Last updated on October 4th, 2023 at 11:08 am
Volvo is a high-end Swedish car brand that has been around since 1927 and is acclaimed as producing the safest cars in the world.
The first generation of Volvo was introduced in 1995 with the S40 and continued till 2012, with over 400,000 models produced.
Most models of the S40 should last for more than 200,000 miles and 13 years. They are one of the most reliable luxury cars and the cheapest to maintain. Owners should follow the recommended maintenance schedule closely to extend the lifespan of their Volvo. The S40 can be driven for over 135,000 miles without major repairs.
The S40’s lifespan is dependent on a number of factors. Climate and driving habits can affect the lifespan of your car. Typically, you should change the oil every 10,000 miles. Some models have longer oil change intervals. If you plan on driving your Volvo for several years, consider buying a used one. If you plan to buy Volvo S40, Keep reading to learn more about the Volvo S40 Reliability.
How Long Do Volvo S40 Last?
Volvo S40s are expected to last for about 200,000 miles with proper maintenance before needing extensive repairs. If you drive an average of about 15,000 miles per year, the car can provide service for up to 13 to 15 years.
The frequency score for a Volvo S40 is 1.53, which is significantly worse than the average for a luxury car. The frequency score is the measure of how often a car requires major maintenance. This figure is calculated over three years. Higher scores mean the car will need major maintenance every year, while lower scores mean it will last longer without requiring major repairs. The good news is that the average frequency score for a Volvo S40 is only 200,000 miles.
The S40 is available in a variety of trims. The base 2.4i model comes with automatic air conditioning and a six-disc CD changer. The s40 is equipped with anti-lock brakes, automatic transmission, a security system, and a battery backup. The 2.4-liter engine and the front-wheel drive T5 is a popular choice for the S40. In addition to these features, the S40 has a wealth of safety features.
There have been some reports from Volvo owners with their cars exceeding a million miles on the clock.
If you want to get most miles out of your car, then take your vehicle for maintenance often.
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Volvo S40 Reliability
The reliability of a car depends on a number of factors, including the price of maintenance and repairs, and how long you’ve owned it. A Volvo S40 has a reliability rating of 34.7 out of forty-five, which means it’s more reliable than cars in its class.
Volvo cars usually do not have many issues compared to other vehicles, so they are redeemed to be reliable.
Volvo S40 has an average reliability score, and only 9% of Volvo S40 repairs are severe.
According to Consumer Reports, Volvo is ranked at 18 out of 31 car brands for reliability, and RepairPal ranks it 17th out of 32 brands for dependability.
Owners of the Volvo S40 have reported that the car is remarkably reliable, and it’s the only car in its class that receives above-average reliability ratings.
The 2007 model is the most reliable, and it ranked third among 17 luxury compact cars by RepairPal.
According to J.D. Power, the 2007-2010 model years receive a score of 76 out of 100. The cost of ownership for this car is also on par with other luxury cars, and the average owner brings their car in for repairs about half the time.
Volvo S40 owners have complained of problems such as stalling after cranking the engine. Moreover, they have reported experiencing hesitation during acceleration. This problem may be caused by the oil or fuel pump, or by a part that requires replacement. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, get your car checked by a qualified mechanic to ensure it doesn’t have an underlying problem. This way, you’ll avoid major expenses and keep your car in great condition.
Overall Reliability Scores of the Volvo S40 and Other Models
| Models | Overall Reliability Scores |
Volkswagen Jetta | 46 |
| Toyota Corolla | 83 |
Toyota Camry | 79 |
| Toyota Highlander | 86 |
Subaru Impreza | 49 |
| Volvo S40 | 52 |
Porsche Cayenne | 42 |
| Nissan Maxima | 37 |
Nissan Altima | 54 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | 69 |
Mitsubishi Lancer | 53 |
| Kia Forte | 56 |
Jeep Wrangler | 73 |
| Land Rover LR-2 | 60 |
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Thoughts on High-Mileage Volvo S40
A Volvo with 100,000 miles or more on the odometer is considered high-mileage and sometimes a risky investment.
Volvo S40s are well known for enduring high mileage with few difficulties and excellent reliability; it is more than expected for a Volvo to last around 200,000 miles.
For used Volvo S40 cars, check the service history and stuff like overdue oil changes and maintenance schedules to judge if a high-mileage S40 would be a wise purchase.
How Long Does the Volvo S40 Last Compared to Other Models?
In this section, we will compare the Volvo S40 with other car models of similar category.
Volvo S40 vs. Audi A4
The A4 is a series of executive compact cars manufactured by German automotive manufacturer Audi since 1994.
With proper care, the Audi A4 has an expected mileage of 150,000 to 200,000 miles, similar to the expected mileage for the Volvo S40.
Annual maintenance cost for Audi A4 is $739 on average, and Volvo S40 is $693 per year.
Reliability rating for both S40 and A4 is 3.5 out of 5, which is average, according to RepairPal.
In consumer verification, J.D. Power scores the Audi A4 75 out of 100, and Volvo S40 gets 80 out of 100.
The transmission system for the Volvo S40 is automatic, whereas, for the Audi A4, the system is CVT.
Volvo S40 vs. Acura TSX
Acura TSX is an executive compact car manufactured by Honda and sold by its Acura division from 2003 to 2014.
