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2003 Volvo XC70Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 24 owner complaints about the 2003 Volvo XC70, most often about the power train. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-800 the manufacturer reports only 16% of affected cars repaired.

2003 Volvo XC70
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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Lowest repair rate 16%Owner complaints242 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage80kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 14, 2021. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Volvo XC70 has problems

24 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
Power train50
Electrical system40
Fuel system, gasoline40
Air bags41
Suspension30
Fuel/propulsion system20
Visibility10
Equipment10
Exterior lighting10
3 other systems30

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

4 recalls

2003 Volvo XC70 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.

16%repaired · 2023 Q3

Air bags: frontal

Recall 21V-800 · Oct 14, 2021 · 194,546 vehicles · 31,818 repaired

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Delivery: fuel pump

Recall 09V-483 · Dec 18, 2009 · 158,733 vehicles

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.

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 XC70 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 XC70 median. How we score

'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What XC70 owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I PURCHASED MY (2003) VOLVO XC70 IN LATE 2006 FROM I SERVICE IT REGULARLY AND DO ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECKS. ABOUT A MONTH AGO THE CAR BEGAN TO JERK AND HESITATE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $5700. THE CAR HAS 71000 MILES ON IT. *TT
Complaint 10427544 · Sep 27, 2011 · 71,000 miles
2003 VOLVO XC 70 WITH GEARTRONIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 75K MILES. TRANSMISSION FLARES WHEN SHIFTING GEARS AND MAKES CLUNKING NOISE WHEN DOWNSHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR AT STOPS. TRANSMISSION FLUID HAS BEEN CHANGED AND SOFTWARE REFLASHED, PROBLEM REMAINS. *TR
Complaint 10363871 · Nov 3, 2010 · 75,000 miles
VOLVO XC70 2003 TRANSMISSION IS GOING BAD WITH 80,000 MILES ON IT. NEEDS A TOTAL REPLACEMENT. HESITATES DURING SHIFTING AND SOMETIMES DOESN'T GO INTO GEAR FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. POWER BOOSTER TO THE BRAKES ALSO HAS A SEAL ISSUE CAUSING POWER BOOSTER ELECTRONIC VACUUM TO CONSTANTLY RUN. *TR
Complaint 10347876 · Aug 6, 2010 · 80,000 miles

Own a 2003 XC70?

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