2003 Volvo S60
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 86 |
| 2014 | 25 |
| 2015 | 57 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 18 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
43% of complaints: electrical system — 51 distinct reports on file.
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, 20260118
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, 20180918
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, 20120401
15% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20060203
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
CAR EXPERIENCES LOSS OF POWER, STALLING, SPUTTERING AND HESITATION WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED DOWN. SAN LUIS OBISPO SMITH VOLVO AUTHORIZED DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANY CODES TO EXPLAIN THIS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120315
7% of complaints: exterior lighting — 8 distinct reports on file.
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, 20260118
7% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 TA
Campaign 03V284000 — check if this car was fixed
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 SOLD
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.
Campaign 07E023000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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.
Campaign 07V226000 — check if this car was fixed
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, CALIF
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 RECALL
Campaign 09V483000 — check if this car was fixed
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 N
Campaign 10V566000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V681000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V766000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Volvo S60 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (51 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V284000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E023000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V226000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V483000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V566000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V681000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V766000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Volvo S60 have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.