2003 Volvo V40 problems
The Volvo V40 is a small family car (C-segment in Europe) manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars from 2012 to 2019. It was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and was on sale in Europe between 2012 and 2019.
Models
V40
The V40 was designed by American Chris Benjamin, the interior is the work of Pontus Fontaeus, and was the last Volvo to be designed under Steve Mattin, before he departed the company. It is built on the Global C platform with modifications to the electric power steering, and revised spring and damper settings.
The engine lineup at launch are: two petrol engines; a 1.6 litre EcoBoost I4 producing either 150 or 180 hp, dependent on specification, and a 2.5 litre Volvo B525 I5 producing 254 hp, and two diesel engines; a 1.6 litre PSA Peugeot Citroën / Ford Duratorq engine, which produces 115 hp, whilst only emitting 94 g/km of CO2, and a 2.0 litre I5 Volvo diesel engine available in two versions, 150 hp and 177 hp. In some countries, the V40 T5 uses a 2.0 litre I5 (B5204T9) producing 213 hp @ 6000 rpm and 300 nm from 2,700 to 5,000 rpm.
From the model year of 2014, Volvo has begun fitting its in-house developed Drive E (VEA) diesel and petrol engines to the V40. As of January 2015, these engines are available in the new V40 D4 (replacing the previous five cylinder D4) and V40 T5 (replacing the petrol five cylinder T5). Also available is the IntelliSafe safety precrash system.
Available in both the V40 and V40 Cross Country bodies, the D4 Drive E includes a four-cylinder twin turbo diesel engine rated 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp) and 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft), a six speed manual transmission tuned for improved fuel economy, pressure feedback from each fuel injector, reduced friction, and a smart valve solution on the cooling system for a more rapid heat up phase after a cold start.
The T5 Drive-E includes a four-cylinder turbo petrol engine rated 243 PS (179 kW; 240 hp) and 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft), with eight speed automatic transmission.
These new engines replace the older, but identically branded, five cylinder engines. After introduction of the VEA D4 and T5, the 1.6 D2 and 2.0 five cylinder D3 are replaced with VEA 2.0 D2 and D3 engines. The 1.6 EcoBoost and 2.0 five cylinder are replaced with VEA 2.0 T2, T3, and T4 engines. For some petrol automatic models, a de stroked version of the VEA 2.0, with 1.5 litre displacement, is used for T2 and T3.
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Common 2003 Volvo V40 problems
The Volvo V40, produced in 2003, is known for a few common problems that have been reported by its owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is an oil leak from the turbo return pipe seal, with 16 owners reporting this problem.
Another common problem is related to the EGR (Exhaust Gas Re-circulation) valve, which gets blocked up on the V40. This can lead to a lack of power, poor acceleration, and sometimes affect the idling on the car. The EGR valve can be an expensive part to replace, but cleaning it out with a toothbrush and some carb cleaner is usually enough to fix the problem, saving owners a lot of money.
The airbag mounting for the Volvo V40 is also prone to issues, with the mounting being visibly loose due to a defect in the horn operating mechanism. This can be fixed by replacing the airbag mounting plate, which is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix.
The boot seals on the V40 are also known to leak, particularly in the spare wheel well. This can lead to wet carpets in the boot and water damage to the spare wheel well. To fix this issue, the black boot seal needs to be removed and sealer applied before refitting the seals. If the water damage is not too bad, drying out the carpets and emptying any water out of the spare wheel well should be sufficient.
The V40's wiring looms can also be prone to corrosion, which is a common problem in many 2000-2004 Volvo S40s and V40s. Additionally, suspension ball joints can wear out very rapidly, and if the car has a towbar fitted, it's essential to check that the rear suspension is still in strong working order. The V40's recalls include the risk of the detachable towbar working loose, so it's important to check the Vehicle and Operator Safety website for any recalls related to the car.
Finally, rattling dashboards and electrical faults were far from uncommon in early models of the V40 and its S40 saloon sister, which were jointly developed by Volvo and Mitsubishi. While things improved throughout the V40's life, it was never quite as good as it should have been. The Mitsubishi GDI petrol engine can give problems as the miles mount, particularly if it has been run on something other than the recommended high-octane fuel.
What are the common faults with a Volvo V40?
A number of Volvo V40 owners have reported a droning noise from their front brakes every time the pedal is pressed. The V40 isn't immune to the odd cabin leak, too, which can cause a musty smell. And Volvo V40 starting problems can often be traced to a broken exhaust valve spring.
