repaired · 2023 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2003 Volvo S60Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 120 owner complaints about the 2003 Volvo S60, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-681 the manufacturer reports only 4% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 18, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Volvo S60 has problems
120 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
54Electrical system
18Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
16Engine and engine cooling
9Exterior lighting
8Air bags
7Structure
6Fuel/propulsion system
5Power train
5Engine
3616 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 54 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 18 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 16 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 9 | 0 |
| Air bags | 8 | 0 |
| Structure | 7 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Engine | 5 | 0 |
| 16 other systems | 36 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2003 Volvo S60 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. Metal fragments can strike vehicle occupants increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
no report yet
Electrical: navigational system(global positioning system)
Risk. AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
no report yet
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. IF THE CONDITION OCCURS VEHICLE OWNERS MAY NOTICE FUEL SMELL AND/OR FUEL LEAK WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Show 2 more recalls
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling
Risk. MISFIRE MAY OCCUR DURING DRIVING THAT, IN TURN, WILL REDUCE THE ENGINE TORQUE AND IN THE WORST CASE SCENARIO, THE ENGINE MAY STALL WITHOUT WARNING.
no report yet
Other: labels
Risk. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volvo.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
111kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 47 electrical system complaints. 43% were reported before 100,000 miles.
1under 30k miles20under 100k miles27100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other S60 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the S60 median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2003 Volvo S60 safety ratings
2003 Volvo S60 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 5 stars (0.0% risk)
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What S60 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The problem is when the weather turns cold my car a Volvo 2003 S 60 turn signals do not operate, or if they do turn on sometimes the turn signals won't stop flashing until you turn the ignition off. The head lights also will not turn on at any setting during this time. When the weather turns warm…
INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING WHICH MEANS YOU CAN'T READ ANY OF THE GUAGES OR WARNINGS LIGHTS OTHER THAN IF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. THIS IMPOSES A SAFETY RISKS TO ME AND OTHER TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD. IT DOES THIS ERRATICALLY, GOING OUT COMPLETELY AND COMING BACK ON IN TIME. NO FUSE…
THE DASHBOARD INSTRUMENT PANEL AND LIGHTS GO OFF AND COME BACK ON WHENEVER. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR OVER A YEAR. IT WAS A GIFT. I JUST FOUND OUT TONITE FROM AN OFFICER THAT WHEN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND LIGHTS ARE OFF I HAVE NO TAIL LIGHTS. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE HAS EVER BEEN A RECALL. THIS IS…
Own a 2003 S60?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.