Acura TSX vehicles will last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles on average, which is on par with Volvo S40.
The annual maintenance cost for the TSX is $415 on average, and the S40 cost is a bit higher, at $693.
RepairPal rates TSX 4.5 out of 5, an excellent rating, while S40 gets an average of 3.5 out of 5 in terms of reliability.
Regarding consumer verification, J.D. Power scores both TSX and S40 80 out of 100.
Transmission systems for both cars are automatic.
Volvo S40 vs. Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is an executive compact car manufactured by Subaru since 1992.
The average expected miles for Impreza is 200,000 to 250,000 miles which is more than the anticipated miles from a Volvo S40.
Maintenance cost for the Impreza and S40 is similar; service costs for Impreza are about $653, and for S40, it is $693.
Reliability rating for both S40 and Impreza is 3.5 out of 5, according to RepairPal.
For consumer verifications, J.D. Power has rated the Subaru Impreza 78 out of 100 and S40 rates 80 out of 100.
The transmission system for the Subaru Impreza is manual, whereas it is automatic for Volvo S40.
Comparison Chart
| Car Models | Volvo S40 | Audi A4 | Acura TSX | Subaru Impreza |
Expected Mileage | Average 200,000 miles | 150,000 to 200,000 miles | 150,000 to 200,000 miles | 200,000 to 250,000 miles |
| Annual Maintenance Cost | $693 | $739 | $415 | $653 |
RepairPal Ratings | 3.5 out of 5 | 3.5 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 3.5 out of 5 |
| J.D. Power Scores | 80 out of 100 | 75 out of 100 | 80 out of 100 | 78 out of 100 |
Price Range | Starts from $12,500 | Starts from $39,100 | Starts from $11,465 | Starts from $18,795 |
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Best and Worst Years for the Volvo S40
Like any other car, the Volvo S40 has had its fair share of good and bad years.
Best Years
The 2008 model of Volvo S40 offers plenty of comfort, refinement, and style at a budget-friendly price. It also has many safety features.
2011 offers a standard 227-horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder engine which provides livelier acceleration than other four-cylinder sedans.
2012 model of S40 was placed in 10th in Auto Express U.K.’s 2012 Driver Power satisfaction survey.
Worst Years
The worst model year for the Volvo S40 is 2005, with mostly transmission failures with a typical repair cost of $3200.
The 2007 model of S40 had problems with windows or windshield and some engine issues. It was recalled two times by NHTSA.
2009 model of S40 was recalled by NHTSA 3 times, proving this model to not be reliable enough compared to other year models.
Volvo S40 Model Years and Reliability Ratings
| Volvo S40 Model Years | Reliability Ratings |
| Volvo S40 2003 | 4/5 |
Volvo S40 2004 | 3.9/5 |
| Volvo S40 2005 | 4.2/5 |
Volvo S40 2006 | 4.4/5 |
| Volvo S40 2007 | 4.3/5 |
Volvo S40 2008 | 4.8/5 |
| Volvo S40 2009 | 4.6/5 |
Volvo S40 2010 | 4.7/5 |
| Volvo S40 2011 | 4.6/5 |
Is the Volvo S40 Expensive to Maintain?
Compared to other vehicles, the Volvo S40 is expensive for maintenance, but it is one of the cheapest luxury cars to maintain.
The S40 has an average annual maintenance cost of $693, and Volvo owners agree that repair costs are pretty expensive whenever needed.
Car parts | Replacement Cost (Including Parts and Labor) |
| Battery | $259-$305 |
Transmission | $3500 |
| Brake Pads | $150-$300 |
Oil Change | $70-$125 |
| Spark Plugs | $150-$220 |
Cabin Air Filter | $12-$41 |
| Radiator | $350-$900+ |
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How Long Do Volvo S40 Tires Last?
Tires from Volvo are expected to last for about three years before needing replacements.
If the tire pressure is low often or any cracks form on the tires, they need to be replaced much sooner.
Volvo provides a tire warranty of 3 to 5 years, depending on the type of tire.
How Long Do Volvo S40 Engines Last?
Volvo engines last about 200,000 miles and sometimes more with proper maintenance and smooth driving.
Volvo S40 owners report that following Volvo’s recommended maintenance schedule will make your car last for over 200,000 miles before the original engine goes out.
If you drive an average of 15,000 miles per year, your engine can last up to 13 years or longer.
How Long Do Volvo S40 Batteries Last?
Volvo S40 batteries have an average of 5 to 10 years in ideal conditions.
Volvo provides a 5-year warranty on their batteries.
Check the terminals for corrosion from time to time and make sure no connections are loose to get most service out of your car batteries.
Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Volvo S40
- Store your vehicle under a shade to protect it from the weather’s elements.
- Wash the car often to get rid of dirt and grime, which can cause rust to form.
- Use good quality parts and fluids.
- Get used to the owner’s manual to learn about the location of essential components, what the vehicle needs, and dashboard warning signs.
- Limit short trips, which will not allow the car to cool down completely.
- Check the engine, transmission, and timing gear every 2,000 miles.
- Rotate the tires every 5,000 miles to avoid tears forming on the same spot.
- Change the engine oil and service brakes every 10,000 miles.
Volvo S40 is a reliable vehicle and one of the least expensive to maintain luxury brands.
We hope this article has helped you answer any questions about a Volvo S40.
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