Volvo V40 recalls

21 official safety recalls for the Volvo V40 from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Trapped air may cause insufficient engine cooling

    Reported July 16, 2020Model years 2014–2016DVSA recall R/2020/210EU Safety Gate A12/01063/20769,450 vehicles affected

    Air trapped in the cooling system may cause engine components to receive insufficient cooling. An extra bleed hose will be added between the radiator and expansion tank to release the air.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    THERE IS A RISK FOR TRAPPED AIR TO BE IN THE COOLING SYSTEM WHICH MAY RESULT IN INSUFFICIENT COOLING OF ENGINE COMPONENTS
    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
  2. Trapped air may reduce engine cooling

    Reported July 8, 2020Model years 2013–2016DVSA recall R/2020/205EU Safety Gate A12/00538/20151,670 vehicles affected

    Air trapped in the cooling system may lead to insufficient cooling of engine components. An extra bleed hose will be added between the radiator and expansion tank to remove trapped air.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    THERE IS A RISK FOR TRAPPED AIR TO BE IN THE COOLING SYSTEM
    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.
  3. Plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform

    Reported October 7, 2019Model years 2013–2018DVSA recall R/2019/180EU Safety Gate A12/1597/19

    The engine’s plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform. Software will be updated to reduce soot, the TMAP and EMAP will be cleaned, and additional hoses will be fitted where necessary.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    THE ENGINE'S PLASTIC INLET MANIFOLD MAY MELT AND DEFORM
    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.
  4. Fuel hose may crack internally

    Reported January 4, 2019Model years 2015–2016DVSA recall R/2018/377338,547 vehicles affected

    Small cracks may form inside a rubber fuel hose. Dealers will replace affected hoses.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    SMALL CRACKS ON THE INSIDE OF A RUBBER FUEL HOSE
    Defect
    Small cracks on the inside of a rubber fuel hose.
    Remedy
    Replacement of affected fuel hoses.
  5. Airbag initiator may fail to deploy the airbag

    Reported January 3, 2017Model years 2016DVSA recall R/2017/00214,150 vehicles affected

    An initiator that does not meet specification may fail, so an airbag may not deploy in a collision and occupants may face increased injury risk. The remedy is to replace the airbags with quality assured components.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    ONE OR MORE AIRBAGS MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION
    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.
  6. Coolant or oil leak may cause an engine fire

    Reported October 26, 2016Model years 2012–2015DVSA recall R/2016/24919,152 vehicles affected

    During engine warm-up in certain conditions, coolant may leak or oil may seep, potentially causing smoke or a slow-developing engine compartment fire. A low coolant warning will appear. The coolant bypass valve will be modified and a new exhaust manifold gasket installed.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    COOLANT LEAKAGE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE
    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.
  7. Driver airbag may not deploy as intended

    Reported June 1, 2016Model years 2016DVSA recall R/2016/117738 vehicles affected

    A manufacturing defect may prevent the driver airbag gas generator from deploying as intended, reducing the airbag's effectiveness. The driver airbag module will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    DRIVER'S AIRBAG MODULE MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED
    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.
  8. Software fault may disable rear light

    Reported March 25, 2014Model years 2013–2014DVSA recall R/2014/0341,492 vehicles affected

    A software issue may stop the left rear light from working and illuminate a warning light on the instrument panel. The central electronic module software will be upgraded.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    CEM SOFTWARE MAY MALFUNCTION
    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.
  9. Brake vacuum hose valve may crack

    Reported October 14, 2004Model years 2004NHTSA campaign 04V4930001,719 vehicles affected

    A poorly welded non-return valve may crack and cause a vacuum leak. More force may be needed to stop, and the engine may idle roughly. Dealers will inspect the vacuum hose and replace it if necessary.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
    Defect
    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NON-RETURN VALVE MAY CRACK DUE TO A POOR WELD CAUSING A VACUUM LEAK.
    Consequence
    IF THIS OCCURS, MORE BRAKE PEDAL FORCE MAY BE REQUIRED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND/OR MAY EXPERIENCE A ROUGH ENGINE IDLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE VACUUM HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.
    Notes
    CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
  10. Fuel rail may leak

    Reported November 17, 2003DVSA recall R/2003/17316,424 vehicles affected

    The engine fuel rail may leak, causing drivability problems and a fuel leak. The fuel rail end cover will be secured with a V-clamp.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    POSSIBLE FUEL LEAK
    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
  11. Water may cause brake vacuum pump to fail

    Reported November 17, 2003Model years 2000NHTSA campaign 03V47400036,000 vehicles affected

