Overview

Released in February 2013, the Volvo V40 was a small, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Ghent, Belgium, the front-wheel drive Volvo 40 was initially available with 1.6- and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines (the D2 and D4 variants, respectively) and 2.0- and 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines (the T4 and T5 variants). Beyond the variants, the Volvo V40 was available in Kinetic, Luxury and R-Design editions.

In April 2015, the Volvo V40 range was expanded with the T3 variant.

D4162T, D5204T4, B5204T8, B5254T12 and Drive-E engines

Of the engines,

• The 1.6-litre D4162T (or DV-6C) diesel engine for D2 variants had an aluminium cylinder block and head, a variable geometry turbocharger, common-rail direct injection, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 16.0:1;
• The 2.0-litre D5204T4 turbo-diesel engine for D4 variants differed in that it had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 16.5:1;
• From October 2014, the D4 variants were powered by Volvo’s 2.0-litre twin-turbo D4204T14 ‘Drive-E’ diesel engine. Rather than use common-rail injection with a conventional single pressure sensor, each injector in the ‘Drive-E’ diesel engine had a chip which monitored injection pressure – up to 2500 bar – for more precise fuel flow (Volvo’s ‘Intelligent Accuracy Refinement Technology’ or ‘i-ART’); and,
• The B5204T8 (for T4 variants) and B5254T12 (for T5 variants) were both members of Volvo’s Modular engine family and had aluminium construction, double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. The B5204T8 (T4) engine, however, had direct injection and a compression ratio of 10.5:1, whereas the B5254T12 (T5) engine had conventional port injection and a compression ratio of 9.5:1

All engines had a ‘Start-Stop’ function which enabled them to shut down when the vehicle was stationary to reduce fuel consumption. Furthermore, regenerative braking – which controlled alternator output to charge the battery when the vehicle was braking or coasting – was also fitted as standard.

Dimensions

The Volvo V40 was underpinned by a modified version of Ford’s C1 platform which was also used for the Volvo C30 . Compared to the C30, however, the V40 was 117 mm longer (at 4369 mm), 1 mm wider (1783 mm), 27 mm lower (1420 mm) and had a 7 mm longer wheelbase (2647 mm).

Suspension and steering

The Volvo V40 had MacPherson strut front suspension – with 25 mm piston rods as per the S60 – and independent, multi-link rear suspension with monotube dampers; the V40 also had electric, power-assisted steering.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volvo V40 included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front and outer rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

In a world-first, the Volvo V40 was fitted with a pedestrian airbag which – in the event of a collision – inflated from under the rear edge of the bonnet to better protect pedestrians from hard points at the base of the windscreen and the lower A-pillars. The V40 was also fitted Volvo’s ‘City Safety’ system as standard; the City Safety system used lasers to detect vehicles ahead and would provide autonomous braking – to prevent or minimise the severity of a collision – from speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Optional ‘Driver Support’ pack

For the Luxury and R-Design editions, an optional ‘Driver Support’ pack was available which retailed for $5000. The Driver Support pack included:

• Adaptive cruise control: maintained both the speed set by the driver and the distance to the vehicle ahead;
• Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake: a radar sensor integrated into the V40’s grille and a camera fitted in front of the interior rear-view mirror would detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path. If a collision was anticipated, the driver would receive an audible warning and a flashing light would appear in the windscreen’s head-up display. If the driver did not react and a collision was imminent, full braking power would be applied automatically;
• Road Sign Information: automatically detected road sign information and provided this information in the instrument display;
• The Lane Keeping Aid: used a forward-looking camera to monitor lane markings at speeds between 65 km/h and 200 km/h. If the driver unintentionally drifted out of their lane, the system would provide gentle steering wheel torque to steer the vehicle back onto its intended course. If the vehicle departed from the lane, a warning would be issued via a haptic vibration in the steering wheel;
• Automatic high-beam: automatically switched the headlights from high beams to dipped beams when oncoming traffic was detected;
• Enhanced Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): in addition to conventional blind spot monitoring, a radar would monitor and alert the driver to rapidly approaching vehicles that were up to 70 metres behind the vehicle;
• Cross Traffic Alert: rear radar sensors would alert the driver to crossing traffic – up to 30 metres from the sides of the vehicle – when reversing out of a parking space; and,
• Park Assist Pilot: semi-automated parallel parking whereby the driver only needed to control the vehicle’s speed.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the Volvo V40 received the highest overall safety result in the history of Euro NCAP testing which included the highest adult occupant protection score (98 per cent). The V40 also attained a 75 per cent child occupant protection rating, an 88 per cent pedestrian protection rating and a 100 per cent safety assist rating. In ANCAP’s assessment , this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 36.67 out of 37.

