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Vehicle safety record

2003 Volvo V70 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 47 complaints about the 2003 Volvo V70 with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (10) and the transmission & drivetrain (10). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 1 injury. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in October 2021 for the frontal. For comparison, the 2002 has 106 and the 2004 has 89.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical V70 year, for its age

#159 most complained-about 2003 vehicle

Complaints
47
Recalls
5
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Most common 2003 Volvo V70 problems

Share of all 47 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2003 Volvo V70 recalls 5

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Air bags: frontal

21V800000194,546 vehicles affected

The problem
Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2007 V70 and XC70 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10136.

Equipment: navigational system(global positioning system)

10V566000416 vehicles affected

The problem
Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
The risk
AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
The fix
Volvo advises owners to please stop using the garmin portable gps device immediately, and visit the garmin website to determine if their unit is affected. The unit's battery will be replaced with a new battery and a spacer will be inserted on top of the battery next to the pcb. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 18, 2010. Owners may contact garmin at 866-957-1981 or visit garmin's website at www.Garmin.Com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.

Fuel system: fuel pump

09V483000158,733 vehicles affected

The problem
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 s80, model year 2001-2004 v70, s60, xc70 and model year 2003-2005 xc90 vehicles sold in or registered in the states of alabama, arizona, arkansas, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, kentucky, louisiana, mississippi, nevada, new mexico, north carolina, oklahoma, south carolina, tennessee, texas, utah, virginia and the u.S. Territories. When exposed to certain environmental conditions (hot climate and temperature cycling) over time and in combination with varying fuel quality, the fuel pump can develop cracks in the fuel pump flange.
The 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.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the fuel pump installed in the vehicle, and if necessary replace the fuel pump with a part of a modified design. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on january 15, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Engine and engine cooling

07V22600032,189 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pressure sensor located on the left end of the fuel rail may, at times, transmit incorrect signal regarding the fuel pressure to the engine control module. If the signal is outside of the pre-programmed allowable limits, a diagnostic trouble code may be set and the check engine light will come on. The soldered joints on the circuit board of the fuel pressure sensor may crack due to temperature changes and excessive vibrations.
The 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. In certain traffic situations this could cause an unsafe situation and possibly a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the fuel pressure sensor free of charge. The recall began on june 29, 2007. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Equipment: labels

03V284000220,407 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems." The second isofix guide was not installed in these vehicles and, in certain cases, the owner's manual isofix information is incorrect.
The risk
This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
The fix
Owners will receive a letter/package consisting of the second isofix guide with installation instructions, and in certain cases, the corrected owner's manual may be provided. If the owner wants to take their vehicle to a volvo dealer for installation of the guide, it will be performed at no charge to the owner. Owner notification began on december 19, 2003. Owners should contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

What owners say

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47 complaints about the 2003 Volvo V70

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.

Airbags

I live 5 hours from the closest Volvo dealership so I called to see if they could send me the the air bag that has been recalled. The airbag is very easy to be replaced in less then 10 minutes. Because of this it is absolutely absurd for me to travel for ten hours to get something done that I can do myself in 10 minutes. They said I can buy the airbag and they could send it. But this being a recall is'nt it their responsibility to fix it in any way possible. I just feel like this is wrong that they are doing this and am addressing it in this compliant.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11523665
Airbags

This is subject to a recall R10136 NHTSA Recall 21v-800 We have set appointments twice to have this done only to be told that the parts are not available and we would be contacted when they are. The local dealer is Maple Hill in Kalamazoo. I started a chat with Volvo and the suggestion was to try another dealer. If the part is not available I fail to see how that will help.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11460039
Airbags

The contact owns a 2003 Volvo V70. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V800000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11445936
Acceleration & cruise control

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volvo xc70. The contact stated while driving 15 mph, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was stopped while depressing the brake pedal and activating the parking brakes. The contact pulled over and parked on the side of the roadway. The contact then drove to his residence. The contact called local dealer volvo cars of bethesda service center (5415 butler rd, bethesda, md 20814, (301) 750-6100) who had an...

