The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 6 of 18 complaints (33%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 27 in 2002 to 18 in 2003.
At a glance
- NHTSA complaints
- 18
- Recall campaigns
- 2
- EPA fuel cost per year
- $3,500
- Combined MPG
- 22
Complaints by model year
Where owners report problems
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | vs. 2003 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,350 | 3,500 | 3,500 | 3,350–3,500 | 3,500–3,850 | |
| Combined MPG | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22–23 | 20–22 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 20 / 29 | 19 / 27 | 19 / 27 | 19 / 27–28 | 17–19 / 25–29 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 386 | 404 | 404 | 386–404 | 404–444 | |
| Complaints filed | 84 | 27 | 18 | 48 | 69 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 11 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 2 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 5 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Volvo S40 have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Volvo S40?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 6 of 18 NHTSA complaints (33%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Volvo S40 get?
EPA rates it 22 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Volvo S40?
EPA estimates $3,500 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (1)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Defect
- ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS, THERE MAY BE A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FUEL RAIL DUE TO INADEQUATE WELDING.
- Consequence
- FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- 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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
- 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.