Model year guide

2003 Volvo S40

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Volvo S40 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.

2003 Volvo S40 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Volvo S40 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints21
Typical price$1,365

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2003 Volvo S40 recalls 2

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #03V424000 · 24/10/2003

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

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 · 01/08/2003

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.

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…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2003 Volvo S40 common problems

Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

What's a 2003 Volvo S40 worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$1,365
High
$2,999

From 17 comparable 2003 Volvo S40 listings.

2003 Volvo S40 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
1.9L 4-cyl 170 hp

2003 Volvo S40 vehicles on record

2003 Volvo S40 2003 Volvo S40 BaseYV1VS27573F971070 2003 Volvo S40 2003 Volvo S40 BaseYV1VS27573F000490 2003 Volvo S40 2003 Volvo S40 BaseYV1VS29503F920524 2003 Volvo S40 2003 Volvo S40 BaseYV1VS29533F946812 2003 Volvo S40 2003 Volvo S40 BaseYV1VS27583F988265 2003 Volvo S40 BaseYV1VS29553F951333 2003 Volvo S40 2003 Volvo S40 BaseYV1VS29513F951247 2003 Volvo S40 2003 Volvo S40 BaseYV1VS27593F998612 2003 Volvo S40 2003 Volvo S40 BaseYV1VS29523F929418 2003 Volvo S40 BaseYV1VS27563F003767 2003 Volvo S40 2003 Volvo S40 BaseYV1VS29573F922867 2003 Volvo S40 2003 Volvo S40 BaseYV1VS27583F978934 2003 Volvo S40 2003 Volvo S40 BaseYV1VS27593F979137 2003 Volvo S40 2003 Volvo S40 BaseYV1VS27583F981140 2003 Volvo S40 2003 Volvo S40 BaseYV1VS27533F971812 2003 Volvo S40 2003 Volvo S40 BaseYV1VS29533F926155 2003 Volvo S40 2003 Volvo S40YV1VS27563F997370

Other Volvo S40 model years

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 2001 2000

2003 Volvo S40 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Volvo S40 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2003 Volvo S40. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo S40?

Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are power train, electrical system, suspension.

How much is a 2003 Volvo S40 worth?

Comparable 2003 Volvo S40 listings run roughly $500–$2,999, typically around $1,365 (from 17 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.