FaultScore

FaultScore report

2008 Volvo S40 problems

Owners have filed 27 complaints about the 2008 Volvo S40 with NHTSA between 2010 and 2022. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 11 worst.

C

FaultScore 43/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Volvo S40.

How this is worked out

The numbers

27

Complaints

11

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries reported

73,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

5%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 22 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 8 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 22
Against the median year of the Volvo S40. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
55.6% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 8
5% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2008 compares with every other Volvo S40

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2008 Volvo S40

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Steering 4 14.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 79,000 mi

Electrical System 4 14.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 69,900 mi

Engine & Cooling 4 14.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 77,800 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 3 11.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 73,000 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 3 11.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 61,000 mi

Suspension 2 7.4%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 123,000 mi

Airbags 2 7.4%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 98,000 mi

Other & Unspecified 1 3.7%
Stability & Traction Control 1 3.7%

Median failure at 69,000 miles

Seats 1 3.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 123,000 mi

Wheels 1 3.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 79,000 mi

Tires 1 3.7%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

10,000 – 24,999 miles 1 4.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 10 47.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 4 19.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 5 23.8%
150,000+ miles 1 4.8%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.

Frontal crash test of a 2008 Volvo S40 4-DR. w/SAB

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2008 Volvo S40 4-DR. w/SAB

Side barrier crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2008 Volvo S40 4-DR. w/SAB
11.1% risk

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Feb 2010 peak 3 Jun 2022

Recalls on the 2008 Volvo S40

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2010396 87 units in Canada

Accessories

On certain vehicles, there is a possibility of overheating issues of batteries in the Garmin nüvi® 760 when certain batteries manufactured within a limited date code range are used in certain Garmin nüvi® 760 models with a specific printed circuit board (PCB) design. The interaction of these factors can, in some circumstances, increase the possibility of overheating, which may lead to a fire. Correction: Dealers will direct customers who have an affected unit to the Garmin Web site, which explains how to verify if their units are involved and includes procedures to follow for product exchange.

Recall 2008260 264 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles, an improperly manufactured power steering return hose may suddenly rupture, causing a fluid leak. An unexpected loss of steering power assist may result in a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the power steering return line assembly.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Saint Paul, MN Crash

SUSPENSION

After buying the vehicle on 7/9/21, the car started having problems with the cooling system. I took it to a repair shop and they said the cooling system was overfilled. The air problem continued. I took it back to the dealership who said they fixed it but it continued. I contacted the prior Manufactuer service center who informed me the computer chip was recommended to be replaced when the dealer had it serviced but they declined, causing all the electrical and cooling issues. I called the dealer and they said they had the alarm disconnected also which was why the computer system wasn't working. The alarm system doesn't work and I have had to replace the key fob 3 times. I took it to another repair shop who diagnosed the following as permanent failure codes: 6 CEM codes, 1 ECM code, 6 SRS codes, 2 DIM codes, 11 CEM-HS codes, passenger and driver door codes, 4 climate control codes, 1EPS code, 4 SWM codes, DD11, all of which are safety hazards.

NHTSA complaint #11428519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Paul, MN Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

After buying the vehicle on 7/9/21, the car started having problems with the cooling system. I took it to a repair shop and they said the cooling system was overfilled. The air problem continued. I took it back to the dealership who said they fixed it but it continued. I contacted the prior Manufactuer service center who informed me the computer chip was recommended to be replaced when the dealer had it serviced but they declined, causing all the electrical and cooling issues. I called the dealer and they said they had the alarm disconnected also which was why the computer system wasn't working. The alarm system doesn't work and I have had to replace the key fob 3 times. I took it to another repair shop who diagnosed the following as permanent failure codes: 6 CEM codes, 1 ECM code, 6 SRS codes, 2 DIM codes, 11 CEM-HS codes, passenger and driver door codes, 4 climate control codes, 1EPS code, 4 SWM codes, DD11, all of which are safety hazards.

