners to be aware of these issues and to take steps to address them in order to ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicle.
What are the common faults with a Volvo V40?
A number of Volvo V40 owners have reported a droning noise from their front brakes every time the pedal is pressed. The V40 isn't immune to the odd cabin leak, too, which can cause a musty smell. And Volvo V40 starting problems can often be traced to a broken exhaust valve spring.
Is the Volvo V40 a reliable car?
The V40 didn't feature in our most recent reliability survey. However, in the last one it did feature in, it finished in sixth place out of the class of 37 family cars with a diesel engine and 20th place if it had a petrol engine.
How many miles can a Volvo V40 last?
What is Volvo V40 lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Volvo V40 is 258,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
Is Volvo V40 expensive to maintain?
My first year service back in the day of my 68 plate V40 Momentum Nav Plus (1.5 petrol Geartronic) was £285, which was the most expensive car I had ever serviced. Previous cars they were about £100 cheaper on average to service from the dealer. It was a lease, so had to use main dealer.
What are the common faults with a Volvo V40?
A number of Volvo V40 owners have reported a droning noise from their front brakes every time the pedal is pressed. The V40 isn't immune to the odd cabin leak, too, which can cause a musty smell. And Volvo V40 starting problems can often be traced to a broken exhaust valve spring.
Is the Volvo V40 a reliable car?
The V40 didn't feature in our most recent reliability survey. However, in the last one it did feature in, it finished in sixth place out of the class of 37 family cars with a diesel engine and 20th place if it had a petrol engine.
Is Volvo V40 expensive to maintain?
My first year service back in the day of my 68 plate V40 Momentum Nav Plus (1.5 petrol Geartronic) was £285, which was the most expensive car I had ever serviced. Previous cars they were about £100 cheaper on average to service from the dealer. It was a lease, so had to use main dealer.
What is the fuel efficiency of the Volvo V40 2004?
Based on data from 9 vehicles, 392 fuel-ups and 119,882 miles of driving, the 2004 Volvo V40 gets a combined Avg MPG of 24.53 with a 0.48 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 53 outliers (11.91%) removed.
2004 Volvo V40 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo V40 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Air bags problems
- Structure problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Volvo V40 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2004 Volvo V40 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Volvo V40.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-18
- VIN: YV1VW275X4F
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO V40. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-10
- VIN: YV1VW27564F
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG HAS FAILED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE COST OF REPAIR WILL BE AROUND $900.00 THE CAR WAS PURCHASED 4 YEARS AGO. THAT IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR FOR A RELATIVELY YOUNG VEHICLE. I ASKED THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT MY AUTHORIZED VOLVO REPAIR SHOP IF I SHOULD EXPECT THE RIGHT SIDE TO FAIL AS SOON AS I REPAIR THE LEFT ONE. HE SAID "NO, THE RIGHT NEVER GOES OUT." "I HAD ONE IN JUST LAST WEEK- EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS YOURS." *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-23
- VIN: YV1V27584F0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DT: CONSUMER STATES WHEN THERE IS A SUN GLARE ON THE DASHBOARD THERE ISN'T ENOUGH ILLUMINATION. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE INSTRUMENTS ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED A FLASH LIGHT MUST BE USED TO SEE THE INSTRUMENTS ON THE PANEL. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-13
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV1VW27534F
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ON APRIL 13, 2005 AT APPROXIMATELY 4 PM, I WAS BACKING MY V40 VOLVO 2004 WAGON OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT THE KOSSMAN GARAGE, LIBERTY AVENUE,PITTSBURGH, PA, GOING SLOWLY BECAUSE IT WAS A TIGHT SPACE, WHEN MY BRAKES DID NOT WORK, AT ALL. DESPITE PUSHING MY BRAKES AS FAR AS THEY WOULD GO, THE CAR DID NOT STOP, AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE SUPPORT BEAM, CRASHING IN THE ENTIRE BACK WINDOW AND DENTING THE BACK BUMPER VERTICALLY WHERE THE TALL CONCRETE BEAM HIT IT. THANK GOODNESS, NO PEOPLE WERE HURT, AND I WAS NOT INJURED EITHER. NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE DAMAGED, BECAUSE THE BEAM WAS DIRECTLY BEHIND ME, THANK GOODNESS. THE VOLVO HEADQUARTERS INSPECTED THE CAR AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG, BUT THERE WAS INDEED SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. THROUGH MY INSURER, AMICA, I BECAME AWARE OF THE REPORTED HYDRAULICS PRO BLEM WITH BRAKES ON CERTAIN V40 VOLVO 2004 CARS. I ALSO FOUND A WEBSITE SHOWING A NOVEMBER, 2004 RECALL NOTICE REQUIRED TO BE SENT BY THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT TO OWNERS OF SUCH VEHILCES, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED SUCH A NOTICE. WHAT IS MORE, EVEN AFTER MY ACCIDENT, THE COMPANY HAS NEVER TOLD ME OF SUCH A PROBLEM. I FOUND OUT TODAY ABOUT THIS, THANKS TO MY INSURER WHO RESEARCHED THIS. THE CAR IS NOW BEING REPAIRED, AT MY AND MY INSURERS EXPENSE, ALTHOUGH IT MAY BE DUE TO THE FAULTY BRAKES NOTED IN THE RECALL. I THINK THERE IS SOME RESPONSE NEEDED FROM VOLVO FOR NOT INFORMING ME OF THIS RECALL, FOR INDICATING IT WAS MY FAULT, AND FOR NOT BEING WILLING TO EVEN SEND ME A MEMO BASED ON THEIR EVALUATION OF MY CAR. MY INSURER IS ALSO WANTING TO KNOW WHAT THEIR RESPONSE IS.