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employee to pick up the vehicle to be serviced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and was returned to the residence. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 280,582.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11404241
Other & unknown

Takata recall nothing has happened as of yet, but a warning light is on telling me there is something seriously wrong with the airbags and needs immediate attention. Before I take it in & pay for the repair I need to know if this vehicle was part of the recall. I couldn't see it online but I am certainly concerned

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11072286
Engine & coolingFuel system

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volvo v70. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds below 30 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 09v483000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,066.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10946690
Body, doors & structure

The driver side interior door latch has disconnected four times in the past five years. As a driver, I am literally stuck in the car, and I have to exit thhrough passenger side of the vehicle. This repair(s) does not work, and the door latches are faulty in these cars. As a person that is driving in florida, with three kiddos, I can't be stuck in my car if for some reason the car goes into the water. The spring in the handle of the car does not work, and there should be a recall of the assembly of the door handle. Yes, this is an unsafe condition, as I can't exit my car, especially in the event of an emergency.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10891540
Fuel system

SMELL FUEL OUTSIDE RIGHT REAR OF CAR.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10821895
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & coolingFuel system

With my foot on the brake, I put the car in reverse and suddenly the engine revs up and the car accelerates at a high rate. Luckily, my foot was on the brake and I could stop the car. I had to press down quite hard on the brake pedal. A couple of seconds after applying the brakes, the engine returns to a normal idle speed. This sudden acceleration has occurred three times over, approximately, the last six months. The most recent occurrence was today, august 21, 2014. I estimated the first occurrence was in february of 2014. *Tr

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10627341
Transmission & drivetrain

When coming to a stop and the transaxle downshifts from 3rd to 2nd gear, it will lurch and a loud 'clunk' shakes the vehicle. This also occurs when accelerating, shifting from 1st gear to 2nd gear; the transaxle will hesitate, engine will rev and makes a loud 'clunk' that shakes the vehicle when the gear change finally occurs. Also, if I need to step on the brakes suddenly and then re-accelerate, it really makes a loud 'clunk' as the engine will rev and go nowhere, eventually slamming itself into 2nd gear and frightening the occupants of the vehicle due to the loud noises and lurching. *Js

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10608955
Lights

The turn signal is somehow not connected properly to the vehicle. Every time the driver uses the turn signal, the brights to the car go on. This is very dangerous at night especially, as the driver flashes brights to other drivers as the turn signal goes on with the brights to the car. Tried to fix the issue once, and the same issue happened again about two years later. Will fix the part again. *Tr

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10572931
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The car is shifting hard and now wont shift at all mechanics say it needs a new transmission. So I email volvo for help in regards to this issues with no helping response from them other than sorry here is a list of dealers near you that do service. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 10555725
Electrical system

While driving on the freeway the dashboard display completely shut down for a few seconds and then flashed back on. This happened several times. Then the display indicated the seat belts weren't working. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10489516
Transmission & drivetrain

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volvo v70. The contact stated that while driving, he heard a knocking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 63,000. The vin was unavailable.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10484631
Electrical systemAirbags

Dashboard and speedometer went blank srs warning light on. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bagsNHTSA 10477463
Electrical systemLights

The dim/driver information manual/dashboard display broke. This is a safety issue due to the loss of warning lights and turn signal displays. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 10476922
Electrical system

My driver instrument module began to fail, on and off, now it is completely off. I called volvo because of the high cost of repair 1400.00, They offered me 200.00 Very quickly almost too quick, sounds to me as if they know this is a safety problem and are trying to keep it on the down low. I plan to make another call to them and report the problem to every agency I can. I have no idea if my airbags are working, brakes, cooling system, how much gas I have, mileage is not calculating properly nothing works. *Js

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10456991
Electrical systemLightsAirbags

The vehicles left and right side brake lights do not illuminate when the pedal is depressed. I replaced both of the bulbs and they still do not work. There are many additional owners with the same problem according to volvo forums on the internet. *Tr the vehicles information system continually reads that there is an airbag problem, even though the airbags have never been activated/deployed. The instrument panel and dash lights flash on and off randomly. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Air bagsNHTSA 10446930
Airbags