NHTSA complaint #11428519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Paul, MN Crash

ENGINE

After buying the vehicle on 7/9/21, the car started having problems with the cooling system. I took it to a repair shop and they said the cooling system was overfilled. The air problem continued. I took it back to the dealership who said they fixed it but it continued. I contacted the prior Manufactuer service center who informed me the computer chip was recommended to be replaced when the dealer had it serviced but they declined, causing all the electrical and cooling issues. I called the dealer and they said they had the alarm disconnected also which was why the computer system wasn't working. The alarm system doesn't work and I have had to replace the key fob 3 times. I took it to another repair shop who diagnosed the following as permanent failure codes: 6 CEM codes, 1 ECM code, 6 SRS codes, 2 DIM codes, 11 CEM-HS codes, passenger and driver door codes, 4 climate control codes, 1EPS code, 4 SWM codes, DD11, all of which are safety hazards.

NHTSA complaint #11428519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 73,000 miles Houston, TX Crash

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS LEAKING WATER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS A WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT WATER MAY HAVE STOPPED THE AIR BAGS FROM DEPLOYING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

NHTSA complaint #10743995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 73,000 miles Houston, TX Crash

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS LEAKING WATER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS A WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT WATER MAY HAVE STOPPED THE AIR BAGS FROM DEPLOYING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

NHTSA complaint #10743995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Philadelphia, PA Crash

WHEELS

I WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN ROUTE AT NIGHT AROUND 730 AND A CAR WAS TRYING TO GET IN MY LINE AND I ASSUME THEY DID NOT SEE ME. I TRIED TO MOVE TO THE LEFT TO GET OUT OF THE WAY BUT MY STEERING WHEEL WAS SO TIGHT I COULD NOT VEER AWAY FROM THE CURB. DUE TO THIS I HAVE NUMEROUS REPAIRS THAT NEED TO BE PAID AND MY POWER STEERING WAS TIGHT FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, IT WAS ALMOST HARD FOR A STRONG MAN TO TURN THE WHEEL. I TRIED POWER STEERING FLUID WHEN I STARTED TO NOTICE THE PROBLEM AND IT DID NOT HELP.

NHTSA complaint #10678956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 133,000 miles Salt Lake City, UT

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2008 Volvo S40. The contact stated while his spouse was driving 70 MPH, the moon roof exploded. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.

NHTSA complaint #11467728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Paul, MN Crash

SUSPENSION

After buying the vehicle on 7/9/21, the car started having problems with the cooling system. I took it to a repair shop and they said the cooling system was overfilled. The air problem continued. I took it back to the dealership who said they fixed it but it continued. I contacted the prior Manufactuer service center who informed me the computer chip was recommended to be replaced when the dealer had it serviced but they declined, causing all the electrical and cooling issues. I called the dealer and they said they had the alarm disconnected also which was why the computer system wasn't working. The alarm system doesn't work and I have had to replace the key fob 3 times. I took it to another repair shop who diagnosed the following as permanent failure codes: 6 CEM codes, 1 ECM code, 6 SRS codes, 2 DIM codes, 11 CEM-HS codes, passenger and driver door codes, 4 climate control codes, 1EPS code, 4 SWM codes, DD11, all of which are safety hazards.

NHTSA complaint #11428519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Paul, MN Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

After buying the vehicle on 7/9/21, the car started having problems with the cooling system. I took it to a repair shop and they said the cooling system was overfilled. The air problem continued. I took it back to the dealership who said they fixed it but it continued. I contacted the prior Manufactuer service center who informed me the computer chip was recommended to be replaced when the dealer had it serviced but they declined, causing all the electrical and cooling issues. I called the dealer and they said they had the alarm disconnected also which was why the computer system wasn't working. The alarm system doesn't work and I have had to replace the key fob 3 times. I took it to another repair shop who diagnosed the following as permanent failure codes: 6 CEM codes, 1 ECM code, 6 SRS codes, 2 DIM codes, 11 CEM-HS codes, passenger and driver door codes, 4 climate control codes, 1EPS code, 4 SWM codes, DD11, all of which are safety hazards.