Features: V40 Kinetic and Luxury

Standard safety equipment for the Volvo V40 Kinetic included 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with a five-inch colour display, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod) and Bluetooth connectivity, climate control air conditioning, a power adjustable driver’s seat (with memory settings), cruise control, daytime LED running lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a cooled glovebox, remote central locking, power windows and folding mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, ambient lighting, a 12 volt power outlet, an alarm and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the V40 Luxury was further equipped with a DVD player, satellite navigation with a seven-inch display, leather upholstery, a power adjustable front passenger seat, xenon headlights and a reversing camera.

V40 R-Design editions

Compared to the Luxury editions, the V40 R-Design featured 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, black Nubuck textile and perforated leather seat upholsteries with R-design logos and a unique steering wheel, gear shift, handbrake and sport pedals. Visually, the R-Design editions could be identified by their silk-metal framed high-gloss grille, ‘ironstone’ rear diffuser and twin exhaust tail-pipes. The R-Design editions also had ‘Sport’ suspension which was 10 mm lower and included firmer springs and shock absorbers to better absorb lateral loads.

2014 Volvo V40 T4 Sprint Edition

Released in November 2014, the V40 T4 Sprint Edition was based on the T4 Kinetic but distinguished by its 18-inch ‘Midir’ black diamond cut alloy wheels, sports suspension, tinted rear glass and rear spoiler. Furthermore, the V40 T4 Sprint Edition was available in Black Sapphire, Ice White, Electric Silver and Power Blue paint finishes.

Brochures

• Brochure: Volvo V40 (February 2013)
• Brochure: Volvo V40 (October 2014)
• Brochure: Volvo V40 (October 2015)

Related links

• Technical Specifications: Volvo V40 (August 2013)
• Volvo Newsroom: The all-new Volvo V40 – model year 2013 (August 2012)
• Volvo Newsroom: The all-new Volvo V40 – Driving Dynamics (September 2012)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo V40 – model year 2014 (May 2013)
• Volvo Australia: Volvo V40
• Wikipedia.org: Volvo V40

Review: Volvo Mk.1-I V40 (1997-00)

Overview

Released in March 1997, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase I (Mk.1-I) V40 was a compact wagon. Manufactured in the Netherlands, the front-wheel drive Volvo V40 range initially consisted of the naturally aspirated 2.0 and turbocharged T4 variants. The V40 range, however, was subsequently expanded with T variants in February 1998 and 1.8 variants in July 1999. Transmission options consisted of four-speed automatic and five-speed manual units.

Co-developed with the Volvo Mk.1 S40 sedan, the Volvo V40 was 4483 mm long, 1717 mm wide, 1411 mm tall and had a 2550 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the V40 had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension. As part of an updated introduced in July 1999, the suspension was revised for greater ride comfort.

Dimensions

Co-developed with the Volvo Mk.1 S40 sedan , the V40 was 4483 mm long, 1717 mm wide, 1411 mm tall and had a 2550 mm long wheelbase.

Suspension and steering

The Volvo V40 had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension; as part of an updated introduced in July 1999, the suspension was revised for greater ride comfort. Furthermore, the Volvo V40 had rack-and-pinion steering with hydraulic power assistance.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volvo Mk.1 V40 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners; the V40 T4 was further equipped with traction control.

From July 1999, electronic brake force distribution was fitted as standard.

Features

Standard features for the Volvo V40 1.8 and 2.0 variants included a six speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height adjustable driver’s seat, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and immobiliser. In July 1999, a six speaker sound system was introduced.

The V40 SE was further equipped with alloy wheels, a CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather seat trim, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and ‘woodline’ dash and door trim.

Compared to the 1.8 and 2.0 variants, the Volvo V40 T was fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels as standard. Beyond this, the V40 T4 added 16-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a trip computer and rear spoiler.

