Model year guide

2003 Volvo V40

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Volvo V40 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 127 on record.

2003 Volvo V40 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Volvo V40 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints5
Combined22 mpg

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

2003 Volvo V40 recalls 2

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #03V424000 · manufacturer #R128 · 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 · manufacturer #124 · 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, checked 4 Nov 2026. 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 V40 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — 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.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

2003 Volvo V40 MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,750
EPA size classSmall Station Wagons
TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume89 cu ft
Cargo volume33 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Volvo V40 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,750
Fuel only$18,750
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
178.7 in
Width
67.7 in
Height
55.9 in
Wheelbase
100.8 in
Curb weight
2,822 lb
Front track
57.9 in
Rear track
57.9 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2003 Volvo V40. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 150

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 150.

This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval. Current items under prior appro…

Bulletin 37809.1.1 · Apr 2026

This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.

Bulletin 19245 · Dec 2025

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: • Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V. • Connect to the vehicle over…

Bulletin 8501 · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2025

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob. As…

Bulletin S10303 · Feb 2025

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob. As…

Bulletin S10303 · Feb 2025

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: • Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V. • Connect to the vehicle over…

Bulletin 8501 · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2025

This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factory

Bulletin 37175 · Jan 2025

This is a Technical Journal: Software Upgrade / Download Guide. If one control unit is upgraded and not all, it may result in various problems.

Bulletin TJ31543 · Oct 2024

Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service

Bulletin TJ27536.21.1-2024-08-07 · Electrical System · Aug 2024

This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method

Bulletin 26745.13.14 · Electrical System · Jan 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the V40. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2003 Volvo V40. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Seats And Restraints

Certain Volvo 850, S40, V40, V50, V70, XC70 and XC90 equipped with integrated child booster cushions were incorrectly labelled during vehicle assembly. The label indicates that the booster cushion can be used for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg (33 and 80 lb). CMVSS 213 states that the minimum weight for use must be 18 kg (40 lb). Should an underweight child be placed in…

Transport Canada #2006066 · Mar 2006

Fuel System

On certain vehicles, improper welding of the end cover that secures the service nipple to the fuel rail may eventually cause a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could create the risk of a vehicle fire and possible injury or death. Correction: Dealer will install a V-clamp securing device to the fuel rail.

Transport Canada #2003261 · Oct 2003

Other

Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 210.2. The symbol indicating the presence of a lower universal anchorage system, and a reproduction of this symbol were omitted from the owner's manual. Correction: The corrected owner's manual page will be mailed to owners.

Transport Canada #2003226 · Sep 2003

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Volvo V40

Volvo V40 may refer to:Volvo V40 (1995–2004), a station wagon version of the S40 manufactured by Volvo from 1995 to 2004 Volvo V40 (2012–2019), a hatchback manufactured by Volvo from 2012 to 2019

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2003 Volvo V40 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
1.9L 4-cyl 170 hp

2003 Volvo V40 vehicles on record

2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40 BaseYV1VW29523F948202 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40 BaseYV1VW27583F962348 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW275X3F005607 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW70824F067996 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW14K93F995652 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW70824F037353 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW70824F066125 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW78823F001091 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW14K24F024882 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW70823F974930 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW70824F044303 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW78823F000711 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW14K24F074869 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW70824F065848 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW14K24F095060 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW70824F038904 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW70824F047378 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW70823F990318 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW70823F994595 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW78823F994516 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW14K24F034892 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW14K24F097778 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW14K94F062414 2003 Volvo V40 2003 Volvo V40YV1VW14K24F091456

Other Volvo V40 model years

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2004 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996

2003 Volvo V40 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Volvo V40 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2003 Volvo V40. 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 done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo V40?

Across all 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, service brakes, hydraulic.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Volvo V40 get?

The 2003 Volvo V40 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 22 mpg combined (19 city / 27 highway).

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