Volvo S40 1
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
200 PS
1.9L Turbo Benzin
Surprisingly sharp
Fun to Drive!Generations
Engine Overview
The Volvo S40 1 is available with 5 engine variants — from 105 to 200 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Volvo 1.9L TDI (Diesel, 116 PS) has the D4192T3 (1.9L TDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Volvo 1.6L (Benziner, 109 PS) has the B4164S2 (1.6L) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Volvo 1.8L (Benziner, 116 PS) has the B4184S2 (1.8L) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Volvo 1.9L Turbo (Benziner, 163–200 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B4194T (1997–2000, Be Careful) und B4204T3 (2000–2004, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.9L Turbo!
The Volvo 2.0L (Benziner, 136–140 PS) has the B4204S2 (2.0L) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Front axle joints wear above average MOT inspectors flag worn ball joints and tie rod ends on the S40/V40 I front axle significantly more often than average. The cause is high structural loading on the axle components. Symptoms: Knocking over cobblestones, uneven front tyre wear, increasing steering play from 100,000 km | Low | |
| Spring breakage front and rear axle Springs break on the front and rear axles of the S40 II, V50 and C30 comparatively often, as MOT inspectors regularly find. The repair is straightforward but not cheap. Symptoms: Clattering or banging over bumps, one side of the car sitting low, spring scraping against damper from 100,000 km | Low |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Subaru WRX GD
Kompaktklasse (2002–2007)
Fiat Stilo 192
Kompaktklasse (2001–2008)
Honda Civic EP
Kompaktklasse (2001–2005)
MINI MINI R50
Kompaktklasse (2001–2006)
Subaru Impreza GD
Kompaktklasse (2001–2007)
Toyota Corolla E120
Kompaktklasse (2001–2007)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 45 weaknesses have been documented for the Volvo S40 1 (1996–2004) — 32 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Rust, Brakes, HVAC.
S40 (D4192T3, 2001–2004) — Be Careful: Timing belt change mandatory on interference engine, Turbocharger blades damaged, Injection pump wears prematurely. Power: 116 PS.
S40 (B4194T, 1997–2000) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure — total engine damage risk, Turbocharger shaft seals leak oil, Crankcase ventilation clogged. Power: 200 PS.
S40 (B4164S2, 1999–2004) — Be Careful: Timing belt tensioner wears prematurely, Plastic thermostat housing leaks, Injector connectors become brittle. Power: 109 PS.
S40 (B4184S2, 1999–2004) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure destroys engine, Elevated oil consumption from piston ring wear, Camshaft seals losing oil. Power: 116 PS.
S40 (B4204S2, 1999–2004) — Be Careful: Timing belt — interference engine with high total damage risk, Coolant hoses and connectors become brittle, Valve stem seals wear. Power: 136–140 PS.
S40 (B4204T3, 2000–2004) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure = total engine damage (interference engine), Turbocharger shaft seal wears at high mileage, Oil separator clogged — oil loss and pressure build-up. Power: 163 PS.
What to watch out for with the Volvo S40? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Volvo S40 1 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Volvo S40 1? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Volvo S40 1 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Volvo S40 1 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Volvo S40 1? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee