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Vehicle safety record

2003 Volvo C70 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2003 Volvo C70 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (4) and the electrical system (3). There are no recalls for it. For comparison, the 2002 has 9 and the 2004 has 16.

NHTSA data checked

AFar fewer problems than a typical C70 year, for its age

#248 most complained-about 2003 vehicle

Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2003 Volvo C70 problems

Share of all 7 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

No recalls for the 2003 Volvo C70

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Volvo C70. Recalls can be announced at any time - this page updates daily.

What owners say

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7 complaints about the 2003 Volvo C70

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volvo c70. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced intermittent failures while starting and driving the vehicle. The contact stated that in warmer weather, the gear shifter failed to shift as designed. The vehicle was taken to leikin motor companies (38750 mentor ave #1, willoughby, oh 44094), to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission and ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The vin was not available.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11326325
SteeringElectrical system

The key won't turn for the ignition. This is a known problem with the dealership but volvo won't recognize the problem. The cost to fix this at the dealership is approx 800 dollars. My fear is that this problem will leave u stranded and more importantly I fear this will progress and lock the steering wheel while you are driving. *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical systemNHTSA 10473005
Electrical systemLights

2003 C70 conv. Car battery goes dead multiple times. Changed battery and it continues to happen. Detailed check discovered a short in the passenger sun visor. Plastic pivot shaft has torqued off and caused a short in the wires embedded in the shaft that power the visor light. Replacement sun visor costs around $200 and the weak shaft is the same, so failure will most likely happen again. Shaft needs to be redesigned to allow for greater torque when lowering the sun visor. Removal of the bulb in the affected visor eliminated the battery drain. Potential fire hazard. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Interior lightingNHTSA 10383915
Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrain

Transmission/radiator failure. Coolants mixing with each other and causing transmission to slip in and out of gear at lower speeds. Dealer says $5000.00 To repair/replace both tranny and radiator. I had taken my 2003 volvo c-70 convertible in 6 months prior complaining of a low whirring noise which they could not detect or would not detect. I asked about warranty/or secret warranty and they said there were none and that volvo wouldn't pay for repair, they also stated that this has been happening quite a bit. Consumers are footing the bill for this manufacture defect. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Power trainNHTSA 10260420
Transmission & drivetrain

ANGLE GEAR REPLACEMENT ON A 2003 VOLVO XC90 AWD. *TR

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10212492
Transmission & drivetrain

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...

Read the full complaint

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

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10205035
Visibility & wipers

The side mirrors failed to stay in the position they were set in, which made it difficult to see while driving. *Jb

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 10015004

Volvo C70: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
200717400Body, doors & structureD
20069200Wheels & tiresC
200416010Electrical systemC
20037000Transmission & drivetrainA
20029100Engine & coolingB
20017300Acceleration & cruise controlC
200026420Electrical systemF
199923300Engine & coolingD
All C70 years

2003 Volvo C70 vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2003 Volvo C70

Does the 2003 Volvo C70 have any recalls?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Volvo C70 right now. Recalls can be announced at any time, and this page checks NHTSA every day. You can also check your exact vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo C70?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (4), electrical system (3), engine & cooling (2).

How many complaints has the 2003 Volvo C70 had?

7 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 2, 2003 and the latest on May 28, 2020. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2003 Volvo C70 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 82 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Volvo C70 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Volvo C70 years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2003 Volvo C70 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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