2003 Volvo V40
Only 2 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 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 1 |
| 2000 | 50 |
| 2001 | 11 |
| 2002 | 4 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2013 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
"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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100518
1 of 2 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040607
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 TA
Campaign 03V284000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 03V424000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Volvo V40 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V284000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V424000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Volvo V40 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 V40?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Volvo V40 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.