Computer which controls the air-bag system has failed and is $1200. To replace. The car is 8 yrs. Old and has 51000 miles on it. The mechanic says this is a recurring problem in the volvo cars and should have been addressed by the factory. The car will not pass the state inspection without this repair and so we must fix it. *Tr

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10419256
Seats & seat beltsBody, doors & structure

2 Separate seat belt latches/catches on different seats have failed on my 2003 volvo xc70 since march of 2009. In both instances, the problem was discovered and repaired under normal circumstances. There was no accident or collision associated with the failures. I find it very strange that 2 different seat belt catch assemblies would fail on the same car. I will be submitting separate complaints for each incident, as they happened on different dates to different parts. December 2010 - driver seat belt catch...

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assembly did not work; seat belt would not connect. On december 22, 2010 dealer confirmed catch assembly not operating correctly and replaced with a new part - part #9191817. Seat belt has been working fine since repair. The repair was not covered under warranty or recall. I paid for the repair out of my own pocket. In the event of an accident, the results could have been fatal, if the proper repairs were not made.

Filed Incident Seat belts · Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 10373148
Seats & seat beltsBody, doors & structure

2 Separate seat belt latches/catches on different seats have failed on my 2003 volvo xc70 since march of 2009. In both instances, the problem was discovered and repaired under normal circumstances. There was no accident or collision associated with the failures. I find it very strange that 2 different seat belt catch assemblies would fail on the same car. I will be submitting separate complaints for each incident, as they happened on different dates to different parts. March 2009 - passenger rear outer seat...

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belt catch assembly did not work; seat belt would not connect. On march 11, 2009 dealer deemed the seat belt catch assembly defective and replaced with a new part - part #9191997. Seat belt has been working fine since repair. The repair was not covered under warranty or recall. I paid for the repair out of my own pocket. In the event of an accident, the results could have been fatal, if the proper repairs were not made. *Tr

Filed Incident Seat belts · Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 10373144
Fuel system

1. Strong fuel odor around vehicle, especially at night in garage. 2. Leaking fuel pump on top of fuel tank. 3. Fuel pump replaced by volvo dealer. *Tr

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10294391
Fuel system

Noticed a strong fuel smell from my 2003 volvo v70. My mechanic found the issue being a leaking fuel pump. Volvo has issued recall notices on 2001 to 2002 volvo v70, but did not include 2003 models. The issues appear to be exactly the same even though volvo does not recognize this issue with the 2003 model. *Tr

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10293242
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volvo v70 .The lighting and the gauges of the instrument control panel have failed. As a consequence she can not read any of the display. The current mileage was 92,000 . The failure mileage was 91,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10291684
Fuel system

My 2003 volvo v70 with ~127,000 miles started leaking fuel from the fuel pump housing. The plastic housing failed on its own. Strong gasoline fumes entered the car even though the access panel and seal were intact. The vehicle was never involved in an accident and never had any service repair work on or near the fuel tank. I've had several cars over this mileage with never a fuel pump assembly failure of any type. This is definitely a premature failure that is either a design, quality or assembly problem.*Tr

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10290427

Volvo V70: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
200711201Engine & coolingC
200624401Electrical systemD
200521401Fuel systemD
200489627Engine & coolingF
200347510Fuel systemF
2002106663Transmission & drivetrainF
2001221982Acceleration & cruise controlF
2000936112Acceleration & cruise controlF
1999169441Acceleration & cruise controlF
All V70 years

2003 Volvo V70 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 V70

Does the 2003 Volvo V70 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2003 Volvo V70: frontal (October 2021); navigational system(global positioning system) (November 2010); fuel pump (December 2009); engine and engine cooling (June 2007) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo V70?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (10), transmission & drivetrain (10), electrical system (8).

How many complaints has the 2003 Volvo V70 had?

47 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 2, 2003 and the latest on May 24, 2023. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.

Is the 2003 Volvo V70 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 13 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Volvo V70 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 V70 years have the most complaints?

2001 (221), 1999 (169), 2002 (106). See every Volvo V70 year compared.

What should I do if my 2003 Volvo V70 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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