Model year guide

2002 Volvo V40

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Volvo V40 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 136 on record.

2002 Volvo V40 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Volvo V40 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints7
Combined22 mpg

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

2002 Volvo V40 recalls 1

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #03V284000 · manufacturer #124 · 01/08/2003

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.

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 …

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. 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.

2002 Volvo V40 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

2002 Volvo V40 MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,750
EPA size classSmall Station Wagons
TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume89 cu ft
Cargo volume33 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Volvo V40 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,750
Fuel only$18,750
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
178.7 in
Width
67.7 in
Height
55.9 in
Wheelbase
100.8 in
Curb weight
2,822 lb
Front track
57.9 in
Rear track
57.9 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2002 Volvo V40. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 148

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 148.

This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval. Current items under prior appro…

Bulletin 37809.1.1 · Apr 2026

This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.

Bulletin 19245 · Dec 2025

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: • Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V. • Connect to the vehicle over…

Bulletin 8501 · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2025

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob. As…

Bulletin S10303 · Feb 2025

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob. As…

Bulletin S10303 · Feb 2025

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: • Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V. • Connect to the vehicle over…

Bulletin 8501 · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2025

This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factory

Bulletin 37175 · Jan 2025

This is a Technical Journal: Software Upgrade / Download Guide. If one control unit is upgraded and not all, it may result in various problems.

Bulletin TJ31543 · Oct 2024

Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service

Bulletin TJ27536.21.1-2024-08-07 · Electrical System · Aug 2024

This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method

Bulletin 26745.13.14 · Electrical System · Jan 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the V40. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2002 Volvo V40. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Seats And Restraints

Certain Volvo 850, S40, V40, V50, V70, XC70 and XC90 equipped with integrated child booster cushions were incorrectly labelled during vehicle assembly. The label indicates that the booster cushion can be used for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg (33 and 80 lb). CMVSS 213 states that the minimum weight for use must be 18 kg (40 lb). Should an underweight child be placed in…

Transport Canada #2006066 · Mar 2006

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Volvo V40

Volvo V40 may refer to:Volvo V40 (1995–2004), a station wagon version of the S40 manufactured by Volvo from 1995 to 2004 Volvo V40 (2012–2019), a hatchback manufactured by Volvo from 2012 to 2019

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2002 Volvo V40 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base

2002 Volvo V40 vehicles on record

Other Volvo V40 model years

2002 Volvo V40 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Volvo V40 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2002 Volvo V40. 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 done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Volvo V40?

Across all 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, hydraulic, seat belts.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Volvo V40 get?

The 2002 Volvo V40 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 22 mpg combined (19 city / 27 highway).

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