2003 Volvo S40 recalls and problems

The 2003 Volvo S40 has 2 safety recalls and 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Volvo S40 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Volvo S40 recalls

Recall 03V-424: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Oct 24, 2003 · 15,067 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

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.

Recall 03V-284: Equipment

Reported Aug 1, 2003 · 220,407 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

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.

2003 Volvo S40 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	6
Electrical System	3
Tires	2
Suspension	2
Fuel System, Gasoline	2
Engine and Engine Cooling	2
Vehicle Speed Control	2
Equipment	1
Fuel System, Other	1
Unknown or Other	1
Engine	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail — 2
Equipment › Other › Labels — 1
Suspension › Front › Springs › Air Suspension › Lines and Fittings — 1
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 85,106 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Volvo S40 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Nov 7, 2021

Engine light stays on. I have had 2 mechanics check it out. They don't know why the light is on. I am very concerned about the fuel line problem.

Suspension · at 120,000 miles · reported Dec 7, 2018

The rear strut/shocks continue to break/crack over and over. I have gone through 3 new struts and shocks and they continue to break. I also have gone to the junkyard and all of the s40 and v40's have all of their struts/shocks broken. I've witnessed over 6 s40 or v40's like this now. My car has failed inspection because of this and it is a safety concern. It seems this is a common issue on every s40 and v40 from the years 2001-2004. It's absolutely ridiculous that these struts/shocks continue to break. There should definitely be a recall.

Electrical System · at 108,000 miles · reported Jan 31, 2018

Prior to latest incident, the car had occasionally gone into "limp" mode, sticking in 3rd gear but drivable. That problem would go away after a day or so. Local shop couldn't find anything definitive. Bigger problem was yesterday evening's loss of throttle control and multiple electrical issues. Idle throttle setting (Eg stopped at lights) became unstable, occasionally revving upto to ~2000rpm. Moments later on suburban divided main street, throttle stuck at ~2200rpm which meant I was doing 45mph (Straight line) without any pressure applied to gas pedal. Slowed on the brakes until I shifted…

Electrical System · at 125,000 miles · reported Feb 8, 2013

I returned to my car and found that I could not turn the ignition switch and as a result of the security system my car was totally inoperative. The car had to be towed to the nearest dealer, where it was diagnosed with a broken ignition switch, specifically the device that reads the chip in the key has failed and will not accept any key. Currently the car has been sitting at the dealer for over 4 weeks. Because the keys and switches are matched we cannot get an after-market replacement switch. Further, the parts are back ordered at the dealer, back ordered at volvo north america, back ordered…

Vehicle Speed Control · at 94,000 miles · reported Jun 29, 2012

The contact owns a 2003 volvo s40. The contact stated that while sitting at a traffic stop, the vehicle accelerated abnormally. The contact had his foot on the brake pedal and then had to shift into neutral to get the vehicle to slow down. The contact pulled the vehicle over, shut off and tried to restart the engine but it failed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection but the cause of the failure was unknown. The manufacturer was notified and they informed the contact that there were no recalls for the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Other Volvo S40 years

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Volvo S40 years · All Volvo models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Volvo S40 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Volvo S40: 03V-424 (fuel system, gasoline), 03V-284 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Volvo S40?

Owners report power train problems most often (6 reports), followed by electrical system (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 85,106 miles.

Are Volvo recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volvo dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.