Is the 2003 Volvo XC90 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Volvo XC90 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo XC90?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Volvo XC90 have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2003 Volvo XC90

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2003 Volvo XC90
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:36:45.633Z

This year had more than double the complaints 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: 93
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2003: 93 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	93
2004	462
2005	223
2006	53
2007	38
2008	29
2009	7
2010	12
2011	19
2012	3
2013	11
2014	4
2015	0
2016	197
2017	81
2018	52
2019	42
2020	34
2021	38
2022	31
2023	41
2024	38
2025	28

Known problem areas

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

Power train

53% · 49 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).

Show complaint excerpts

Transfer case keeps locking up and messing up. In past year paid 1500 two times to replace transfer case and is now in shop again for same reason. Transfer case locking up.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-02-02

Electrical system

19% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I was not aware of the design defect in sun roof & the water damages that result in electrical issues. I had always parked my vehicle in covered parking until moving this year in January.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-29

Also filed under Structure and electronic stability control (esc)

Suspension

11% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing rear and front.

Engine and engine cooling

10% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.

Structure

6% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and door.

INJURY

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
2003Complaint volume 93 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2003-12-08Seat belts03V391000 On certain sport utility vehicles, the seat belt attachment(S) for the second and third row seat(S) may not have been fitted properly.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the second and/or third row seat belt attachments. Owner notification began on December 8, 2003. Owners should contact Volvo AT 1-800-458-1552.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-06-23Steering06V155000 On certain passenger vehicles,the outer tie rod ball joint can deform at high loads causing a loss of the clamping force and the nut may loosen, which may eventually lead to a fatigue fracture of…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the outer ball joint tie rods with improved outer ball joint tie rods free of charge. The recall began on June 23, 2006. Owners may contact Volvo AT 1-800-458-1552.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-09-05Visibility06V144000 On certain vehicles, if the wiper arm is activated in extreme winter weather conditions and without lifting the wiper arms and cleaning the windshield prior to moving, the wiper arm might slip on…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper arms and retaining nuts. The recall began on September 5, 2006. Owners may contact Volvo cars 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 →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Volvo XC90 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 49 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 18 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 03V391000 · Seat belts
Recall 06V155000 · Steering
Recall 06V144000 · Visibility
Recall 09V483000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 10V566000 · Equipment

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Volvo XC90 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Volvo XC90 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo XC90?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Volvo XC90 have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.