2003 Volvo S40 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 17%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 116,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Volvo S40, 17% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 116,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I returned to my car and found that I could not turn the ignition switch and as a result of the security system my car was totally inoperative. The car had to be towed to the nearest dealer, where it was diagnosed with a broken ignition switch, specifically the device that reads the chip in the key has failed and will not accept any key. Currently the car has been sitting at the dealer for over 4 weeks. Because the keys and switches are matched we cannot get an after-market replacement switch. …”
NHTSA complaint #10496925, filed 2013-02, 125,000 miles“Prior to latest incident, the car had occasionally gone into limp mode, sticking in 3rd gear but drivable. That problem would go away after a day or so. Local shop couldn't find anything definitive. Bigger problem was yesterday evening's loss of throttle control and multiple electrical issues. Idle throttle setting (eg stopped at lights) became unstable, occasionally revving upto to ~2000rpm. Moments later on suburban divided main street, throttle stuck at ~2200rpm which meant I was doing 45mph (straight line) without any pressure applied to gas pedal. …”
NHTSA complaint #11066109, filed 2018-01, 108,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11007925Aug 14, 2024Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service
- 10249191Jan 12, 2024This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method
- 10212892Feb 3, 2022Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)
- 10179681Aug 5, 2020This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
- 10178516Jul 14, 2020This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Volvo Lithium-ion Hybrid Battery Packs shipping and handling to Volvo Reman
- 10178520Jul 3, 2020This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Volvo Lithium-ion Hybrid Battery Packs shipping and handling to Volvo Reman
- 10213882Jun 23, 2020Battery Charger/maintainer requirement
- 10173760Mar 31, 2020This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
- 10169394Nov 19, 2019This 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…
- 10169393Nov 14, 2019This 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…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 4 | 80% |
| 2010 | 1 | 11% |
| 2009 | 1 | 10% |
| 2008 | 4 | 25% |
| 2007 | 5 | 20% |
| 2006 | 24 | 41% |
| 2005 | 19 | 28% |
| 2004 | 11 | 23% |
| 2003 | 3 | 17% |
| 2002 | 5 | 19% |
| 2001 | 10 | 12% |
| 2000 | 13 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2003 Volvo S40
6 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Volvo S40
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology