23rd Mar 2006, 17:10
Add me to the long list of long time Volvo owners who will never buy another Ford/Volvo. The rear brake pads on my 2002 S40 went metal to metal with no warning @20k miles. I tried to get satisfaction from two Volvo dealers and from Volvo NA with no results. I was told they all do that and Volvo doesn't cover brake wear. I replaced the pads and rotors myself with non Volvo parts over 30k miles ago and there is plenty of brake pads left.
The parts store told me that the S40 pads are notoriously soft and don't last. Also when I replaced the pads I found the the low brake warning device is on the outside while the inside pads is the one that wears out first, causing the rotor to be ruined. I notice that people are experiencing multiple premature pad failures. They need to quit putting in Volvo pads. Ford needs to reimburse me.
11th Oct 2006, 07:34
I recently purchased a preowned s-40, and had a problem with the car not starting when I turn the key. The starter won't spin. According to the owner's manual, if the key is left in the"on" position more than thirty seconds it'll disable the starter, and you'll have to wait a couple of minutes or so before it resets itself and then it'll start...wow. But then there's this very annoying vibration that comes from the car if I make a right turn, or take off from a light or stop sign driving straight, and it also shuts off. The tech said the engine mounts are intact, and I would have to drive the car until the problem either worsens or gets better before they can make a diagnosis. It seems like if they don't have a trouble code, they're lost. That vibration is coming from the front end of the car, and shouldn't take a computer to figure out... just put the car on a lift, get under it, and shake all the moving parts to see what's loose... but that's a difficult task, I guess. I'll have to malfunction while my child's in the car one day and risk injury to myself or possibly other drivers to get my car fixed. Definitely my last Volvo. They need to pull that car out of the country, just like Audi did back in the day, get it together, and come back with a more dependable and safe vehicle... or get some help from the competition because this is utterly ridiculous... the worse car they ever made by far.
23rd Oct 2006, 13:46
So basically you are all saying that my car is a big POS. I knew there had to be catch of why this S40 was so cheap to buy. These cars do "look" sweet when they are built up. But if you don't have a TON of money, get rid of the car as fast as you can say "Fix or Repair Daily" (FORD).
14th Mar 2007, 11:24
I am just writing as I have owned an S-40 for 4 yrs now. The car has become the bane of my existence.
2nd Jun 2007, 11:22
I have an Volvo S40 since 2002, I actually came online to check on Brake Pad prices, since they've started sqeaking, and need to be replaced. But then again I have 130,000KM on the car now, and its no big deal. But on the other hand I am so very surprised that people out there have had so many problems. Since 2002, only time I went to the dealership was for scheduled Maintainence and that's it. My last visit was at 100,000, and that too cause It was recommended. Anyhow other than that, I've never had even a single problem with the car.
It has excellent pickup, extremely smooth to drive, and winter driving is fun too. Absolutely no problems. I don't know if we in Canada get cars that are any different than US, but I also know some of my other friends, they all love their Volvo's too, none of us have had any issues.
I guess that's it, hopefully everything works out for you guys.
5th Jun 2007, 20:33
I have a problem with our 2000 S40 that I have not seen listed on any S40 comment boards. We really like our S40- it has 125000 runs great, no problems until last week. The running tail lamps (not the brake or back-up lights, or blinkers) stopped working. A service man said it was the computer? It can be easily fixed for only $800!!?? sometimes the lights work and sometimes they don't? I thought when a computer failed it was permanent?
6th Jun 2007, 02:16
Sounds just like dodgy connections to me! I have a S70 and V40 and both occasionally have failing tail lamp bulbs - however, with a gentle bang to the cluster, the light will work again! Try removing the bulbs and bulb holders and see if they regain light! Otherwise, both my Volvos are excellent and I cannot fault them. Would recommend to anyone.
29th Jul 2007, 20:59
Has anyone had their airbag light come on and stay on in the
S40, 2000? If so, what was the problem, and was it serious?
What kind of money did it cost to have the problem resolved?
Please reply if you have had this problem.
Thanks,
Francy
francywms@msn.com.
1st Aug 2007, 09:32
I see some positive and some negative comments on this site. I have owned a 2000 S40 for 2-3yrs. now and I have been very happy with the car. I had a friend up in Ten. who purchased one a few years back and I really liked the car. Since then I looked into it and some time ago, in one of the numerous car mags I get, it was listed as one of the best values for the price. Since purchasing the car, I have had it dealer maintained. I have replaced the power window on the drivers side ($500) and had the ignition replaced because of a broken ignition tumbler ($300-$400). All things considered, the car is now at least 7yrs. old... still runs and handles great! Not to mention being a good looking car. This is the second Volvo I have owned and it is probably not the last. If you can afford to service it as it should be done, and appreciate a quality vehicle... i don't think you can go wrong.
5th Oct 2007, 08:09
I own a 2000 S40 which I bought new in May 2000. With all the things that have gone wrong, I'm certainly glad it's paid for.
1. Very rough engine idle. It shakes the whole passenger compartment and now I have a lot of rattles-like things are coming loose.
2. Brakes are terrible. Thank God my husband knows how to replace them or we'd be broke.
3. Headlights-once again. Have had to replace countless times.
4. I also had the same problem as one of the other posters about stalling or feeling like the car has shifted into neutral. Mostly happens when the car is stopped and when I press the accelerator, nothing happens. I have almost gotten into several accidents because of this. It's very scary.
5. Hubcap covers-I have given up on replacing these as they will not stay on.
6. Radio is useless. I have a XM receiver and use the tape deck converter as the built in FM modulator will not work with the s40's radio.
7. Sometimes car will not start.
8. Windshield wipers very noisy.
9. My S40 is white and the paint is still on the car, but very dull. No amount of waxing seems to help.
10. Check Engine light will not go off.
I can't wait to get rid of this car and get something decent. Like I said, at least the car is paid off and it gets great gas mileage, but for over $25,000 I'd expect a lot more.
12th Oct 2005, 15:05
I am waiting to hear from the shop on my latest misadventure with the 2000 Volvo S40. When I put my foot on the brake the car dies so I've been driving with my foot on the gas and the brake. They don't know what the problem is. The check engine light is always on. The rotors have had to be replaced twice. The cupholder broke right away and had to be replaced. I have never owned a car I hate so much. In addition, the car has devalued to the point that I cannot trade it in and get a good deal with something else.