2007 Volvo S40 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2007 Volvo S40 ranks worst among 7 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 25 complaints, mostly involving brakes. NHTSA lists two recalls, including one for a brake master cylinder issue affecting 2007 models.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 7 S40 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 25
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 18.5 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
Top 2007 Volvo S40 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes7 (28%)
- Engine6 (24%)
- Electrical System5 (20%)
- Other3 (12%)
- Airbags2 (8%)
- Seat Belts2 (8%)
- Steering2 (8%)
- Structure & Body2 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (8%)
- HVAC1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe rear brakes overheating and catching fire on a nearly new vehicle after a short drive.
- Drivers report brakes failing to stop the car despite pressing the pedal fully to the floor, leading to collisions at low speed.
- Some owners say the vehicle rolled into a wall or another car when brakes did not respond as expected.
- One owner reported the automatic transmission feeling like it downshifted on its own, accompanied by a reduced engine performance warning light.
- A driver with a manual transmission said a protruding floor panel blocked the clutch pedal from fully depressing, making it hard to shift gears.
- One owner reported the ignition key would not release from the switch even with the car in park and the brake engaged.
2007 Volvo S40 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V566000Nov 8, 2010Other416 vehicles
Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
Risk: An overheated battery could lead to a fire.
Remedy: Volvo advises owners to please stop using the garmin portable gps device immediately, and visit the garmin website to determine if their unit is affected. The unit's battery will be replaced with a new battery and a spacer will be inserted on top of the battery next to the pcb. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 18, 2010. Owners may contact garmin at 866-957-1981 or visit garmin's website at www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.
- NHTSA 08V101000Mar 5, 2008Brakes1,114 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Volvo is recalling 1,114 my 2007 c30, c70, s40, and v50 passenger vehicles. A soft anodized layer in the master cylinder may trigger early wear on a rubber seal that can result in internal leakage of brake fluid. If affected, the driver may experience reduced brake performance when applying and maintaining force of the brake pedal.
Risk: The capacity to brake will gradually deteriorate forcing the driver to use a higher than expected force on the brake pedal when compared to an intact brake system. The deterioration can eventually result in complete loss of the brake system functionality increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the master cylinder. The brake master cylinder and brake fluid reservoir will be replaced and certain brake lines cleaned free of charge. The recall began on march 11, 2008. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
2007 Volvo S40 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18.5 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2007 compared with other S40 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2007 Volvo S40 reliable?
- Among the 7 model years tracked, 2007 has the highest complaint index at 100 and ranks worst, earning an Avoid verdict. Brakes are the top reported problem area, with 7 complaints and a median failure mileage of 63,000.
- What problems does the 2007 Volvo S40 have?
- NHTSA complaints for 2007 are led by brakes at 28% of complaints, followed by engine at 24% and electrical system at 20%. Owners also reported issues with airbags, seat belts, steering, structure, and the transmission.
- Does the 2007 Volvo S40 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2007 S40: one for a Garmin GPS unit that could overheat, and one for a brake master cylinder that could develop internal fluid leakage.
- How does 2007 compare to other Volvo S40 years?
- 2007 has a complaint index of 100, the highest of the 7 years tracked, compared to 83 for 2005 and 0 for 2011. Later years like 2010 and 2011 carry Best verdicts with far fewer complaints.
- What mileage do 2007 S40 brake problems occur at?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 63,000 at brake-related failures, though one fire incident was reported at under 3,000 miles.