MotorDeets

2001 Volvo S40: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2001 Volvo S40: 2 recalls, 84 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
84owner complaints
11mention a crash
23best combined mpg
2001 Volvo S40
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Equipment Vehicle recall #01V169000 · 2001 · 19,000 vehicles

What's wrong: A diode in the electronic climate control system May have a reduced service life.

Why it matters: If the diode fails, the heater fan stops operating and the defroster function is affected.

The fix: Dealers will install an adapter with a diode fitted to the heater fan motor. Owner notification began June 11, 2001.

Equipment Vehicle recall #03V284000 · 2003 · 220,407 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.

The fix: Owners will receive a letter/package consisting of the second isofix guide with installation instructions, and in certain cases, the corrected owner's manual May be provided. If the owner wants to take their vehicle to a Volvo dealer for installation of the guide, it will be performed at no charge…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Brakes (hydraulic)25
Engine & cooling12
Electrical10
Speed control / throttle9
Airbags7
Body & structure5
Visibility (wipers, glass)5
Engine5

What owners describe

The 2001 Volvo S40 has 84 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 12 S40 model years for complaints (2.1× the average S40 year). Complaints peaked in 2001 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 67,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (122 complaints, 1 recalls), 2002 (27 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.9 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive202923Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Volvo S40.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2001 Volvo S40 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2001 Volvo S40 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Volvo S40. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2001 Volvo S40 problems?

Owners have filed 84 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (25), engine & cooling (12), electrical (10).

What gas mileage does the 2001 Volvo S40 get?

EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (1.9 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2001 Volvo S40 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other S40 years

200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011