17.9% of complaints about the 2001 Volvo S40 came in the first year, which is unremarkable for a 2001 vehicle — around the middle of the 216 model-years on record. The median complaint arrives at 5.4 yr in service. The most-reported system is service brakes, hydraulic (21 complaints), typically at 3.2 yr or about 60,000 miles.
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.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDAN AND WAGON PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DIODE IN THE ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM MAY HAVE A REDUCED SERVICE LIFE.
IF THE DIODE FAILS, THE HEATER FAN STOPS OPERATING AND THE DEFROSTER FUNCTION IS AFFECTED.
BRAKES FAILED (2ND TIME) WHEN BEING CUT-OFF ON THE ROAD. IF I TURN RIGHT AND HIT THE BRAKES QUICKLY, THEY FAIL AND SKID FOR A WHILE.*AK
BRAKES WENT OUT ON VEHICLE GOING DOWN A HILL AT 35MPH. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES CONSUMER HEARD A SNAP. BRAKE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE IN LOW, AND PULLED EMERGENCY BRAKE UP. VOLVO DEALER CAME AND TOWED VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK
THE VOLVO DEALER TOLD ME I NEED NEW REAR BRAKES WHEN I HAD JUST UNDER 14,000 ON MY CAR AND I WOULD BE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE. THEY SAID THIS IS "NORMAL" FOR THE S40. ISN'T THIS VERY UNUSUAL? I FEEL IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND NEEDED TO BE REPORTED. THANK YOU. DT