NHTSA complaint #11428519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Paul, MN Crash

ENGINE

After buying the vehicle on 7/9/21, the car started having problems with the cooling system. I took it to a repair shop and they said the cooling system was overfilled. The air problem continued. I took it back to the dealership who said they fixed it but it continued. I contacted the prior Manufactuer service center who informed me the computer chip was recommended to be replaced when the dealer had it serviced but they declined, causing all the electrical and cooling issues. I called the dealer and they said they had the alarm disconnected also which was why the computer system wasn't working. The alarm system doesn't work and I have had to replace the key fob 3 times. I took it to another repair shop who diagnosed the following as permanent failure codes: 6 CEM codes, 1 ECM code, 6 SRS codes, 2 DIM codes, 11 CEM-HS codes, passenger and driver door codes, 4 climate control codes, 1EPS code, 4 SWM codes, DD11, all of which are safety hazards.

NHTSA complaint #11428519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Abilene, TX

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER EXITING A STORE AND ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STATED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND TRY AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE AND THEN TO AUTOBAHN VOLVO FORT WORTH (2910 WHITE SETTLEMENT RD, FORT WORTH, TX 76107) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A STEERING COLUMN LOCK MODULE FAILURE AND AN BATTERY FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11310426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 191,000 miles Fairview Park, OH

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 191,000.

NHTSA complaint #11118496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,265 miles Swannanoa, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE AIR PUMP HAS A FAULTY SWITCH, STARTED RINGING WHEN I TURN THE ENGINE OFF. THE MECHANIC SAYS THE SWITCH ISN'T SHUTTING OFF CORRECTLY.

NHTSA complaint #10958042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Leominster, MA

TIRES:SIDEWALL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40 EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL EXTREMECONTACT DWS TIRES, SIZE: 205/50/17 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A SIDEWALL BLOW OUT AFTER DRIVING OVER GRAVEL IN THE ROAD. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION, BUMPER, AND ROCKER PANEL. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER, VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE, AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

NHTSA complaint #10918442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 69,000 miles Westmont, IL

STEERING

2008 S40, CAR WAS PLACED IN PARK AND TURNED OFF WHILE RUNNING ERRANDS, NO PROBLEMS. CAME OUT OF THE STORE AND PLACED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND RECEIVED THIS ERROR MESSAGE, "TURN STEERING, TRY START AGAIN." PRIOR TO THIS, THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY OPERABLE. REMOVED THE KEY AND INSERTED KEY INTO THE IGNITION AGAIN AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I NOTICED THE FOLLOWING: WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED TO 1 AND 2, ALL DASH LIGHT AND HEADLIGHTS COME ON. AT THREE, THE HEADLIGHTS GO OFF, THE ARM REST BUTTONS GO OFF AND ONLY CHECK ENGINE STAYS ON. ONCE THE KEY IS RELEASED, ALL INDICATORS AND HEADLIGHTS COME BACK ON. OBD SHOWS NO CODES. TURNED THE WHEEL ALL THE WAY LEFT AND RIGHT, MESSAGE PERSISTS. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE AND I HAD A MINOR CHILD WITH ME IN THE SCORCHING HEAT. HAD THE CAR TOWED AND SURPRISINGLY THE INDIVIDUAL TOWING THE CAR WAS A MECHANIC FOR YEARS AND STATED THE WHEEL WAS NOT LOCKED AT ALL, AFTER MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT AS WELL. THIS RAISES SOME SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS, AS THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS AND THE WHEEL WAS NEVER LOCKED AND THANKFULLY I WAS NOT NOT IN MOTION.

