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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Volvo V40 Recalls & Complaints

The 2003 Volvo V40 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volvo dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Volvo V40. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2003 Volvo V40 owner complaints

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Volvo V40, describing incidents dated May 5, 2004 to November 11, 2008.

Most-cited components

  • Seat Belts 1 complaint
  • Service Brakes 1 complaint

Newest complaints

  • ODI #10331101 · Filed

    "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…

  • ODI #10075770 · Filed

    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. *AK

Read all 2 complaints

VOLVO/FUEL LEAK

NHTSA #03V424000 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA notice

Reported October 24, 2003 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Potentially affected: 15,067 vehicles

Volvo campaign R128 · Owners notified January 28, 2004 · Vehicles built May 7, 2002 – May 5, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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

Safety consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

VOLVO RECALL NO. R128.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

VOLVO/ISOFIX GUIDE

NHTSA #03V284000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported August 1, 2003 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Potentially affected: 220,407 vehicles

Volvo campaign 124 · Owners notified December 19, 2003 · Vehicles built September 1, 2000 – January 30, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

VOLVO RECALL NO. 124.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Other Volvo V40 model years

Check your 2003 Volvo V40 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Volvo V40 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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