Model year guide

2005 Volvo S40

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Volvo S40 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 70 on record.

2005 Volvo S40 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2005 Volvo S40 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints81
Typical price$3,140

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2005 Volvo S40 recalls 3

Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System) NHTSA Campaign #10V566000 · 08/11/2010

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

Fix: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL …

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #06V137000 · 24/04/2006

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH T5 TURBO ENGINES, THE POLYAMIDE TUBE IN THE FUEL LINE IS SENSITIVE TO THE EXTREME TEMPERATURES THAT MAY OCCUR IN THE AREA WHERE THE TURBO/EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS LOCATED.

Fix: DEALERS WILL CHANGE THE FUEL LINE MATERIAL TO TEFLON FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #08V033000 · 28/01/2008

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, REOCCURRING, LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS SALTY-WET CONDITIONS, IT IS…

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PEM AND INSTALL IT IN A NEW LOCATION TO PREVENT CORROSION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 20, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2005 Volvo S40 common problems

Owners have filed 81 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2005 Volvo S40 safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2005 Volvo S40 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

What's a 2005 Volvo S40 worth?

Low
$1,450
Typical price
$3,140
High
$5,600

From 70 comparable 2005 Volvo S40 listings.

2005 Volvo S40 trims & engines on record

Trims
2.4i · T5
Engines
2.4L 5-cyl 168 hp · 2.5L 5-cyl 217 hp · 2.4L 5-cyl 142 hp

2005 Volvo S40 vehicles on record

Other Volvo S40 model years

2005 Volvo S40 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Volvo S40 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2005 Volvo S40. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Volvo S40?

Owners have filed 81 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are fuel/propulsion system, engine, electrical system.

What is the 2005 Volvo S40 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2005 Volvo S40 crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

How much is a 2005 Volvo S40 worth?

Comparable 2005 Volvo S40 listings run roughly $1,450–$5,600, typically around $3,140 (from 70 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.