2003 Volvo V70
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
- 32
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Fuel system, gasoline
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
19% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 32 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 187 |
| 1999 | 169 |
| 2000 | 93 |
| 2001 | 221 |
| 2002 | 76 |
| 2003 | 32 |
| 2004 | 84 |
| 2005 | 21 |
| 2006 | 21 |
| 2007 | 7 |
| 2008 | 11 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Fuel system, gasoline
19% · 6 reportsPower train
16% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-14
Electrical system
16% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
The dim/driver information manual/dashboard display broke. This is a safety issue due to the loss of warning lights and turn signal displays.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-24
Also filed under Exterior lighting
Air bags
9% · 3 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-05-24
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-04-07
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-01-03
Exterior lighting
9% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing headlights.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
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2021-12-14Air bags21V800000 Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2007 V70 and XC70 vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Volvo V70 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V284000 · Equipment
- Recall 07V226000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 09V483000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 10V566000 · Equipment
- Recall 21V800000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Volvo V70 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Volvo V70 is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo V70?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Volvo V70 have?
- 5 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.