NHTSA complaint #10761857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 69,000 miles Westmont, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2008 S40, CAR WAS PLACED IN PARK AND TURNED OFF WHILE RUNNING ERRANDS, NO PROBLEMS. CAME OUT OF THE STORE AND PLACED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND RECEIVED THIS ERROR MESSAGE, "TURN STEERING, TRY START AGAIN." PRIOR TO THIS, THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY OPERABLE. REMOVED THE KEY AND INSERTED KEY INTO THE IGNITION AGAIN AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I NOTICED THE FOLLOWING: WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED TO 1 AND 2, ALL DASH LIGHT AND HEADLIGHTS COME ON. AT THREE, THE HEADLIGHTS GO OFF, THE ARM REST BUTTONS GO OFF AND ONLY CHECK ENGINE STAYS ON. ONCE THE KEY IS RELEASED, ALL INDICATORS AND HEADLIGHTS COME BACK ON. OBD SHOWS NO CODES. TURNED THE WHEEL ALL THE WAY LEFT AND RIGHT, MESSAGE PERSISTS. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE AND I HAD A MINOR CHILD WITH ME IN THE SCORCHING HEAT. HAD THE CAR TOWED AND SURPRISINGLY THE INDIVIDUAL TOWING THE CAR WAS A MECHANIC FOR YEARS AND STATED THE WHEEL WAS NOT LOCKED AT ALL, AFTER MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT AS WELL. THIS RAISES SOME SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS, AS THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS AND THE WHEEL WAS NEVER LOCKED AND THANKFULLY I WAS NOT NOT IN MOTION.

NHTSA complaint #10761857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 69,000 miles Westmont, IL

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

2008 S40, CAR WAS PLACED IN PARK AND TURNED OFF WHILE RUNNING ERRANDS, NO PROBLEMS. CAME OUT OF THE STORE AND PLACED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND RECEIVED THIS ERROR MESSAGE, "TURN STEERING, TRY START AGAIN." PRIOR TO THIS, THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY OPERABLE. REMOVED THE KEY AND INSERTED KEY INTO THE IGNITION AGAIN AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I NOTICED THE FOLLOWING: WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED TO 1 AND 2, ALL DASH LIGHT AND HEADLIGHTS COME ON. AT THREE, THE HEADLIGHTS GO OFF, THE ARM REST BUTTONS GO OFF AND ONLY CHECK ENGINE STAYS ON. ONCE THE KEY IS RELEASED, ALL INDICATORS AND HEADLIGHTS COME BACK ON. OBD SHOWS NO CODES. TURNED THE WHEEL ALL THE WAY LEFT AND RIGHT, MESSAGE PERSISTS. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE AND I HAD A MINOR CHILD WITH ME IN THE SCORCHING HEAT. HAD THE CAR TOWED AND SURPRISINGLY THE INDIVIDUAL TOWING THE CAR WAS A MECHANIC FOR YEARS AND STATED THE WHEEL WAS NOT LOCKED AT ALL, AFTER MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT AS WELL. THIS RAISES SOME SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS, AS THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS AND THE WHEEL WAS NEVER LOCKED AND THANKFULLY I WAS NOT NOT IN MOTION.

NHTSA complaint #10761857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Austin, TX

STEERING

I WAS GETTING IN MY CAR WITH MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START (TURN STEERING WHEEL AND TRY TO START AGAIN). I TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT IT WOULD NOT START. AFTER 15 MINUTES, I DECIDED IT WAS TOO HOT WITH MY CHILDREN OUTSIDE SO I WENT INSIDE. I CHECKED AN HOUR LATER, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR HOURS LATER AFTER MOVING THE STEERING COLUMN UP AND DOWN QUICKLY AND HARSHLY. THIS MORNING, I WAS GETTING IN THE CAR WITH MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN, THE CAR WOULD NOT START (TURN STEERING WHEEL AND TRY TO START AGAIN). I MOVED THE STEERING COLUMN AS SUGGESTED BY MY HUSBAND, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. LUCKILY WE WERE HOME AND WERE NOT STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE HEAT OF SUMMER.

NHTSA complaint #10746988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Austin, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I WAS GETTING IN MY CAR WITH MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START (TURN STEERING WHEEL AND TRY TO START AGAIN). I TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT IT WOULD NOT START. AFTER 15 MINUTES, I DECIDED IT WAS TOO HOT WITH MY CHILDREN OUTSIDE SO I WENT INSIDE. I CHECKED AN HOUR LATER, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR HOURS LATER AFTER MOVING THE STEERING COLUMN UP AND DOWN QUICKLY AND HARSHLY. THIS MORNING, I WAS GETTING IN THE CAR WITH MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN, THE CAR WOULD NOT START (TURN STEERING WHEEL AND TRY TO START AGAIN). I MOVED THE STEERING COLUMN AS SUGGESTED BY MY HUSBAND, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. LUCKILY WE WERE HOME AND WERE NOT STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE HEAT OF SUMMER.

NHTSA complaint #10746988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 73,000 miles Houston, TX Crash

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS LEAKING WATER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS A WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT WATER MAY HAVE STOPPED THE AIR BAGS FROM DEPLOYING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

NHTSA complaint #10743995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 73,000 miles Houston, TX Crash

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS LEAKING WATER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS A WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT WATER MAY HAVE STOPPED THE AIR BAGS FROM DEPLOYING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

NHTSA complaint #10743995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 77,800 miles Houston, TX

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL TRAP AND VENTILATION HOSE WERE DAMAGED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE, AND THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THE FAILURE WAS IN THE OIL TRAP AND VENTILATION HOSE IN THE ENGINE THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN RTJ-19745 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), WHICH EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR AFFECTED VEHICLES; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,800.

NHTSA complaint #10743990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Philadelphia, PA Crash

WHEELS

I WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN ROUTE AT NIGHT AROUND 730 AND A CAR WAS TRYING TO GET IN MY LINE AND I ASSUME THEY DID NOT SEE ME. I TRIED TO MOVE TO THE LEFT TO GET OUT OF THE WAY BUT MY STEERING WHEEL WAS SO TIGHT I COULD NOT VEER AWAY FROM THE CURB. DUE TO THIS I HAVE NUMEROUS REPAIRS THAT NEED TO BE PAID AND MY POWER STEERING WAS TIGHT FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, IT WAS ALMOST HARD FOR A STRONG MAN TO TURN THE WHEEL. I TRIED POWER STEERING FLUID WHEN I STARTED TO NOTICE THE PROBLEM AND IT DID NOT HELP.

NHTSA complaint #10678956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Philadelphia, PA Crash

STEERING

I WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN ROUTE AT NIGHT AROUND 730 AND A CAR WAS TRYING TO GET IN MY LINE AND I ASSUME THEY DID NOT SEE ME. I TRIED TO MOVE TO THE LEFT TO GET OUT OF THE WAY BUT MY STEERING WHEEL WAS SO TIGHT I COULD NOT VEER AWAY FROM THE CURB. DUE TO THIS I HAVE NUMEROUS REPAIRS THAT NEED TO BE PAID AND MY POWER STEERING WAS TIGHT FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, IT WAS ALMOST HARD FOR A STRONG MAN TO TURN THE WHEEL. I TRIED POWER STEERING FLUID WHEN I STARTED TO NOTICE THE PROBLEM AND IT DID NOT HELP.

NHTSA complaint #10678956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 123,000 miles Denton, TX Crash 1 injured

SEATS

I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 VOLVO S40 STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WHEN I WAS IN MAJOR/SEVERE REAR END COLLISION. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT (70+ MPH) PUSHED ME INTO A VEHICLE AHEAD WHICH CAUSED SEVERE FRONTAL DAMAGE THAT WENT ALL THE WAY PAST MY RADIATOR. PROPERTY DAMAGES OVER $17K AND AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY RESULTING IN INJURIES.

NHTSA complaint #10649024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 123,000 miles Denton, TX Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 VOLVO S40 STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WHEN I WAS IN MAJOR/SEVERE REAR END COLLISION. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT (70+ MPH) PUSHED ME INTO A VEHICLE AHEAD WHICH CAUSED SEVERE FRONTAL DAMAGE THAT WENT ALL THE WAY PAST MY RADIATOR. PROPERTY DAMAGES OVER $17K AND AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY RESULTING IN INJURIES.

NHTSA complaint #10649024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 123,000 miles Denton, TX Crash 1 injured

SUSPENSION

I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 VOLVO S40 STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WHEN I WAS IN MAJOR/SEVERE REAR END COLLISION. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT (70+ MPH) PUSHED ME INTO A VEHICLE AHEAD WHICH CAUSED SEVERE FRONTAL DAMAGE THAT WENT ALL THE WAY PAST MY RADIATOR. PROPERTY DAMAGES OVER $17K AND AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY RESULTING IN INJURIES.