    Water may enter and disable the brake vacuum pump, reducing power assist and increasing the force needed on the brake pedal, which could lead to a crash. Dealers will replace and relocate the pump.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
    Defect
    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, WATER CAN ENTER THE ELECTRICAL BRAKE VACUUM PUMP, CAUSING THE PUMP TO FAIL.
    Consequence
    THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER ASSIST AND AN INCREASE IN NEEDED BRAKE PEDAL FORCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PUMP WITH A NEW AND IMPROVED VERSION AND MOVE THE PUMP TO A NEW LOCATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
    Notes
    VOLVO RECALL NO. 129.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
  12. Fuel rail weld may fail and leak fuel

    Reported October 24, 2003Model years 2003–2004NHTSA campaign 03V42400015,067 vehicles affected

    An inadequate weld may allow fuel to leak from the fuel rail, creating a fire risk if fuel reaches an ignition source. Dealers will install a V-clamp on the fuel rail.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Defect
    ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS, THERE MAY BE A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FUEL RAIL DUE TO INADEQUATE WELDING.
    Consequence
    FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL INSTALL A V-CLAMP TO THE FUEL RAIL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
    Notes
    VOLVO RECALL NO. R128.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
  13. Second child seat anchorage guide is missing

    Reported August 1, 2003Model years 2001–2004NHTSA campaign 03V284000220,407 vehicles affected

    A second ISOFIX guide is missing, and in some cases the owner's manual has incorrect ISOFIX information. Owners will receive the guide and installation instructions, and a corrected manual in some cases. A dealer will install the guide at no charge if requested.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
    Remedy
    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 TO THE OWNER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
    Notes
    VOLVO RECALL NO. 124.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
  14. Detachable tow bar may come loose

    Reported January 10, 2003DVSA recall R/2003/0087,294 vehicles affected

    The detachable tow bar may work loose under certain conditions and detach from the vehicle. The tow ball and housing will be replaced with a calibrated unit.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    DETACHABLE TOW BAR MAY WORK LOOSE
    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.
  15. Detachable towball may come loose

    Reported July 11, 2002DVSA recall R/2002/0977,294 vehicles affected

    The towball may detach from its housing, separating the trailer from the towing vehicle. Towballs and housings will first be modified, then replaced with calibrated units later.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    DETACHABLE TOW BAR MAY WORK LOOSE
    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.
  16. Airbag mounting may loosen

    Reported July 2, 2002DVSA recall R/2002/0893,392 vehicles affected

    The horn mechanism may foul the driver's airbag module and loosen it on its mounting. Replace the airbag mounting plate.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    AIR BAG MOUNTING MAY LOOSEN
    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.
  17. Alternator pulley may break auxiliary drive belt

    Reported May 14, 2002Model years 1999–2000DVSA recall R/2002/0544,744 vehicles affected

    A faulty alternator drive pulley may break the auxiliary drive belt, reducing steering assistance. The belt could also damage the cambelt and cause engine failure. A modified alternator drive pulley will be fitted.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    AUXILIARY DRIVE BELT CONCERN
    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
  18. Brake vacuum pump may fail

    Reported May 14, 2002Model years 1999–2000DVSA recall R/2002/0533,102 vehicles affected

    The brake vacuum pump may fail, reducing brake assistance and making the pedal heavy to operate. A modified pump will be fitted.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    BRAKE VACUUM PUMP CONCERN
    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.
  19. Climate control diode may cause demist system failure

    Reported June 14, 2001Model years 2001DVSA recall R/2001/07422,758 vehicles affected

    A climate control diode may fail, stopping the fan and causing the demist and defrost system to stop working. An additional heater fan cable harness with a climate control diode will be installed.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    POSSIBLE FAILURE OF DEMIST/DEFROST SYSTEM
    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.
  20. Heater fan diode may fail

    Reported May 21, 2001Model years 2001NHTSA campaign 01V16900019,000 vehicles affected

    A diode in the climate control system may fail, stopping the heater fan and affecting the defroster. Dealers will install an adapter with a diode fitted to the heater fan motor.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
    Defect
    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDAN AND WAGON PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DIODE IN THE ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM MAY HAVE A REDUCED SERVICE LIFE.
    Consequence
    IF THE DIODE FAILS, THE HEATER FAN STOPS OPERATING AND THE DEFROSTER FUNCTION IS AFFECTED.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADAPTER WITH A DIODE FITTED TO THE HEATER FAN MOTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 11, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
    Notes
    ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
  21. Front brake calipers may crack and leak

    Reported November 18, 1999Model years 2000DVSA recall R/1999/1002,356 vehicles affected

    Some front brake calipers may crack and leak under heavy load. Calipers in the suspect range will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    BRAKE CALIPER CONCERN
    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.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

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