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2003 Volvo V40 problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Volvo V40 is brakes. It has fewer complaints than a typical V40 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
150
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 2003 Volvo V40 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    1
  • Seat belts
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    1
  • Seat belts
    1

Recalls 2

Fuel system, gasolineReported October 24, 2003 · 15,067 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 03V424000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported August 1, 2003 · 220,407 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 03V284000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2003 Volvo V40

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Volvo V40 150

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 150 bulletins for the 2003 Volvo V40

What 2003 Volvo V40 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 18, 2010 · Brakes · 30,000 miles · 00

"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 full car's length. It's quite scary. The problem always goes away in about 1 to 2 minutes. This only happens occasionally, about 2 to 3 times a month in the winter, but I am not able to predict when it happens. I have complained to my volvo dealership and left my car there overnight. But they were not able to reproduced the failure. They suggested me to replace the brake vacuum booster pump. So I did and paid for a new brake vacuum booster pump. However the problem was not solved or alleviated. Knowing this could happen any time, I avoid using my volvo in the winter and use extra caution during other times.

Filed Jun 7, 2004 · Seat belts · 18,000 miles · NC

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.

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Questions about the 2003 Volvo V40

Is the 2003 Volvo V40 reliable?

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2003 Volvo V40, fewer than a typical V40 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Volvo V40?

Brakes, with 1 complaint. Next is seat belts (1).

How many recalls does the 2003 Volvo V40 have?

2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and equipment.

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