2000 Volvo S40 Turbo from North America - Comments

Brakes went out at 8,000 miles.

Headlights went out three times in one month.

Rear brakes/suspension made thumping noises.

Turbo was whistling out of control, ready to burn out.

Car burnt through 1 qt. of oil a month.

I've never been one to write car reviews, always sort of thought they are all the same enough that while you might have problems, they aren't too bad.

Then I bought a 2000 Volvo S40 "Certified Pre-Owned."

The problems started early on... the wonderful headlight problem. Volvo knows there was a problem was this, the resistor wasn't built into the car properly, and they issued a "Service Bulletin" on it. Amazingly, "Service Bulletins" aren't covered under the Certified Pre-Owned warranty. So after burning through 3 sets of Pep Boys headlights in 1 month, I called up Volvo to make an appt. to get my S40's problem fixed. I thought since I even had the Service Bulletin, it would be easy.

Boy was I wrong. I was told that since I didn't use genuine Volvo headlights, I'd have to pay to have them install them, at my cost, and see if the problem happens again. Obviously I wasn't down for this... so I enquired what cost I'd have to pay to get it fixed. $150!!! I was also told, and I kid you not, that since "Volvo's are safe cars, ahh, yeah, they go through headlights really fast." To put in a simple resistor harness that costs $10. No joke here. So I picked up the harness and installed it myself. Problem 1 solved... on my own, no thanks to the worthless CPO warranty.

Next problem. Car is purchased with 30,000 Miles. At 38,000 miles, brakes are soft and making a clunking noise. Quotes to replace brakes are absurd. Car was supposed to come with new brakes as part of CPO package.

Next problem. Just weeks ago, car develops a engine "shudder" that started as a rough idle and develops into a stall that occurs intermittently.

Next problem. Odd thumping noises when brakes are applied. This doesn't happen every time, but when it does, it's very obvious.

End of story is that I put out my Volvo to pasture last week (Trade In). Even though I lost money on it, as a result of it's horrendous residual value, I'm happier than can be. Replaced it with a Scion xB, and am amazed at the build quality. Isn't there something wrong with the fact that a $30,000 car has the same build quality as a $15,000 car?

Hope Volvo got it better in the 2005's... Stay away from the pre-2005 AT ALL COSTS THOUGH. READ THE EDMUNDS REVIEWS!!!

I am surprised at this person's dissatisfaction. I bought a 2000 S40 certified at a Volvo Dealer and I think I made one of the wisest choices on the market for a used car. Also I do not think that a headlight problem and brake wear can hardly qualify this vehicle. It is a used car and you expect to replace some items. If it loses oil then the dealer must change a gasket under warranty; If they don't then call Volvo of Noth America and see how fast these dealers decide to fix it. The manner in which the vehicle is driven also is a major factor.If you put it to extremes them you have to listen and double check for possible problems. I had to request my 120 point inspection report since they did not give it to me. Sometimes the dealers may cut corners so you should check that all has been checked and replaced when buying a certified car. I have had this car for 19 months. I bought mine with 43,000 miles and I know have 60,000 miles. I have put 17,000 miles and have not had any defects. I have changed brake pads once and had regular service at Volvo (I bought the service plan). This car outperforms all the vehicles in its class and still gets 29 MPG highway and 24 city! I have left a lot of BMW 3 series to shame; It does 0-60 in 7.5 seconds! I have put this car several times on alligator alley in Florida at 137 MPH! Beamers can't go over 125 mph before the governor tells them how to drive. It reaches 130 MPH in no time. Acceleration from 90 MPH to 120 MPH has left tailgating racing motorbikes become specs in my mirror.

I paid $14700 all taxes and fees included in 2003 and I could not have bought a better car. I am glad I did not buy an expensive Beamer or a Mercedes C class. The C-240 with 6 cylinders does 0-60 in 8.5 seconds. The A4 takes 8.3 seconds to reach 60 MPH. Inside it has all the luxuries of a Mercedes and under the hood this car has a little monster. It is a fantastic blend of luxury, stability, and power. It is a real sleeper at a great value. To be honest I put this car to extremes on the road and it delivers 100% even at 60,000 miles. I only do the regular maintenance and do the obvious things. I have friends with M3's and Audi's that have all the electrical and mechanical nightmares you can imagine. I will miss this car if I ever sell it. It has raised the bar for all luxury compact cars and it will be difficult to replace.

I bought my used 2000 Volvo S40 a little over a year ago. In that time I have put over 15,000 miles on it and now have over 100,000 miles on the vehicle. Thus far, I'm a satisfied owner. This little car with Turbo certainly can move when you need that speed. My complaints (and I think others I have read) are few-they're with the windshield wipers, which squeak and drag except in fairly heavy rain to lubricate the way; and the headlamps. I live in a fairly rural area and must leave in the dark for a long commute. The headlamps, when on low, are pitiful and dangerous. I upgraded to some expensive bulbs with a claim to increase visibility by 25%, but it just isn't so. The high-beams are fine. I am waiting to see, now that the weather is warm again, whether a little "almost stalling" at a stop becomes endemic. Hopefully that won't happen. Also, in view of gas prices, I'm getting 27-28 mpg on regular.

I bought an S40 recently (2004 new) and have had nothing, but problems. The strartup shuddering thing you discuss occurred in my car at 18,000 miles. It is apparently a know problem by volvo and is currently being fixed by replacing the cylinder heads on the car. Wow a pretty big fix for only 18,000 miles. I don't think I'd ever buy another volvo again. I gave up a 1996 cobra that I loved, my wife convinced me to get the volvo on my 40th. I wish I still had the Cobra!!

Worst car we ever owned. Since buying a year ago we have replaced almost everything.. to the expense of 3K. Headlights constantly go out.

Today my son was driving it to BWI about 1 hour away. The car caught on fire (I had just paid for the above replacements and got a clear from Volvo specialist) and luckily his friend and him pulled over and got out of the car before it ignited. The car is destroyed. I own a Volvo and I bought him a 200 S40 because I wanted him safe. There is nothing literally left of the car except the frame. The firemen responded and were there in less than 5 minutes. Something terribly wrong with this model. DO NOT BUY unless you have a lot of extra money to invest in the vehicle. Volvo dealerships are the worst. I am buying a Honda next.

The Engine shudder was the only problem that was similar to the ones that you have experienced. What it seemed to be in my case was that both of the engine coils had to be replaced; the problem was fixed after this.