- The problem
- On certain sedans and station wagons, there may be a fuel leak from the fuel rail due to inadequate welding.
- The risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a v-clamp to the fuel rail. Owner notification began on january 28, 2004. Owners should contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Volvo V40 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2003 Volvo V40 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (2) and the visibility & wipers (1). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in October 2003 for the fuel system, gasoline. For comparison, the 2002 has 7 and the 2004 has 4.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical V40 year, for its age
#266 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Volvo V40 problems
Share of all 5 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Volvo V40 recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems." The second isofix guide was not installed in these vehicles and, in certain cases, the owner's manual isofix information is incorrect.
- The risk
- This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
- The fix
- Owners will receive a letter/package consisting of the second isofix guide with installation instructions, and in certain cases, the corrected owner's manual may be provided. If the owner wants to take their vehicle to a volvo dealer for installation of the guide, it will be performed at no charge to the owner. Owner notification began on december 19, 2003. Owners should contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
What owners say
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5 complaints about the 2003 Volvo V40
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
"2003 Volvo v40 cold start brake failure" on cold winter mornings, when temperature is below freezing, after the engine is started and as I back out of my garage, the brake is so weak that I cannot effectively stop the vehicle. I would need to press the brake pedal as hard as I can and the car would stop in about a full car's length. It's quite scary. The problem always goes away in about 1 to 2 minutes. This only happens occasionally, about 2 to 3 times a month in the winter, but I am not able to predict when...
Read the full complaint
it happens. I have complained to my volvo dealership and left my car there overnight. But they were not able to reproduced the failure. They suggested me to replace the brake vacuum booster pump. So I did and paid for a new brake vacuum booster pump. However the problem was not solved or alleviated. Knowing this could happen any time, I avoid using my volvo in the winter and use extra caution during other times. *Tr
ANGLE GEAR REPLACEMENT ON A 2003 VOLVO XC90 AWD. *TR
1. There is a whooping crane sound when I step on the foot feed and then release. The dealer said it was repaired and then when I drove it home it was still making the noise. After no response from my complaint to them I stopped the payment via ae and have still heard nothing. I think I put the wrong year of my vehicle in the beginning and if I try to go back I loose everything. It is a 2003 xc90 purchased in 12/02. Thank you for any help you can give. If you can't help, please at least send me an email and...
Read the full complaint
tell me so. Thanks. 2. Another problem that started in july 2006 is a knocking noise coming from underneath the vehicle. After numerous trips to the dealer I was told a new box for that particular item and it would cost $2800.00 To repair. But they could not guarantee that would fix the problem. My xc90 had a 4 yr or 50,000 warranty. This problem started in july 2006 with 41800 miles. I took possession of the car in 12/02 so my math says the warranty expired 12/06 and that means it was still under warranty when this was first noticed. I have had the vehicle in at least every 4 months for service and each time complained about it. Also I had it in at least 5 times from june thru july 2007 with no satisfaction. Now they don't even answer my emails or return my phone calls. I have contacted the consumer complaint department of volvo and they have never answered me. I am at a loss as to what to do. This car was purchased at power volvo of cerritos (then it was called volvo of cerritos) please help me! *Tr
Seat belts are defective. When pulling on the seat belts they will not reach the buckle. Thus, making it impossible to attach and ride. Consumer indicates that this defect was repaired by the dealership in may 2004. Currently, they locked up again. *Ak
The side mirrors failed to stay in the position they were set in, which made it difficult to see while driving. *Jb
Volvo V40: every year compared
All V40 years2003 Volvo V40 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Volvo V40 | 5 | 2 | C | |
| 2003 Volvo S60 | 123 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo V70 | 47 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo S80 | 29 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo S40 | 21 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo V70XC | 15 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo C70 | 7 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo VN | 3 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo VHD | 3 | 11 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Volvo V40
Does the 2003 Volvo V40 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Volvo V40: fuel system, gasoline (October 2003); labels (August 2003). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo V40?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (2), visibility & wipers (1), brakes (1).
How many complaints has the 2003 Volvo V40 had?
5 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 2, 2003 and the latest on May 18, 2010. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Volvo V40 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 56 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Volvo V40 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Volvo V40 years have the most complaints?
2000 (50), 2001 (11), 2002 (7). See every Volvo V40 year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Volvo V40 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data