2004 Volvo V40 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2004 Volvo V40.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NON-RETURN VALVE MAY CRACK DUE TO A POOR WELD CAUSING A VACUUM LEAK.
- Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, MORE BRAKE PEDAL FORCE MAY BE REQUIRED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND/OR MAY EXPERIENCE A ROUGH ENGINE IDLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE VACUUM HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS, THERE MAY BE A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FUEL RAIL DUE TO INADEQUATE WELDING.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A V-CLAMP TO THE FUEL RAIL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WAS NOT INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES AND, IN CERTAIN CASES, THE OWNER'S MANUAL ISOFIX INFORMATION IS INCORRECT.
- Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL RECEIVE A LETTER/PACKAGE CONSISTING OF THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, AND IN CERTAIN CASES, THE CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL MAY BE PROVIDED. IF THE OWNER WANTS TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A VOLVO DEALER FOR INSTALLATION OF THE GUIDE, IT WILL BE PERFORMED AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Negative 2004 Volvo V40 car reviews
Positive 2004 Volvo V40 car reviews
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It sounds like you've got a great car! It's almost as heavy as your old '95 850T, which had 210000 on it, and it handles like a larger car. With the turbo engine, it has a lot of zip, and it can even U-turn in just 3 lanes. Plus, there's plenty of room for a bike, wheelchair, or lots of luggage. While the middle seat is a bit short, it's not as bad as some other compact wagons.
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It's great to hear that you're enjoying your car! While it may be a bit tight, the new model promises to be bigger and even better. It's wonderful to hear that you got a great deal on it, with a warranty of 100,000 miles. It definitely has more style and zoom than a Honda Accord or new Civic. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us!
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We always pictured Volvos as boxy, boring cars. I was really surprised when a friend recommended this car and once we saw it, we were pleasantly surprised. The fit and finish is really very good, as is the power and space, and especially the safety and security features. If Volvo is aiming this car towards the younger generation and first-time parents, they are definitely on the right track.
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This car is so much fun to drive! It may be small, but it can handle large loads with ease. The steering is tight and responsive, making it a joy to manoeuvre. Plus, it looks sleek and solid.
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I bought my new V40 and had it specially built for me. These cars are not even available in the states yet. It's an absolutely fabulous automobile. Highly recommended!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Volvo V40 problems:
Common Problems with 2004 Volvo V40: Q&A for V40 Turbo ...
Jun 26, 2014 ... The CVVT hub also occasionally leaks oil. The transmission is very reliable. I haven't seen any common issues with it. I've seen a couple axles ...
S40 Common Problems? - Volvo Forums - Volvo Enthusiasts Forum
Mar 10, 2008 ... S40 Common Problems? · 1. Soft metal rotors which wear deep grooves quickly (mine were deep at 31k miles). · 2. Soft pads which wear out quickly ...
1996-2004 S40 & V40 Buyer's guide - What to look out for? - Volvo ...
Aug 18, 2012 ... 1996-2004 S40 & V40 ... S40 / V40 '96-'04 General Forum for the Volvo S40 and V40 (Classic) Series from 1995-2004. ... This is a known issue with ...
Common Problems with 2000 S40 | SwedeSpeed - Volvo ...
Sep 16, 2005 ... Check with the dealer. 2011 Audi S4 - Imola Yellow/Black Alcantara 2004 S60R 6MT - Passion Red/Nordkap (sold)
Volvo S40 Reliability Question : r/Volvo
Apr 21, 2016 ... Volvo S40 Reliability Question. Hi Volvo redditors. I'm looking for a new car and I really like the 2005-20xx S40's, I believe that's P2. How ...
Other years of Volvo V40
Are you having problems with your 2004 Volvo V40?
Arjun Treutel 2025-01-08
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share some feedback on my experience with the vehicle. While it has a great appearance, I found that the seats were uncomfortable during longer drives. Additionally, the back seats were a bit small for my needs. Unfortunately, I also experienced some issues with the front end suspension shortly after purchasing the vehicle. Overall, I'm looking forward to the end of my lease, but I appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback. Thank you!
Porter Hand 2024-05-11
My car has been a bit of a nightmare. During the warranty period, it needed three repairs, including one time when it broke down and had to be towed to a repair shop. Unfortunately, things only got worse after the warranty expired. The car seems to have been designed to make it difficult for owners to repair themselves, which has turned out to be a financial disaster for me. Now, at six years old with 73,000 miles on the clock, it has a serious transmission problem that I simply can't afford to fix. It's frustrating because there are so many manufacturing defects and design flaws that make it a real headache to own. I even had the chance to drive the S40 and V50 while my car was in the shop, but they were even worse! I really regret getting into this Volvo bondage.