Is the Volvo V40 a reliable car?
The V40 didn't feature in our most recent reliability survey. However, in the last one it did feature in, it finished in sixth place out of the class of 37 family cars with a diesel engine and 20th place if it had a petrol engine.
How many miles can a Volvo V40 last?
What is Volvo V40 lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Volvo V40 is 258,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
Does a Volvo V40 have a timing belt or chain?
Maintenance advice and tips for Volvo V40
Thetiming belt kit of your V40 is necessary for the synchronisation of the movements of the pistons and valves in the engine.
What are the common faults with a Volvo V40?
A number of Volvo V40 owners have reported a droning noise from their front brakes every time the pedal is pressed. The V40 isn't immune to the odd cabin leak, too, which can cause a musty smell. And Volvo V40 starting problems can often be traced to a broken exhaust valve spring.
Are Volvo V40 reliable?
Reliability survey. Its overall score of 93.7% put it above rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes, but below Honda, Kia and Lexus.
What is the fuel efficiency of a 2003 Volvo V40?
Based on data from 14 vehicles, 668 fuel-ups and 254,392 miles of driving, the 2003 Volvo V40 gets a combined Avg MPG of 30.13 with a 0.60 MPG margin of error.
Why have Volvo stopped making the V40?
“We need to do something more creative, which is why we decided not to replace the V40,” Kerssemakers told Autocar recently. Production of the compact luxury hatchback will stop this year, and the model that will take its place isn't far. “We can't wait too long to introduce the new car.
2003 Volvo V40 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo V40 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Seat belts problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Volvo V40 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2003 Volvo V40 complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Volvo V40.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-11
- VIN: YV1VW27513F
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: "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
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-12-21
- VIN: YV1CZ59H931
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ANGLE GEAR REPLACEMENT ON A 2003 VOLVO XC90 AWD. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-20
- VIN: YV1CZ91H831
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1. THERE IS A WHOOPING CRANE SOUND WHEN I STEP ON THE FOOT FEED AND THEN RELEASE. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS REPAIRED AND THEN WHEN I DROVE IT HOME IT WAS STILL MAKING THE NOISE. AFTER NO RESPONSE FROM MY COMPLAINT TO THEM I STOPPED THE PAYMENT VIA AE AND HAVE STILL HEARD NOTHING. I THINK I PUT THE WRONG YEAR OF MY VEHICLE IN THE BEGINNING AND IF I TRY TO GO BACK I LOOSE EVERYTHING. IT IS A 2003 XC90 PURCHASED IN 12/02. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE. IF YOU CAN'T HELP, PLEASE AT LEAST SEND ME AN EMAIL AND TELL ME SO. THANKS. 2. ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT STARTED IN JULY 2006 IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. AFTER NUMEROUS TRIPS TO THE DEALER I WAS TOLD A NEW BOX FOR THAT PARTICULAR ITEM AND IT WOULD COST $2800.00 TO REPAIR. BUT THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. MY XC90 HAD A 4 YR OR 50,000 WARRANTY. THIS PROBLEM STARTED IN JULY 2006 WITH 41800 MILES. I TOOK POSSESSION OF THE CAR IN 12/02 SO MY MATH SAYS THE WARRANTY EXPIRED 12/06 AND THAT MEANS IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY WHEN THIS WAS FIRST NOTICED. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN AT LEAST EVERY 4 MONTHS FOR SERVICE AND EACH TIME COMPLAINED ABOUT IT. ALSO I HAD IT IN AT LEAST 5 TIMES FROM JUNE THRU JULY 2007 WITH NO SATISFACTION. NOW THEY DON'T EVEN ANSWER MY EMAILS OR RETURN MY PHONE CALLS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE CONSUMER COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT OF VOLVO AND THEY HAVE NEVER ANSWERED ME. I AM AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT TO DO. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED AT POWER VOLVO OF CERRITOS (THEN IT WAS CALLED VOLVO OF CERRITOS) PLEASE HELP ME! *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-05
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-31
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE SIDE MIRRORS FAILED TO STAY IN THE POSITION THEY WERE SET IN, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING. *JB
2003 Volvo V40 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2003 Volvo V40.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: 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.
Negative 2003 Volvo V40 car reviews
Positive 2003 Volvo V40 car reviews
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I recently purchased a fully loaded 2003 V40 after conducting extensive online research on smaller, upscale wagons. The V40 offers the best value compared to other upscale smaller wagons, such as the BMW 3-series and Audi A4A Avant. After driving the car for the first hundred miles or so, it's clear that it's on par with the competition. The current incentives make it an even better deal. It's almost unbelievable!