Related links

• Heritage Models: Volvo V40 (1995-04)
• Wikipedia.org: Volvo Mk.1 S40/V40

Review: Volvo Mk.1-II V40 (2000-04)

Overview

Released in August 2000, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase II (Mk.1-II) V40 introduced a range of cosmetic, mechanical and handling upgrades. For the drivetrains,

• Five-speed automatic transmissions with adaptive shift behaviour were introduced across the range;
• For T4 variants, the B4194T petrol engine was replaced by the B4204T5 unit; and,
• Both the T and T4 variants (i.e. the B4204T3 and B4204T5 engines) were fitted with twin-scroll turbochargers which reduced turbo lag by approximately 50 per cent and continuously variable valve timing (CVVT).

The front suspension was fitted with new lower wishbones and revised springs and dampers which operated with less bind. Furthermore, there were new tyre specifications, track was increased by 18mm, the wheelbase extended by 12 mm and a new steering housing which contributed to improved steering feel. Refinement was also improved with the introduction of hydro engine mounts and greater insulation between the engine bay and cabin.

Visually, the Mk.1-II V40 could be identified by its new bumpers, flared wheel arches, clear-glass headlights and tail-lights, larger side indicator lights and new alloy wheel designs.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volvo Mk.1-II V40 included dual front airbags (two-stage), front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelt pretensioners. The V40 T and T4 variants were also fitted with traction control.

Features

Standard features for the Volvo V40 1.8 and 2.0 included a seven speaker sound system with a CD player, air conditioning, leather seat trim, rear fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 1/3 to 2/3 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlet and immobiliser.

The V40 2.0 SE and T were further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, leather-faced seats and cruise control.

Beyond this, the V40 T4 added 16-inch alloy wheels with ‘Dynamic’ suspension settings, front fog lights, a trip computer and rear spoiler.

V40 Sport and AKTIV editions

In January 2002, a limited-run 2.0 Sport edition was released; it was distinguished by its 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and a rear spoiler. In May 2002, the T Sport was released – it was fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, but also gained front fog lights and a rear spoiler.

In June 2003, the 2.0 AKTIV was released; it was distinguished by its 15-inch ‘Vogon’ alloy wheels, leather upholstery, front fog lights, black-blend dual headlights, claret wood-effect inlays and rear spoiler.

Related links

• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo S40 and V40 – improving ambience and practicality (September 2002)

Recalls: Volvo V40

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Volvo V40

Volvo V40: left rear light may fail

In April 2014, a recall was issued for Volvo V40 vehicles because the left rear positioning light may stop functioning; if this occurred, the ‘bulb failure light’ would illuminate and a message would be displayed in the Driver’s Information Module (DIM). The V40 vehicles recalled had serial numbers (i.e. the last six digits in the VIN) in the range 122883 to 144567 (PRA 2014/14038).

2017 model year Volvo V40: airbags may not inflate completely

In January 2017, a recall was issued for 2017 model year Volvo V40 vehicles. In the event of a collision, the airbag igniter may not cause adequate inflation of the driver, passenger and/or seat airbags in these vehicles. If the airbags did not inflate completely, the risk of injury for the driver and other occupants would be increased (PRA 2017/15822).

2015-16 model year Volvo V40: potential fuel leak

In January 2019, recall campaign R29904 was issued for 2015-16 model year Volvo V40 vehicles. Due to cracks in the inner layer of the fuel hose and the pressurised fuel system, the fuel hose could leak. The driver may notice the fuel leak as a result of a fuel odour. The fuel leak, however, posed a hazard to other road users and the fuel could ignite in the presence of an ignition source. To fix, the hose on the fuel line was to be replaced. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/17249.

2015-19 model year Volvo V40: intake manifold could melt or deform

In July 2019, recall campaign R29939 was issued for 2015-19 model year Volvo V40 vehicles. In these vehicles, the engine valve may leak and cause the engine intake manifold to melt or deform. If the engine intake manifold were to melt or deform, the vehicle may enter ‘limp home’ which restricted engine power and speed; it also posed a fire hazard. This reduction in engine power and fire hazard increased the risk of a collision and injury. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17676.

2015-19 Volvo V40 with diesel engine: intake manifold could melt or deform

In November 2019, recall campaigns R29945 and R29946 were issued for Volvo V40 vehicles that had four-cylinder D4204T8, D4204T11 or D4204T23 diesel engines and were available for sale in Australia from 1 May 2015 to 29 October 2019. In these vehicles, an engine valve may leak – this could cause the engine intake manifold to melt or deform. If this occurred, the engine may run abnormally (including interruption or lack of power), the engine malfunction indication light may illuminate or there may be a localised fire in the engine bay. If any of these occurred, it posed a collision or injury risk to vehicle occupants or other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17938 and PRA 2019/17939.

