2003 Volvo S40: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Volvo S40: 2 recalls, 18 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Vehicle recall #03V284000 · 2003 · 220,407 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: 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…
Fuel system Vehicle recall #03V424000 · 2003 · 15,067 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sedans and station wagons, there May be a fuel leak from the fuel rail due to inadequate welding.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (6): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (6), stalls / loses power (2).
- Electrical (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (2): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (2).
- Suspension (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2003 Volvo S40 has 18 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 12 S40 model years for complaints (well below the 41 average). Complaints peaked in 2004 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 85,106 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (27 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (48 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Volvo S40.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Volvo S40 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Volvo S40. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Volvo S40 problems?
Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (6), electrical (3), tires (2).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Volvo S40 get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (1.9 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Volvo S40 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.