Is the 2003 Volvo S60 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Volvo S60 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo S60?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Volvo S60 have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2003 Volvo S60

● Typical for this model

2003 Volvo S60
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:54.930Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 120
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2003: 120 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1999	0
2000	1
2001	223
2002	186
2003	120
2004	198
2005	44
2006	31
2007	21
2008	10
2009	7
2011	5
2012	121
2013	87
2014	25
2015	59
2016	27
2017	16
2018	4
2019	25
2020	12
2021	8
2022	15
2023	3
2024	20
2025	0

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

46% · 55 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and ignition.

Show complaint excerpts

The problem is when the weather turns cold my car a Volvo 2003 S 60 turn signals do not operate, or if they do turn on sometimes the turn signals won't stop flashing until you turn the ignition off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-01-18

Also filed under Exterior lighting

The dashboard instrument panel and lights go off and come back on whenever. I have had the car for over a year. It was a gift. I just found out tonite from an officer that when the instrument panel and lights are off I have no tail lights.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-18

1) electric reading of dashboard goes completely dark. Unable to determine speed, fuel, engine temperature, ect. Urgent air bag warning light went on prior to it going dark. Car skips gears and revs when gas pedal is pressed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-01

Vehicle speed control

15% · 18 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

On 12/22 I was driving my 2003 Volvo s 60 awd. I was very slowly and carefully pulling into a front in parking spot.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-02-03

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing engine.

Exterior lighting

8% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing turn signal.

Air bags

7% · 8 reports

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2003-12-19Equipment03V284000 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…

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-04-02Service brakes, hydraulic07E023000 Certain cardone master cylinders with part numbers 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, and 11-3156, and with date codes lower than DCA7078…

Remedy: Cardone will notify owners and offer to repurchase any defective master cylinders. The recall began during April 2007. Owners can contact cardone at 1-800-777-4780.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-06-29Engine and engine cooling07V226000 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.…

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-01-15Fuel system, gasoline09V483000 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…

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-11-18Equipment10V566000 Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (Gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-04-20Air bags20V681000 Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2003 S80 and S60 vehicles sold or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Puerto...

Remedy: Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag module, free of charge. The recall began April 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10058.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-11-29Air bags21V766000 Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2006 S80 and 2001-2009 S60 vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10125.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Volvo S60 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 55 reports on file for this year.
Vehicle speed control: 18 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 16 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 03V284000 · Equipment
Recall 07E023000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 07V226000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 09V483000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 10V566000 · Equipment
Recall 20V681000 · Air bags
Recall 21V766000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Volvo S60 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Volvo S60 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo S60?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Volvo S60 have?: 7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.