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2003 Volvo VHDProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2003 Volvo VHD, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 11 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls11Free fix at dealersOwner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage15kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 18, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Volvo VHD has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system20
Engine and engine cooling20
Service brakes, hydraulic10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

11 recalls

2003 Volvo VHD 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.

–no report yet

Seat belts

Recall 12V-510 · Oct 18, 2012 · 1,496 vehicles

Risk. In the event of a crash, an insufficient seat belt weld may prevent the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Windshield wiper/washer: motor

Recall 09V-173 · May 21, 2009 · 127,764 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS A SHORT CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR, WHICH OVER TIME COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers

Recall 07V-573 · Dec 14, 2007 · 104,845 vehicles

Risk. IF A SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURS AND IS LEFT UNTREATED, COMPONENTS AND WIRING MAY BE SUBJECT TO OVERHEATING WHICH COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Wheels

Recall 06V-213 · Jun 14, 2006 · 873 vehicles

Risk. IF THE WHEEL NUTS LOOSEN FOR ANY REASON, DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL STUDS AND WHEEL MAY OCCUR, AND MAY LEAD TO A COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE WHEELS FROM THE TRUCK…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 7 more recalls
–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system

Recall 06V-021 · Jan 26, 2006 · 33,102 vehicles

Risk. IF THE PIPES OR THE COOLER INLET PIPES FAIL AND ARE LEFT UNTREATED, THE AIR CLEANER AND INNER FENDER MAY BE SUBJECT TO HOT EXHAUST GASES, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Seats

Recall 04V-404 · Aug 12, 2004 · 126 vehicles

Risk. THE SEAT ANCHORAGE TO THE FLOOR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO RETAIN THE ADJUSTED SEATING POSITION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVEN TOF A…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Gear box: shaft pitman

Recall 04V-078 · Feb 13, 2004 · 92 vehicles

Risk. THE BOLT COULD LOOSEN ALLOWING THE DRAG LINK AND PITMAN ARM TO SEPARATE, RESULTING IN UNCONTROLLABLE STEERING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 04V-077 · Feb 13, 2004 · 2,112 vehicles

Risk. THE ENGINE PRE-HEATER COULD OVERHEAT RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE PRE-HEATER AND OTHER ENGINE HEAT SENSITIVE COMPONENTS NEAR THE PRE-HEATER AND THE ABILITY TO…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly

Recall 03V-204 · May 30, 2003 · 1,275 vehicles

Risk. IF LEFT UNDETECTED OR CORRECTED IT COULD LEAD TO THE SEPARATION OF THE FIFTH WHEEL TOP PLATE FROM ITS MOUNTING STRUCTURE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other VHD 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 VHD median. How we score

'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2003 Volvo VHD, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FRONT SUSPENSION U-BOLTS LOOSEN OR BREAKEA02021 · closed Nov 6, 2003
    No recall
  2. INOPERABLE TAIL LIGHTSPE06054 · closed Feb 7, 2007
    No recall
In owners' words

What VHD owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

NOVEMBER 12, 2010, WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE HIGHWAY, AS SOLE OWNER/OPERATOR OF A 2003 VOLVO VHD 64F 10 WHEEL DUMP TRUCK THE ENGINE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING STOPPED RUNNING. IT IMMEDIATELY BECAME A SAFETY ISSUE TO CONTROL THIS EMPTY TRUCK WITH NO EQUIPMENT TRAILER ATTACHED BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF…
Complaint 10367239 · Nov 23, 2010 · 15,000 miles
ABS MALFUNCTION BRAKE SHUTDOWN AND UNIT TURNED OF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. COULD NOT MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE. I PLACED VEHICLE IN COMPANY SHOP SEVERAL TIMES AND INCIDENT CONTINUED TO OCCUR NUMEROUS TIMES. I SPOKE TO SWIFT OPERATION MANAGER SCOTT JOHNSON LOCATED IN OCALA FLORIDA ABOUT…
Complaint 10186704 · Apr 2, 2007

Own a 2003 VHD?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.