2013-18 Volvo V40 Diesel: engine intake manifold could melt or deform

In January 2020, recall campaigns R29947 and R29948 were issued for Volvo V40 vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 1 May 2013 to 31 May 2018 and which had four-cylinder D4204T14 or D4204T5 diesel engines. In these vehicles, an engine valve may leak and cause the engine intake manifold to melt or deform. If this occurred, there may be unusual engine operation, activation of the engine malfunction indication light, engine interruption or lack of power, or the possibility of a localised engine bay fire – these posed a risk of injury to vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/18031 and PRA 2019/18032.

2013-18 Volvo V40 Diesel (4 cyl): overheating and fire hazard

In August 2020, recall campaigns R10025 and R10026 were issued for Volvo V40 vehicles that had four-cylinder diesel engines and were available for sale from 1 August 2013 to 1 December 2018. If the cooling system had to be refilled, air could become trapped in the cooling system and this might result in insufficient cooling of the engine components – this could cause damage to engine components and a fire in the engine bay. A fire would pose a risk of injury and death to vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18433 and PRA 2020/18450.

2014-18 Volvo V40 Diesel (4 cyl): overheating and fire hazard

In December 2020, recall campaign R10030 was issued for Volvo V40 vehicles that had four-cylinder diesel engines and were available for sale in Australia from 1 August 2014 to 1 December 2018. If the cooling system of these vehicles had to be refilled, air could become trapped in the cooling system and this may result in insufficient cooling of engine components. This condition could cause damage to engine components and a fire in the engine bay – these circumstances increased the risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18706.

Problems and faults: Volvo V40

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Volvo V40

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Volvo V40.

Recalls: Volvo Mk.1 V40

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Volvo Mk.1 V40

• In June 2001, a recall was issued for 2001 model year Volvo V40 vehicles due to a diode in the climate control unit which could fail. As a result, the climate control unit and windscreen demister would stop working (PRA 2001/4800).
• In November 2003, a recall was issued for 2003 and 2004 model year Volvo V40 vehicles because the end cover on the service nipple side of the engine fuel rail could leak fuel – this presented a potential fire hazard and could also cause drivability disturbances (PRA 2003/6593).

Problems and faults: Volvo Mk.1 V40

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Volvo Mk.1 V40

• For early Volvo Mk.1 V40 models, the bottom front suspension ball joints may wear prematurely and the anti-roll bar mountings can become loose.
• The exhaust-manifold nuts are susceptible to coming loose. If so, the nuts should be replaced with new ones which have captive washers.
• The seat adjustment mechanism may squeak if it is not regularly lubricated.
• The fuel gauge sensor is susceptible to failure.

Released in February 2013, the Volvo V40 was a small, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Ghent, Belgium, the front-wheel drive V40 was available with 1.6- and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines (the D2 and D4 variants, respectively) and 2.0- and 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines (the T4 and T5 variants)… Read full Volvo V40 review

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Released in March 1997, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase I (Mk.1-I) V40 was a compact wagon. Manufactured in the Netherlands, the front-wheel drive V40 range initially consisted of the naturally aspirated 2.0 and turbocharged T4 variants. The V40 range, however, was subsequently expanded with T variants in February 1998 and 1.8 variants in July 1999… Read full Volvo Mk.1 V40 review

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Images: Volvo Mk.1-II V40 (2000-04)

Released in August 2000, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase II (Mk.1-II) V40 introduced a range of cosmetic, mechanical and handling upgrades. The Volvo Mk.1-II V40 could be identified by its new bumpers, flared wheel arches, clear-glass headlights and tail-lights, larger side indicator lights and new alloy wheel designs. Refinement was also improved with the introduction of hydro engine mounts and greater insulation between the engine bay and cabin.

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Euro NCAP: 2012 Volvo V40 crash and ESC testing

In Euro NCAP testing, the V40 received the highest overall safety ratings in the history of Euro NCAP testing, including the highest adult occupant protection score (98 per cent). For more information about this test, please go to the Euro NCAP website. Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.

CarBuyer: Volvo V40 video review

Note

Please note that these videos are applicable to vehicles as they are supplied to their respective markets. As such, the features, prices and performance of the vehicles in these videos may differ from those which are supplied in Australia.

MSN Cars: Volvo V40 test drive

Fifth Gear: Volvo V40 – team review

RPM TV: 2013 Volvo V40 D3 Elite

Carbuyer: 2017 Volvo V40 hatch review