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Volvo · Compact · 2004–2012

Volvo S40 2

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.3 / 5.0 · Based on 8 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

230–231 PS

2.5L Turbo Benzin

Upgraded pocket rocket

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

101 PS

1.6L Benzin

4 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations

Engine Overview

The Volvo S40 2 is available with 7 engine variants — from 101 to 231 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.6L DRIVe · Diesel· 109–114 PS
2010 2012
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L D3/D4 · Diesel· 133–136 PS
2007 2012
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L D4 · Diesel· 177 PS
2007 2012
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6L · Benziner· 101 PS
2004 2012
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.8L · Benziner· 125 PS
2004 2012
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L · Benziner· 145 PS
2004 2012
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
T5 · Benziner· 220–230 PS Engine Change
2004 2008
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2008 2012
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Volvo 1.6L DRIVe (Diesel, 109–114 PS) has the D4162T (1.6L DRIVe) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 2.0L D3/D4 (Diesel, 133–136 PS) has the D5204T5 (2.0L D3/D4) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 2.0L D4 (Diesel, 177 PS) has the D5204T6 (2.0L D4) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 1.6L (Benziner, 101 PS) has the B4164S3 (1.6L) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 1.8L (Benziner, 125 PS) has the B4184S11 (1.8L) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 2.0L (Benziner, 145 PS) has the B4204S4 (2.0L) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Volvo T5 (Benziner, 220–230 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B5254T3 (2004–2008, Be Careful) und B5254T7 (2008–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the T5!

NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
255 complaints · 2004–2012
Electrical
70 ⚠ 2
Brakes
33 ⚠ 4
Airbags
27 ⚠ 8
Engine & Cooling
26
Hydraulic
24 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (70 complaints)
⚠ Brakes (33 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (27 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 34 weaknesses have been documented for the Volvo S40 2 (2004–2012). Considered reliable: B4164S3 (1.6L).

S40 (D5204T5, 2007–2012) — Be Careful: EGR cooler soot-clogged — VEA diesel problem, Serpentine belt must not reach timing belt — total loss risk, DPF clogging with short-trip use. Power: 133–136 PS.

S40 (D5204T6, 2007–2012) — Be Careful: EGR cooler soot-clogged — VEA diesel problem, Serpentine belt must not reach timing belt — total loss risk, DPF clogging with short-trip use. Power: 177 PS.

S40 (D4162T, 2010–2012) — Be Careful: Timing belt — interval shortened to 140,000 km in 2014, Engine block can crack on overheating, Diesel particulate filter clogs with short-trip use. Power: 109–114 PS.

S40 (B4184S11, 2004–2012) — Be Careful: Timing belt — interference engine, strict maintenance required, Oil scraper rings wear — elevated oil consumption, Cooling system corrosion from aged coolant. Power: 125 PS.

S40 (B4204S4, 2004–2012) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure = total engine damage (interference engine), Water pump leaks — belt-driven, VVT solenoid leaks and sludges. Power: 145 PS.

S40 (B5254T3, 2004–2008) — Be Careful: Timing belt + camshaft seals mandatory, Angle gear on AWD variant wears out, PCV oil separator clogged — oil in spark plug wells. Power: 220 PS.

S40 (B5254T7, 2008–2012) — Be Careful: Timing belt + water pump, PCV oil separator clogged, Wastegate actuator faulty. Power: 230 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 2 have? +
The Volvo S40 2 has 34 known engine weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Volvo S40 2? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: B4164S3 (1.6L). The most reliable engine is the B4164S3 (1.6L) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the B5254T7 (2.5L Turbo).
Which Volvo S40 2 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Volvo S40 2. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 4 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Volvo S40 2 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Volvo S40 2 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 230 hp five-cylinder in the S40 — even more punch than its B5254T3 predecessor.
Is the Volvo S40 2 worth buying used? +
The Volvo S40 2 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 8 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Volvo S40 2? +
The Volvo S40 2 is available with engine variants from 101 to 231 hp. Petrol: B4164S3 (1.6L), B4184S11 (1.8L), B4204S4 (2.0L), B5254T3 (2.5L Turbo), B5254T7 (2.5L Turbo). Diesel: D4162T (1.6L DRIVe), D5204T5 (2.0L D3/D4), D5204T6 (2.0L D4).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee