2 recalls and 2 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Volvo V40.
2
recalls
2
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2003 Volvo V40 recalls
Fuel system, gasoline
NHTSA campaign 03V424000 · reported October 24, 2003 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. · 15,067 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
On certain sedans and station wagons, there may be a fuel leak from the fuel rail due to inadequate welding.
The risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The 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.
Equipment: other, labels
NHTSA campaign 03V284000 · reported August 1, 2003 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. · 220,407 vehicles potentially affected
The 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.
The risk
This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
The 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.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Seat belts1
Service brakes, hydraulic1
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
May 18, 2010 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 30,000 miles
"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…
Jun 7, 2004 · Seat belts · 18,000 miles
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.
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Volvo V40, the most recent reported on October 24, 2003 (Fuel system, gasoline). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo V40?
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is seat belts (1 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (1).
How many 2003 Volvo V40 complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 2 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 18, 2010.