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. 3 on record.

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

2003 Volvo V40 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints5
Combined22 mpg

Free: 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 · 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 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.

2003 Volvo V40 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
1.9L 4-cyl 170 hp

2003 Volvo V40 vehicles on record

Other Volvo V40 model years

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 free.

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.