2003 Volvo XC70
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 66 |
| 2002 | 35 |
| 2003 | 24 |
| 2004 | 101 |
| 2005 | 27 |
| 2006 | 18 |
| 2007 | 24 |
| 2008 | 39 |
| 2009 | 15 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 14 |
| 2013 | 8 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 24 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 24 total reports mention: power train.
4 of 24 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, A CAR WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT-HAND TURN ACROSS FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150112
SERVICE LIGHT ILLUMINATED INDICATING FAILURE IN THE SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM ON MY 2003 VOLVO CROSS COUNTRY WAGON. DEALER INVESTIGATED AND STATED THE CENTRAL COMPUTER ON THE AUTO HAD FAILED RESULTING IN A $980 REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20081203
3 of 24 total reports mention: suspension.
3 of 24 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
I PURCHASED THIS 2003 VOLVO XC70 RECENTLY AND A FEW WEEKS AFTER DRIVING IT I NOTICED A BAD SMELL OF GAS. I LOOKED AROUND AND DID NOT SEE ANYTHING LEAKING. I KEPT DRIVING DAILY AND SMELLED GAS EVERY SINGLE TIME THE CAR WAS ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131203
3 of 24 total reports mention: electrical system.
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
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 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.
Campaign 21V800000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Volvo XC70 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V284000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E023000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V483000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V566000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V800000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Volvo XC70 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo XC70?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Volvo XC70 have?
5 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.