WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE CAUSING SCRATCHES IN THE WINDSHIELD. I FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT WITH THE WIPERBLADES CAUSING DIRT TO SCRATCH THE WINDSHIELD MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE. *TR
2005 Volvo S40 visibility problems
moderate 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $350
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$350
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN THERE WAS A LOUD BOOM IN MY CAR THAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT. GLASS THEN CAME DOWN ON AND AROUND ME IN MY CAR. I PULLED OVER AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. IT LOOKS LIKE THE GLASS FROM MY SUNROOF CAME UP AND OUT OF MY CAR. IT DID NOT APPEAR AS IF ANYTHING HIT IT. THERE IS A LARGE GAPING HOLE IN MY SUNROOF. *TR
Common questions
How serious is the visibility problem on the 2005 Volvo S40?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 6 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $350 for visibility repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
Some links on this page are affiliate links.