NHTSA complaint #10649024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 69,900 miles Chicago, IL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MY SERPENTINE BELT BROKE ON 6/6/2014 AND WAS REPLACED. ON 6/20/2014 I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60MPH ON THE INTERSTATE IN CHICAGO, IL WHEN MY VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED. THIS NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE, BUT I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE LEFT SHOULDER BEFORE BEING STRUCK. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT WHEN THE SERPENTINE BELT BROKE, SHARDS OF THAT BELT WENT IN TO THE TIMING BELT AREA. THIS IS DUE TO A FLAWED DESIGN ON MY MAKE OF VOLVO. THE TIMING COVER IS NOT SEALED, ALLOWING PARTICLES TO ENTER THIS AREA CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE AND NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE 20 BENT VALVES THAT NOW NEED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THIS DESIGN FLAW. THERE IS NO TECHNICIAN SERVICE BULLETIN THAT WOULD HAVE NOTIFIED MECHANICS TO BE AWARE OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM WHEN A SERPENTINE BELT BREAKS, SO MY MECHANIC WOULD NOT HAVE KNOWN TO LOOK FOR THIS, WHICH WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THE ALMOST $3,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE. THIS CAUSED MY CAR TO COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN NOT ONLY MY DEATH, BUT POTENTIALLY OTHER FATALITIES. I HAVE REQUESTED VOLVO CORRECT WHAT HAS OCCURRED DUE TO THEIR DESIGN FLAW, AND LACK OF PUBLIC NOTIFICATION BUT THEY HAVE NOT AGREED TO DO SO. THIS IS A KNOWN CONCERN AT THE LOCAL VOLVO DEALERSHIP LEVEL, AS MY MECHANIC CONTACTED A LOCAL VOLVO DEALERSHIP IN ORLAND PARK, IL AND WAS ADVISED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THEY ARE SEEING THIS ISSUE ON NOT ONLY MY MODEL, BUT OTHER VOLVO MODELS AS WELL. THIS PROBLEM, IF IT IS NOT KNOWN TO MECHANICS, CAN AND DID CAUSE A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER IN THE VEHICLE. THIS INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH OR POTENTIAL FATALITY. AS YOU CAN TELL, I HAVE FEW MILES ON MY VEHICLE FOR IT BEING 6 YEARS OLD, SO THERE IS NO REASON FOR HAVING TO REPLACE 20 VALVES IN THE ENGINE, OTHER THAN DUE TO THE DESIGN FLAW. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10605931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 69,900 miles Chicago, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY SERPENTINE BELT BROKE ON 6/6/2014 AND WAS REPLACED. ON 6/20/2014 I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60MPH ON THE INTERSTATE IN CHICAGO, IL WHEN MY VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED. THIS NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE, BUT I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE LEFT SHOULDER BEFORE BEING STRUCK. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT WHEN THE SERPENTINE BELT BROKE, SHARDS OF THAT BELT WENT IN TO THE TIMING BELT AREA. THIS IS DUE TO A FLAWED DESIGN ON MY MAKE OF VOLVO. THE TIMING COVER IS NOT SEALED, ALLOWING PARTICLES TO ENTER THIS AREA CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE AND NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE 20 BENT VALVES THAT NOW NEED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THIS DESIGN FLAW. THERE IS NO TECHNICIAN SERVICE BULLETIN THAT WOULD HAVE NOTIFIED MECHANICS TO BE AWARE OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM WHEN A SERPENTINE BELT BREAKS, SO MY MECHANIC WOULD NOT HAVE KNOWN TO LOOK FOR THIS, WHICH WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THE ALMOST $3,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE. THIS CAUSED MY CAR TO COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN NOT ONLY MY DEATH, BUT POTENTIALLY OTHER FATALITIES. I HAVE REQUESTED VOLVO CORRECT WHAT HAS OCCURRED DUE TO THEIR DESIGN FLAW, AND LACK OF PUBLIC NOTIFICATION BUT THEY HAVE NOT AGREED TO DO SO. THIS IS A KNOWN CONCERN AT THE LOCAL VOLVO DEALERSHIP LEVEL, AS MY MECHANIC CONTACTED A LOCAL VOLVO DEALERSHIP IN ORLAND PARK, IL AND WAS ADVISED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THEY ARE SEEING THIS ISSUE ON NOT ONLY MY MODEL, BUT OTHER VOLVO MODELS AS WELL. THIS PROBLEM, IF IT IS NOT KNOWN TO MECHANICS, CAN AND DID CAUSE A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER IN THE VEHICLE. THIS INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH OR POTENTIAL FATALITY. AS YOU CAN TELL, I HAVE FEW MILES ON MY VEHICLE FOR IT BEING 6 YEARS OLD, SO THERE IS NO REASON FOR HAVING TO REPLACE 20 VALVES IN THE ENGINE, OTHER THAN DUE TO THE DESIGN FLAW. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10605931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 69,900 miles Chicago, IL

