Should I buy a 2007 Volvo S40 with documented brakes problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented brakes issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2007 Volvo S40 brakes problems

severe 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$450

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 08V101000 05/03/2008

VOLVO IS RECALLING 1,114 MY 2007 C30, C70, S40, AND V50 PASSENGER VEHICLES

THE CAPACITY TO BRAKE WILL GRADUALLY DETERIORATE FORCING THE DRIVER TO USE A HIGHER THAN EXPECTED FORCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN COMPARED TO AN INTACT BRAKE SYSTEM. THE DETERIORATION CAN EVENTUALLY RESULT IN COMPLETE LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WILL BE REPLACED AND CERTAIN BRAKE LINES CLEANED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

What owners are reporting 5 most recent

brakes · filed 12/10/2011

12/9/2011 WHILE ON AN INCLINE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH BRAKES FAILED, EVEN AFTER PRESSING PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, CAR FAILED TO STOP CAUSING COLLISION WITH VEHICLE IN FRONT DESPITE MORE THAN NECESSARY BRAKING DISTANCE MAINTAINED BETWEEN TWO VEHICLES AND UNDER CLEAR, SUNNY CONDITIONS. NOTE: DEALER HAD COMPLETED 10-POINT INSPECTION DURING OIL CHANGE 14 DAYS BEFORE OCCURRENCE. 8/2011…

brakes · filed 11/12/2007

THE REAR BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER A SHORT DRIVE (1 MILE) HAVING TO BE EXTINGUISHED WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLY (LEFT REAR) COMPLETELY FAILED AND OVERHEATED TO THE POINT OF CAUSING FLAMES TO APPEAR NEEDING TO BE EXTINGUISHED. THIS CAR HAD 2939 MILES ON IT AS A NEW VOLVO S40. THIS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE WAS UNEXPLAINED AND WITHOUT AN APPARENT ERROR BY DRIVER …

brakes · filed 10/20/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE SENSOR ILLUMINATED INDICATING LOW BRAKE FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN REPLENISHED THE BRAKE FLUID AND RESET THE BRAKE SENSOR. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER THE BRAKE SENSOR WAS RESET BY THE DEALER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO …

brakes · filed 10/18/2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND A BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. BRAKE FLUID WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE AS A TEMPORARY REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE …

brakes · filed 02/20/2010

I DROVE INTO A HOTEL PARKING GARAGE , CAME INTO MY SPOT AND THE CAR ACCELERATED AND WENT INTO A WALL. I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT MY WHOLE CAR GOING THRU THE WALL. JUST THE FRONT OF THE CAR WENT INTO THE WALL. *TR

Common questions

How serious is the brakes problem on the 2007 Volvo S40?

It's a meaningful issue. 6 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.

At what mileage does the brakes 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.