Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2003 Volvo V40 peaked in 2004, with 1 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2003 Volvo V40
Wagon, gasoline, built in Netherlands. Owner complaints on file from Jun 7, 2004 to May 18, 2010.
Recall campaigns covering this model year2235k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints2Below the median 2003 wagon
Severity index0.02003 wagons average 7.6
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Components
50% of complaints about the 2003 Volvo V40 name seat belts
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
2 recall campaigns cover the 2003 Volvo V40
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03V-424 | Oct 24, 2003 | On certain sedans and station wagons, there may be a fuel leak from the fuel rail due to inadequate welding | Fuel system | 15,067 | Repair or modification |
| 03V-284 | Aug 1, 2003 | Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems."… | Equipment | 220,407 | Repair or modification |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2003 Volvo V40
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
2 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed May 18, 2010Failure Nov 11, 200830,000 milesToronto, 00Service brakes, Hydraulic
"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 STOP IN ABOUT A FULL CAR'S LENGTH. IT'S QUITE SCARY. THE PROBLEM ALWAYS GOES AWAY IN ABOUT 1 TO 2 MINUTES. THIS ONLY HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY, ABOUT 2 TO 3 TIMES A MONTH IN THE WINTER, BUT I AM NOT ABLE TO PREDICT WHEN IT HAPPENS. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO MY VOLVO DEALERSHIP AND LEFT MY CAR THERE OVERNIGHT. BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPRODUCED THE FAILURE. THEY SUGGESTED ME TO REPLACE THE BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER PUMP. SO I DID AND PAID FOR A NEW BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER PUMP. HOWEVER THE PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED OR ALLEVIATED. KNOWING THIS COULD HAPPEN ANY TIME, I AVOID USING MY VOLVO IN THE WINTER AND USE EXTRA CAUTION DURING OTHER TIMES. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10331101 - Filed Jun 7, 2004Failure May 5, 200418,000 milesJacksonville, NCBuckle assembly
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
NHTSA complaint 10075770
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
150 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.
- 37809.1.1 Apr 7, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 pri… - 19245 Dec 6, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification. - 8501 Apr 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 v… - S10303 Feb 21, 2025 · Service Campaign
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… - S10303 Feb 13, 2025 · Service Campaign
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… - 37175 Jan 16, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factory - 8501 Jan 16, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 v… - TJ31543 Oct 22, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Technical Journal: Software Upgrade / Download Guide. If one control unit is upgraded and not all, it may result in various problems. - TJ27536.21.1-2024-08-07 Aug 14, 2024 · Other
Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service - 26745.13.14 Jan 12, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method - C00009 Jul 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE C00009 DESCRIPTION. - TJ3656330 Jun 12, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Rubber cushion - CBR-2201 Aug 29, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Engine Control Module (EMS) Software (MSW) Information – August 2022; Improvement List (Change Log) - US21+OBD22 (13L VGT, TC) And US17+OBD22 (11L) Emissions - Special Tools Bu May 12, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve. - Service Manager May 6, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations - Service Manager Jun 23, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Battery Charger/maintainer requirement - Service Manager Feb 3, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS) - 356EN01 Feb 9, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App - SMB00-288-2021-0 Feb 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Volvo?s Warranty Department tracks Retailer warranty spending by utilizing the Warranty Retailer Counseling Process (WRCP). The WRCP is used to gauge individual retailer performance on objective measures over time. By setting clear performance expectations … - ST-001-2020-09-1 Sep 18, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a time… - SMB00-013-2020-0 Jun 17, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Service Manager Bulletin: Vehicle Type and Platform Information - SMB00-006-2020-0 Mar 31, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder - ST-001-2020-01-2 Jan 30, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a time… - SMB00-325-2019-1 Dec 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVI… - TJ31946.1.2-2019 Nov 19, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in … - TJ31946.1.1-2019 Nov 14, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in … - SMB00-006-2019-1 Nov 9, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Software Installation Policy changes. - TJ26745.13.1-201 Nov 9, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Effective immediately, all 12V batteries may be tested using the hand held battery tester 9513030 (BT3300). The VIDA test is still available but no longer required. For battery replacements under warranty, the code generated by the BT3300 must be manually c… - SMB00-438-2019-1 Nov 9, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Technician Skillset Requirments - TJ31543.9.0-2019 Nov 6, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Technical Journal: This Journal is a guide for performing Software Downloads. Service: *See guide updated Oct. 12, 2016 for relevant P5/SPA Software Download information: P5_SPA_SW_Guide.pdf See VIDA Software tab for all other vehicles.The attache… - ST-001-2019-10-1 Oct 17, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a time… - TJ21965.7.0-2019 Oct 16, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed. - SMB00-325-2017-1 Oct 18, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVI… - SMB00-337-2016-1 Nov 29, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
VOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Workshop Systems Requirements and Guidelines VIDA in 2015 , Peer - to - Peer Infrastructure GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States and Canada 00 337 REFERENCE BULLE… - SMB00-006-2017-0 May 11, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Software Installation Policy changes. - SMB00-071-2017-0 May 10, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Descripition of Goodwill Policy and Guidelines. - ST-160-2017-02-2 Mar 3, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Dice Tool bulletin explaining the offer. - SPJ32587.2.0-201 Apr 13, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Service Product Journal: VIDA will not support Windows 8.1 after June 30th 2017 - TJ31543.4.3-2017 Feb 24, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Technical Journal: This Journal is a guide for performing Software Downloads. Service: *See guide updated Oct. 12, 2016 for relevant P5/SPA Software Download information: P5_SPA_SW_Guide.pdf See VIDA Software tab for all other vehicles.The attache… - TJ20402.3.4-2017 Feb 15, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Technical Journal TITLE : The Error Frame Finder (EFF) can be an aid in fault tracing intermittent CAN network problems by providing a visible indication of error frames that are being transmitted on the network when the fault becomes active. The advantage … - SMB00-003-2017-0 Feb 3, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service Scheduling system enhancements. Improving Service Action/Recall scheduling. - SMB00-199-2017-0 Jan 14, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Service Manager Bulletin: The online bookstore, www.volvotechinfo.com, serves Volvo Retailers, employees, Independent Repairers and customers throughout the United States and Canada by providing easy order-access to service, parts and owners? lite… - ST-001-2017-02-2 Mar 3, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Mandatory Special Tool List - PB77-017-2016-12 Dec 3, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Parts Bulletin: Wheel Cross Reference, used to assist in identifying the correct spare replacement wheel, by stamping, name and size. - TJ28941.1.0-2016 Dec 3, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Technical Journal: When sensitive information, like vehicle speed, brake usage, etc. (customer behavoiur information) of a car is required from Volvo Car Corporation from external sources, either of these two documents should be filled in and atta… - PB77-017-2016-12 Dec 9, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Parts Bulletin: Wheel Cross Reference, used to assist in identifying the correct spare replacement wheel, by stamping, name and size. - SMB00-424-2016-1 Dec 8, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
While performing repairs, on vehicles covered by Volvo's New Vehicle Warranty, the Technical Help Desk may support the dealer by providing a specific diagnostic labor operation. This will aid the Warranty Administrator when claiming reimbursement for diagno… - PB77-017-2016-12 Dec 21, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Parts Bulletin: Wheel Cross Reference, used to assist in identifying the correct spare replacement wheel, by stamping, name and size. - SMB00-287-2016-1 Jan 4, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Please use attached file to create new version of bulletin. Please remove original bulletin by same number dated 2/18/2010. - SMB00-342-2017-0 Mar 18, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
VOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : The Volvo Replacement Part Lifetime Warranty GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Warranty United States 00 342 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARR… - SMB00-342C-2017- Mar 18, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
VOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Volvo Lifetime Replacement Parts & Labour Warranty GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Warranty Canada 00 342C REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARR… - TJ19245.1.10-201 Mar 18, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
VOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Technical Journal TITLE : Vehicle type and platform identification REF NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States and Canada TJ 19245 Technical Service PARTNER : ISSUE DATE : 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars North America… - ST-111A-2017-02- Feb 28, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
MIDTRONICS PSC-550S and PSC-700 VEHICLE POWER SUPPLY information - SMB00 438 2019-0 Aug 23, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Technician Skillset Requirments - SMB00 108 2019-0 Aug 15, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Retailers should only use a Volvo part number on claims for items purchased directly from Volvo. Failure to follow this policy will result in claim adjustments. Warranty reimbursement rates and quantity limits for the parts listed, with the exception of the… - SMB00 108C 2019- Aug 15, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Retailers should only use a Volvo part number on claims for items purchased directly from Volvo. Failure to follow this policy will result in claim adjustments. Warranty reimbursement rates and quantity limits for the parts listed, with the exception of the… - SMB00 006 2019-0 Aug 12, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Software Installation Policy changes. - SMB84 001 2019-0 Aug 3, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Windshield replacement products. - TJ31543 4 6-2018 May 19, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This is a Technical Journal: This Journal is a guide for performing Software Downloads. Service: *See guide updated Oct. 12, 2016 for relevant P5/SPA Software Download information: P5_SPA_SW_Guide.pdf See VIDA Software tab for all other vehicles.The attache… - SMB00-071-2018-0 May 11, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Description of Goodwill Policy and Guidelines.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.