NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 7 owner complaints for the 2002 Volvo V40. Most complaints involve service brakes, hydraulic (2) and seat belts (1). The EPA rates it 22 mpg combined.
CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE SECOND ISOFIX GUIDE WAS NOT INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES AND, IN CERTAIN CASES, THE OWNER'S MANUAL ISOFIX INFORMATION IS INCORRECT.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A USED 2002 VOLVO V40 WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2002. HE STATED THAT IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP, HE HAD TO APPLY EXTREME FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, INCLUDING 5 MPH. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD BE DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR-BOARDS BEFORE THEY WOULD ACTIVATE. ALTHOUGH RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 03V474000, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST, VACUUM IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE AS A RESULT OF NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA02026, HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS AWAITING REPAIRS, TO DATE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 90,000.”
“THERE IS S RIP ON MY SEAT BELT THAT COULD RESULT TO AN INJURY OR DEATH. SEAT BELT COVER WAS THE THING THAT RIP THE SEAT BELT IT LOOKS LIKE A KNIFE CUTS THE BELT ON IT. THIS MIGHT JUST ME HAVING THIS PROBLEM PLS. CHECK THIS CONCERN... THANK'S”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V40 Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.9 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,500 | 404 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes, hydraulic (2), seat belts (1), structure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 Volvo V40 at 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).