2003 Volvo S40
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 18 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 122 |
| 2001 | 84 |
| 2002 | 27 |
| 2003 | 18 |
| 2004 | 48 |
| 2005 | 69 |
| 2006 | 58 |
| 2007 | 25 |
| 2008 | 16 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
6 of 18 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-31
Also filed under Electrical system and vehicle speed control
Electrical system
3 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-08
Vehicle speed control
2 of 18 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-29
Tires
2 of 18 total reports mention: tires.
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 18 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel rail.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2003-12-19Equipment03V284000 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…
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…
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2004-01-28Fuel system, gasoline03V424000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Volvo S40 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V284000 · Equipment
- Recall 03V424000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 2003 Volvo S40 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo S40?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Volvo S40 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.