Model year record

2003 Volvo V40 recalls & problems

The 2003 Volvo V40 has 2 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is seat belts (1 complaint).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints2filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Fuel system, gasolineOct 24, 2003

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 03V42400015,067 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS, THERE MAY BE A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FUEL RAIL DUE TO INADEQUATE WELDING.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
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.

EquipmentAug 1, 2003

Other › Labels

Recall 03V284000220,407 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

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.
Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2003 Volvo V40 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

V40

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

1.9 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Seat beltsFront › Buckle assembly	1	0	0	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulic	1	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Service brakes, hydraulic
"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 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…
Nov 11, 2008 · 30,000 miles
Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
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
May 5, 2004 · 18,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.