2003 Volvo S40: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2003

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest S40 years (#9 of 10 by complaints, age-adjusted)1 fire report

Common problems Recalls Specs Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 18 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)5 complaints

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)3 complaints

Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)2 complaints

Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)2 complaints

Tires2 complaints

Engine (engine mechanics)1 complaint

“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.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2021

“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2018

“Tl* 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.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2012

Show 3 more owner reports

“Got a check engine light on and tried to get a full diagnostic test done, but the power control module was not communicating with vehicle. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2006

“Consumer stated that banridge volvo will not honor the recall dealing with the fuel rail. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealership on 04/22/2004. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2004

“Consumer indicated that the isofix guide that the manufacturer sent for recall 03v284000 could not fix the problem. *ak”Owner report · Equipment · Feb 2004

Recalls - 2 campaigns

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE03V424000 · Oct 2003

ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS, THERE MAY BE A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FUEL RAIL DUE TO INADEQUATE WELDING.

Remedy: 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.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS03V284000 · Aug 2003

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.

Remedy: 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.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 2003 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Body stylesSedan/Saloon

How other years compare

200184 complaints · 2 recalls 200227 complaints · 1 recalls 2003 (this page)18 complaints · 2 recalls 200448 complaints · 6 recalls 200569 complaints · 3 recalls

Check your exact S40 by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2003 Volvo S40 reliable?

NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Volvo S40. The most complained-about area is power train.

Does the 2003 Volvo S40 have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.