Volvo V40 recalls
Recalls to 31 Oct 2026, from DVSA's file. Each recall shows its own launch date.
DVSA lists 16 safety recalls naming the Volvo V40, launched from 1999 to 2020. 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 V40 recalls at a glance
- Recalls
- 16
- 1999 to 2020
- Latest recall
- 16 July 2020
- R/2020/210
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Every Volvo V40 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.
THERE IS A RISK FOR TRAPPED AIR TO BE IN THE COOLING SYSTEM WHICH MAY RESULT IN INSUFFICIENT COOLING OF ENGINE COMPONENTS
R/2020/210, launched 16 July 2020, 76,945 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, S60CC, S80, V40CC, V60, V60CC, V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.
Remedy: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air
THERE IS A RISK FOR TRAPPED AIR TO BE IN THE COOLING SYSTEM
R/2020/205, launched 8 July 2020, 15,167 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, S60CC, S80, V40CC, V60, V60CC, V70, XC60, XC70
Defect: There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine components.
Remedy: Add an extra degassing line (Bleeder Hose) between the cooling system radiator and the cooling system expansion tank which will evacuate the trapped air.
THE ENGINE'S PLASTIC INLET MANIFOLD MAY MELT AND DEFORM
R/2019/180, launched 7 October 2019. Also covers the S60, S60CC, S80, S90, V40CC, V60, V60CC, V70, V90, V90CC, XC60, XC70, XC90
Defect: The engines plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
Remedy: Update vehicles with improved soot reducing software cleaning of TMAP and EMAP. Fit additional hoses where necessary.
SMALL CRACKS ON THE INSIDE OF A RUBBER FUEL HOSE
R/2018/377, launched 4 January 2019, 30,777 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, S60CC, S80, V40CC, V60, V60CC, V70, XC60, XC70, XC90
Defect: Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose.
Remedy: Replacement of affected fuel hoses.
ONE OR MORE AIRBAGS MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION
R/2017/002, launched 3 January 2017, 1,415 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, S60CC, S90, V40CC, V60, V60CC, V90, XC60, XC90
Defect: It has been identified by the manufacturer that the air-bag initiator does not meet specification. This can therefore result in the initiator not functioning correctly which can lead to none deployment of the air-bag. Should a collision occur then there is an increased risk of injury to the occupants of the vehicle.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the air-bags with a new quality assured component.
COOLANT LEAKAGE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE
R/2016/249, launched 26 October 2016, 3,192 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S60, S80, V60, V70
Defect: It has been identified that during the engine warm-up process and under certain driving/climate conditions for instance periods of high acceleration or high engine load immediately after a cold start in cold climates there is the possibility for coolant leakage or oil seepage. This can lead to the possibility in a worst-case scenario of smoke or a slow developing fire in the engine compartment. However the driver will receive a warning message on the Driver’s Information Module indicating a low coolant level.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to modify the coolant bypass valve and install a new exhaust manifold gasket.
DRIVER'S AIRBAG MODULE MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED
R/2016/117, launched 1 June 2016, 123 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the V40CC, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70
Defect: Due to a potential manufacturing defect the gas generator in the driver’s airbag module may not deploy as intended. This may reduce the affectivities of the airbag.
Remedy: On affected vehicles replace the driver's air bag module.
CEM SOFTWARE MAY MALFUNCTION
R/2014/034, launched 25 March 2014, 1,492 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: A software issue within the Central Electronic Module (CEM) may cause the left hand (nearside) rear light to stop functioning. This will result in the illumination of a warning light on the instrument panel.
Remedy: Recall all effected vehicles to install new upgraded software into the CEM.
POSSIBLE FUEL LEAK
R/2003/173, launched 17 November 2003, 8,212 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the S40
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, S40, S70, S80, S90, 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, S40, S70, S80, S90, 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 S40
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 S40
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 S40
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 S40
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 S40
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 V40, 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.