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Hello! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with this car. I found it to be very well built and it comes with lots of standard equipment. While the initial price of $29.5K may not be the best deal on the planet, I was able to take advantage of a $4500 incentive and a $200 deal, bringing the net price down to $22.5K. I think that's a great deal, especially considering that MY2000's sell for $17K. My car has the 15
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Although VOLVO's are not typically associated with being fun or quick cars, this is a real surprise.
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We found the perfect vehicle that met all our needs as a small family - the V40. I was pleasantly surprised by its smooth acceleration and responsiveness, which makes driving through the perilous Atlanta traffic a breeze. After test driving all the wagons, we knew that this was the best option for us.
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I really like this car! I put around 65,000km on it every year. The operating costs are low for a car from across the pond. I plan to keep it for three years and then move on to a larger version. Although it lacks weight on country roads, it's fantastic in the city.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Volvo V40 problems:
Common Problems with 2004 Volvo V40: Q&A for V40 Turbo ...
Jun 26, 2014 ... Common problms with a 2004 volvo, v40, 1.9 4 cyl., turbo - Answered by a verified Volvo Mechanic.
2003 Volvo V40 Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Problem with your 2003 Volvo V40? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Volvo V40.
S40 Common Problems? - Volvo Forums - Volvo Enthusiasts Forum
Mar 10, 2008 ... S40 Common Problems? · 1. Soft metal rotors which wear deep grooves quickly (mine were deep at 31k miles). · 2. Soft pads which wear out quickly ...
Common Problems with 2000 S40 | SwedeSpeed - Volvo ...
Sep 16, 2005 ... I'm new to this site and was wondering what common problems exists with the 2000 Volvo S40. So far the radio had to be replaced, the window ...
1996-2004 S40 & V40 Buyer's guide - What to look out for? - Volvo ...
Aug 18, 2012 ... Hazard light switch, heater controls panel, windscreen wipers , headlamp wipers as well as the rear wiper not touching the screen in places are ...
Other years of Volvo V40
Are you having problems with your 2003 Volvo V40?
Geovany Breitenberg 2024-10-05
Hi there! I'm glad to hear that you chose a Volvo for its great reputation and reasonable price. Although it may be a bit small for larger families or moving lots of things, it's still a very practical car that can hold quite a bit with the rear seats completely flat. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that the acceleration is quick for a 4 cyl, even better than many V6s you've driven. While the handling is tight enough for a sports wagon, it may not be the best for searching for curves. However, the fantastic mileage is definitely a plus! It's great to hear that you're getting 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Plus, with zero maintenance issues in 5 years, it's clear that this car is reliable. Thanks for the advice on changing the oil!
Pedro Windler 2024-05-02
My car has been a bit of a nightmare. During the warranty period, it needed three repairs, including one time when it broke down and had to be towed to a repair shop. Unfortunately, things only got worse after the warranty expired. The car seems to have been designed to make it difficult for owners to repair themselves, which has turned out to be a financial disaster for me. Now, at six years old with 73,000 miles on the clock, it has a serious transmission problem that I simply can't afford to fix. It's frustrating because there are so many manufacturing defects and design flaws that could have been avoided. I even had the chance to drive the S40 and V50 while my car was in the shop, but they were even worse! I regret getting into this Volvo bondage, but I'm hopeful that I can find a solution soon.
Aron Bernhard 2024-04-14
The car has been mechanically reliable, but unfortunately, the seating and cabin are uncomfortable. Additionally, the controls are not ergonomically designed, which can be frustrating. I also had to replace the power seat controls at only 15,000 miles. Another issue I encountered was that the windshield cracked very easily, which I later found out is a common problem with Volvos and can be expensive to replace. Lastly, the leather on the seats became permanently deformed after leaving a book on the seat. Overall, I would not purchase this car after my lease turn in.
Trenton Gusikowski 2024-03-13
My car has been serviced monthly for a variety of problems, including AC malfunctioning, check engine light, and multiple headlight replacements. I am confident that these issues have been resolved and will not occur again.
Wallace Nolan 2024-03-01
Great looking car! Although, it may be too small for my family's needs. However, I must say that my experience with this vehicle has not been the most reliable. I have had to replace the air mass meter and cruise control three times, and the front control arms and ball joints had to be replaced after only 20,000KM. Additionally, there have been numerous squeaks and rattles. I would recommend considering other options before choosing this vehicle.