Volvo S40 recalls
Recalls to 31 Oct 2026, from DVSA's file. Each recall shows its own launch date.
DVSA lists 32 safety recalls naming the Volvo S40, launched from 1999 to 2013. Most recalls cover only cars built in certain dates or chassis number ranges, so check a specific car on GOV.UK's recall check.
Volvo S40 recalls at a glance
- Recalls
- 32
- 1999 to 2013
- Latest recall
- 23 December 2013
- R/2013/156
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Every Volvo S40 recall
Newest first. The concern is the part or system affected, the defect is what can go wrong, and the remedy is what the manufacturer does to put it right.
EXHAUST SLEEVE MAY DETACH
R/2013/156, launched 23 December 2013, 3,311 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V50
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.
LOSS OF DRIVE
R/2013/046, launched 8 April 2013, 826 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, V50
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.
FLUID MAY LEAK INTO WIRING HARNESS WHICH MAY CAUSE FIRE
R/2011/163, launched 1 December 2011, 53,203 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, C70, V50
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
CLUTCH PEDAL MECHANISM MAY FAIL
R/2011/127, launched 7 September 2011, 35,587 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, C70, V50
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.
BRAKES MAY NOT PERFORM AS EXPECTED
R/2011/075, launched 28 June 2011, 18,989 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, V50
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.
SUPPORT MEMBER MAY CRACK
R/2011/031, launched 23 March 2011, 325 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, V50
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.
FIRE MAY OCCUR
R/2011/019, launched 18 February 2011, 2,398 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, V50
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.
PASSENGER SEAT MAY NOT BE FITTED CORRECTLY
R/2010/233, launched 22 December 2010, 103 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, V50, XC60
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.
FIRE MAY OCCUR
R/2010/224, launched 3 December 2010, 845 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, S60, V50, V60, V70, XC60, XC70
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.
ENGINE MAY OVERHEAT
R/2010/144, launched 21 September 2010, 159 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, V50
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.
GEARBOX MAY JAM
R/2010/071, launched 11 June 2010, 6,961 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, C70, S80, V50, V70, XC60, XC70, XC90
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.
ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT DECREASE
R/2010/051, launched 12 May 2010, 20,204 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, C70, S80, V50, V70, XC60, XC70
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.
GEARBOX MAY NOT ENGAGE OR SHIFT GEARS AS INTENDED
R/2009/155, launched 21 December 2009, 42 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, C70, V50, V70
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.
BRAKES MAY NOT PERFORM ADEQUATELY
R/2009/052, launched 8 May 2009, 2,004 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, C70, S80, V50, V70
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.
POSSIBLE ENGINE BAY FIRE
R/2009/024, launched 6 March 2009, 4,023 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, V50
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.
ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY NOT RETURN TO RESTING POSITION
R/2008/116, launched 22 July 2008, 4,037 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, V50
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.
POWER STEERING PIPE MAY LEAK.
R/2008/112, launched 17 July 2008, 3 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, C70, V50
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.
REAR WHEELS MAY LOOSEN
R/2008/066, launched 25 April 2008, 260 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, V50
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.
REDUCED BRAKING PERFORMANCE
R/2008/040, launched 5 March 2008, 2 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, C70, V50
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.
ENGINE FUEL PUMP MAY FAIL
R/2008/013, launched 21 January 2008, 3,062 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V50
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.
BRAKING PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED
R/2007/176, launched 29 November 2007, 10,871 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C30, V50
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.
ENGINE MAY FAIL
R/2007/006, launched 14 December 2006, 1 vehicle affected across the models it covers
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
FUEL MAY LEAK - POSSIBILITY OF FIRE
R/2006/090, launched 15 May 2006, 932 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V50
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.
WINDSCREEN MAY SEPARATE FROM SUPPORT AREAS ON IMPACT
R/2005/046, launched 2 March 2005, 234 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V50
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
POSSIBLE FUEL LEAK
R/2003/173, launched 17 November 2003, 8,212 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V40
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
DETACHABLE TOW BAR MAY WORK LOOSE
R/2003/008, launched 10 January 2003, 1,042 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 700 Series, 800 Series, 900 Series, S70, S80, S90, V40, V70, V90
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.
DETACHABLE TOW BAR MAY WORK LOOSE
R/2002/097, launched 11 July 2002, 1,042 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 700 Series, 800 Series, 900 Series, S70, S80, S90, V40, V70, V90
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.
AIR BAG MOUNTING MAY LOOSEN
R/2002/089, launched 2 July 2002, 1,696 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V40
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.
AUXILIARY DRIVE BELT CONCERN
R/2002/054, launched 14 May 2002, 2,372 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V40
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
BRAKE VACUUM PUMP CONCERN
R/2002/053, launched 14 May 2002, 1,551 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V40
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.
POSSIBLE FAILURE OF DEMIST/DEFROST SYSTEM
R/2001/074, launched 14 June 2001, 11,379 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V40
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.
BRAKE CALIPER CONCERN
R/1999/100, launched 18 November 1999, 1,178 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V40
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.
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
What to do next
If you own a Volvo S40, check its registration on GOV.UK and ask a Volvo dealer whether any recall work is outstanding. If you are buying one, ask the seller for proof the work was done, and run a Motoring Insider history check for finance, write-offs and the MOT history.