Ignition Switch Problems of Volvo S40

Volvo S40 owners have reported 3 problems related to ignition switch (under the electrical system category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Volvo S40 based on all problems reported for the S40.

1 Ignition Switch problem of the 2003 Volvo S40

Failure Date: 02/09/2012

I returned to my car and found that I could not turn the ignition switch and as a result of the security system my car was totally inoperative. The car had to be towed to the nearest dealer, where it was diagnosed with a broken ignition switch, specifically the device that reads the chip in the key has failed and will not accept any key. Currently the car has been sitting at the dealer for over 4 weeks. Because the keys and switches are matched we cannot get an after-market replacement switch. Further, the parts are back ordered at the dealer, back ordered at Volvo north America, back ordered at Volvo in sweden, and they cannot even get me a date when the part might be available. As an reliability engineer, the ignition switch failure would be classified as a criticality 1, single point failure, in other words it results in loss of vehicle. There is no indication of pending failure, and no way to mitigate the problem if it occurs. You are stranded where ever the car was last parked. And worse, in this condition the car has no resale value, except maybe at a "chop shop", so I cannot even trade it in for a new car.

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2 Ignition Switch problem of the 2007 Volvo S40

Failure Date: 02/16/2010

I parked the 2007 S40 Volvo and can't remove the key from the ignition switch. The car is in park, brake on, all necessary checks are checked. Still can't get the key to release, had to turn it several times (30 minutes) right to left until I heard a click and the key came out. I have seem post on the internet about this and that is how I figured out how to get my key and lock the doors. I called Volvo and the response was go to the dealer and you are out of warranty?! the key will not go past the I position. I don't mind paying to get it fixed but according to the Volvo makers it is isolated and not known how to fix. I beg to differ based on talking to other owners and the info on the web. Please assist as much as possible or a direction to get resolution.

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3 Ignition Switch problem of the 2000 Volvo S40

Failure Date: 07/10/2002

Unable to remove key for the ignition.

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Other Common Electrical System related problems of Volvo S40



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