Software problems of the 2004 Volvo S40

Two problems related to software have been reported for the 2004 Volvo S40. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Volvo S40 based on all problems reported for the 2004 S40.

1 Software problem

Failure Date: 12/29/2006

Dashboard went crazy, fading in and out. All panels were unreadable, speedometer, radio, temperature gauge. Car accelerated on its own, without my foot on the pedal. Cd was shot into the backseat landing in my child safety seat. All of this occurred while driving on the highway. In all 3 instances the message indicator stated to not drive the car. I had the car towed to 2 different dealers. The first time they said it was the software and reinstalled. The second time, they replaced the alternator and the car was in the shop for over a week, the third time, the replace the cem module and radio. The the fourth time the car wouldn't read the key and had to be towed and they replaced the steering module. This car has been in the shop 3 times in less than 6 months for 3 electrical related issues the car only has 42,000 mile.

2 Software problem

Failure Date: 09/27/2006

I was driving home at night when all of the gauges in my car went out completely. I had no speedometer, no gas reading, no engine heat meter, the message center was out, no turn signals. This is a 2 year old vehicle that was purchased brand new from Volvo in 2004. I had to drive home 60 miles on an extreme;y dark road with no safety gauges- I couldn't call for roadside as I was alone and am a woman- I wasn't going to stop on the side of the road to wait for roadside. I was told by Volvo that it was the ddm module and the wiring harness- my electrical /computer system went bad. How is that possible in a brand new car? furthermore, I was 1,000 miles over the manufacturer's warranty of 50,000 miles- thus Volvo charged me $1,645. 00. Within in minutes of driving the car after it was repaired- the service engine light came on. I was told that my software had to be upgraded and my throttle cleaned? I believe that the electrical/computer systems in these cars are no good.




Safety Ratings of S40 Cars
Fuel Economy of S40 Vehicles
S40 Service Bulletins
S40 Safety Recalls
S40 Defect Investigations