- The problem
- Volvo is recalling certain model year 2002-2013 VHD and VN trucks, manufactured from August 4, 2000, through June 22, 2012, and equipped with bench passenger seats. The seat belt d-ring weld may not be sufficient enough to meet the seat belt pull test. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, an insufficient seat belt weld may prevent the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant. This increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
- The fix
- Volvo Trucks of America will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspected d-ring, free of change. The safety recall began on May 10, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Volvo VHD Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2003 Volvo VHD with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (2) and the electrical system (2). It is covered by 11 recalls, the latest in October 2012 for the seat belts. For comparison, the 2002 has 0 and the 2004 has 3.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical VHD year, for its age
#305 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Volvo VHD problems
Share of all 3 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Volvo VHD recalls 11
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
- The problem
- Volvo trucks is recalling 127,764 my 2001-2008 vhd, vnl, vnm, and my 2005-2008 vt trucks. A seal may fail allowing water and contaminants to seep into the windshield wiper motor.
- The risk
- If this happens a short circuit may occur, which over time could possibly lead to a vehicle fire.
- The fix
- Volvo will replace the wiper motor free of charge. Since this recall involves a large number of vehicles, volvo will release the recall in stages as parts are received. Priority will be given to the vehicles located in the regions/states that have a corrosive environment. The recall began on september 30, 2009. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
- The problem
- On certain heavy duty trucks, the circuit protection (i.E. Automatic circuit breakers) used to protect the vehicle lighting system may not provide adequate protection.
- The 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.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the circuit breakers with fuses. The recall began on february 25, 2008. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
- The problem
- On certain trucks, the wheel spacer may become distorted from heat which potentially could lead to a loss of clamp that may result in loose wheel nuts.
- The 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 which could result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the wheel spacers and the wheel equipment (wheels,studs, and hub) will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary free of charge. The recall began on june 26, 2006. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
- The problem
- On certain trucks equipped with d12d engines, the exhaust gas recirculation (egr) cooler inlet pipes or the pipes that connect the egr valves to the cooler may crack or break.
- The 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 fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and repair the egr cooler pipes as required and install a heat shield free of charge. An interim owner letter was mailed on february 17, 2006, to advise on precautions that the owner can take until parts become available. Owners are being notified starting march 3, 2006, that parts are now available. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
- The problem
- On certain trucks equipped with valeo wiper systems, the wiper motor may be susceptive to salt intrusion that could possibly lead to a condition where the connector overheats to a point where the connector could ignite.
- The risk
- If this occurs, excessive heat and smoke could result in an under hood fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the connector plate on the windshield wiper motor. Phase 2 of the recall began on november 1, 2004. Owners should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
- The problem
- Certain trucks fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207, 'Seating systems.' The bench seat, as installed, does not the seat pull requirements of the standard.
- The 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 crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the passenger side bench seat with a different brand of seat. The recall began november 1, 2004. Owners should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
- The problem
- On certain heavy-duty class 8 trucks, the pinch bolt attaching the steering drag link to the pitman arm may not have been sufficiently tightened.
- The risk
- The bolt could loosen allowing the drag link and pitman arm to separate, resulting in uncontrollable steering which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a new pinch bolt and tighten to the required torque. Owner notification is expected to begin during march 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
- The problem
- On certain heavy-duty class 8 trucks, the assembled engine pre-heater jumper wiring harness was incorrectly assembled.
- The 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 re-start the engine could be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will repair the affected circuits in the jumper wiring harness connector. Owner notification is expected to begin during march 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
- The problem
- On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with jost international jsk 37u series fifth wheels, a fatigue crack can develop in the bracket pin weld under certain loading conditions.
- The 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.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the bracket pins and repair instructions free of charge. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact jost international at 616-846-7700 or by email to [email protected] or volvo truck at 800-528-6586.
- The problem
- Certain heavy duty class 8 trucks equipped with an optional two-man passenger bench seat fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, "Seat belt assembly anchorages." On the two-man passenger bench seat inboard (center) position, seat belt d-ring mounting bracket weldnut, the weld is not sufficient to meet the seat belt pull requirements .
- The risk
- These trucks do not comply with the requirements.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the seat belt d-ring mounting bracket. Owner notification began on april 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
What owners say
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3 complaints about the 2003 Volvo VHD
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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 power steering. The vehicle was towed to a volvo dealer. It was diagnosed by volvo as an engine computer failure. Volvo has not explained which part of this (eecu) engine electronic control unit failed, which I requested to know. The eecu was replaced with a volvo rebuilt unit. This is a product safety and reliability issue. This truck has fifteen thousand, (15,000), original miles. *Tr
The truck was just working an average day, hauling hot mix asphalt, when the engine began to skip. Brought the truck into dario diesel, they found faulty injector connector, had it replaced. One month later, the same thing happened, again took truck to dario diesel, they found the same problem, they repaired the connector, and sent the truck on its way. 2 Months after second repair, it happened again, they found the same problem, corrected it and sent the truck on its way again. One month after third repair,...
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the same thing happened again, again took the truck to dario diesel, they found the same problem and sent the truck on its way. Now they tell us the whole wiring harness for the connectors need to be replaced. We have already spent $1397.00 Having this problem supposedly repaired. We have also sent a letter to volvo trucks telling them of the problem. *Tr
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 problem and nothing was done. I spoke to rick pickard swift fleet manage in ocala officer and nothing was done. I spoke to rob who is the head shop manager of the ocala office. I requested that the vehicle be sent to...
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volco technicians and nothing was done. They place the vehicle in the shop for the fourth time in three consecutive weeks for the same initial problem and nothing was done. Furthermore it states in the vehicle manual of volvo, if total shutdown of vehicle occurs at any time please notify volvo directly as well as dot to report vehicle problems to prevent any outcome of an accident, injury or death. Page 134 of vehicle manual. *Jb
Volvo VHD: every year compared
All VHD years2003 Volvo VHD vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Volvo VHD | 3 | 11 | D | |
| 2003 Volvo S60 | 123 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo V70 | 47 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo S80 | 29 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo S40 | 21 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo V70XC | 15 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo C70 | 7 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo V40 | 5 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo VN | 3 | 4 | D | Compare |
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.
Questions about the 2003 Volvo VHD
Does the 2003 Volvo VHD have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2003 Volvo VHD: seat belts (October 2012); motor (May 2009); fuses and circuit breakers (December 2007); wheels (June 2006) 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 VHD?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (2), electrical system (2), brakes (1).
How many complaints has the 2003 Volvo VHD had?
3 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 2, 2007 and the latest on November 23, 2010. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Volvo VHD a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 35 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Volvo VHD 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 VHD years have the most complaints?
2003 (3), 2004 (3), 2005 (3). See every Volvo VHD year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Volvo VHD 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