ENGINE

MY SERPENTINE BELT BROKE ON 6/6/2014 AND WAS REPLACED. ON 6/20/2014 I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60MPH ON THE INTERSTATE IN CHICAGO, IL WHEN MY VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED. THIS NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE, BUT I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE LEFT SHOULDER BEFORE BEING STRUCK. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT WHEN THE SERPENTINE BELT BROKE, SHARDS OF THAT BELT WENT IN TO THE TIMING BELT AREA. THIS IS DUE TO A FLAWED DESIGN ON MY MAKE OF VOLVO. THE TIMING COVER IS NOT SEALED, ALLOWING PARTICLES TO ENTER THIS AREA CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE AND NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE 20 BENT VALVES THAT NOW NEED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THIS DESIGN FLAW. THERE IS NO TECHNICIAN SERVICE BULLETIN THAT WOULD HAVE NOTIFIED MECHANICS TO BE AWARE OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM WHEN A SERPENTINE BELT BREAKS, SO MY MECHANIC WOULD NOT HAVE KNOWN TO LOOK FOR THIS, WHICH WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THE ALMOST $3,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE. THIS CAUSED MY CAR TO COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN NOT ONLY MY DEATH, BUT POTENTIALLY OTHER FATALITIES. I HAVE REQUESTED VOLVO CORRECT WHAT HAS OCCURRED DUE TO THEIR DESIGN FLAW, AND LACK OF PUBLIC NOTIFICATION BUT THEY HAVE NOT AGREED TO DO SO. THIS IS A KNOWN CONCERN AT THE LOCAL VOLVO DEALERSHIP LEVEL, AS MY MECHANIC CONTACTED A LOCAL VOLVO DEALERSHIP IN ORLAND PARK, IL AND WAS ADVISED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THEY ARE SEEING THIS ISSUE ON NOT ONLY MY MODEL, BUT OTHER VOLVO MODELS AS WELL. THIS PROBLEM, IF IT IS NOT KNOWN TO MECHANICS, CAN AND DID CAUSE A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER IN THE VEHICLE. THIS INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH OR POTENTIAL FATALITY. AS YOU CAN TELL, I HAVE FEW MILES ON MY VEHICLE FOR IT BEING 6 YEARS OLD, SO THERE IS NO REASON FOR HAVING TO REPLACE 20 VALVES IN THE ENGINE, OTHER THAN DUE TO THE DESIGN FLAW. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10605931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 61,000 miles Waldorf, MD

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I SET CRUISE CONTROL TO 65. WITHIN SECONDS I FELT AS IF I WERE GOING VERY FAST AND I HAD ACCELERATED TO NEAR 90 MPH. I TURNED CRUISE CONTROL OFF, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND WHEN I LET OFF THE BRAKE THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. AFTER THE SECOND TIME STEPPING ON THE BRAKE THE PROBLEM CEASED. THE SAME TYPE OF INCIDENT OCCURRED AGAIN, ONLY THIS TIME CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT INVOLVED. STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN, THE RPMS IMMEDIATELY JUMPED AND MY CAR ACCELERATED VERY QUICKLY. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND AFTER A FEW SECONDS THE ISSUE RESOLVED ITSELF.

NHTSA complaint #10505181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.