2003 Volvo VHD recalls and problems
The 2003 Volvo VHD has 11 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Volvo VHD vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Volvo VHD recalls
Recall 12V-510: Seat Belts
Problem: Volvo is recalling certain model year 2002-2013 VHD and VN trucks, manufactured from August 4, 2000, through June 22, 2012, and equipped with bench passenger seats. The seat belt d-ring weld may not be sufficient enough to meet the seat belt pull test. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Risk: In the event of a crash, an insufficient seat belt weld may prevent the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant. This increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Fix: Volvo Trucks of America will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspected d-ring, free of change. The safety recall began on May 10, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.
Recall 09V-173: Visibility
Problem: Volvo trucks is recalling 127,764 my 2001-2008 vhd, vnl, vnm, and my 2005-2008 vt trucks. A seal may fail allowing water and contaminants to seep into the windshield wiper motor.
Risk: If this happens a short circuit may occur, which over time could possibly lead to a vehicle fire.
Fix: Volvo will replace the wiper motor free of charge. Since this recall involves a large number of vehicles, volvo will release the recall in stages as parts are received. Priority will be given to the vehicles located in the regions/states that have a corrosive environment. The recall began on september 30, 2009. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Recall 07V-573: Electrical System
Problem: On certain heavy duty trucks, the circuit protection (I.e. Automatic circuit breakers) used to protect the vehicle lighting system may not provide adequate protection.
Risk: If a short circuit occurs and is left untreated, components and wiring may be subject to overheating which could possibly result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the circuit breakers with fuses. The recall began on february 25, 2008. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Recall 06V-213: Wheels
Problem: On certain trucks, the wheel spacer may become distorted from heat which potentially could lead to a loss of clamp that may result in loose wheel nuts.
Risk: If the wheel nuts loosen for any reason, damage to the wheel studs and wheel may occur, and may lead to a complete separation of the wheels from the truck which could result in a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the wheel spacers and the wheel equipment (Wheels,studs, and hub) will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary free of charge. The recall began on june 26, 2006. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Recall 06V-021: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: On certain trucks equipped with d12d engines, the exhaust gas recirculation (Egr) cooler inlet pipes or the pipes that connect the EGR valves to the cooler may crack or break.
Risk: If the pipes or the cooler inlet pipes fail and are left untreated, the air cleaner and inner fender may be subject to hot exhaust gases, which could lead to a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the EGR cooler pipes as required and install a heat shield free of charge. An interim owner letter was mailed on february 17, 2006, to advise on precautions that the owner can take until parts become available. Owners are being notified starting march 3, 2006, that parts are now available. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Recall 04V-457: Visibility
Problem: On certain trucks equipped with valeo wiper systems, the wiper motor may be susceptive to salt intrusion that could possibly lead to a condition where the connector overheats to a point where the connector could ignite.
Risk: If this occurs, excessive heat and smoke could result in an under hood fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the connector plate on the windshield wiper motor. Phase 2 of the recall began on november 1, 2004. Owners should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Recall 04V-404: Seats
Problem: Certain trucks fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207, 'seating systems.' the bench seat, as installed, does not the seat pull requirements of the standard.
Risk: The seat anchorage to the floor may not be sufficient to retain the adjusted seating position, which could lead to personal injury or death in the even tof a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger side bench seat with a different brand of seat. The recall began november 1, 2004. Owners should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Recall 04V-078: Steering
Problem: On certain heavy-duty class 8 trucks, the pinch bolt attaching the steering drag link to the pitman arm may not have been sufficiently tightened.
Risk: The bolt could loosen allowing the drag link and pitman arm to separate, resulting in uncontrollable steering which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a new pinch bolt and tighten to the required torque. Owner notification is expected to begin during march 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Recall 04V-077: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: On certain heavy-duty class 8 trucks, the assembled engine pre-heater jumper wiring harness was incorrectly assembled.
Risk: The engine pre-heater could overheat resulting in damage to the pre-heater and other engine heat sensitive components near the pre-heater and the ability to re-start the engine could be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will repair the affected circuits in the jumper wiring harness connector. Owner notification is expected to begin during march 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Recall 03V-204: Trailer Hitches
Problem: On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with jost international jsk 37u series fifth wheels, a fatigue crack can develop in the bracket pin weld under certain loading conditions.
Risk: If left undetected or corrected it could lead to the separation of the fifth wheel top plate from its mounting structure, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the bracket pins and repair instructions free of charge. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact jost international at 616-846-7700 or by email to recall@jostinternational.com or volvo truck at 800-528-6586.
Recall 03V-108: Seat Belts
Problem: Certain heavy duty class 8 trucks equipped with an optional two-man passenger bench seat fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." on the two-man passenger bench seat inboard (Center) position, seat belt d-ring mounting bracket weldnut, the weld is not sufficient to meet the seat belt pull requirements .
Risk: These trucks do not comply with the requirements.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt d-ring mounting bracket. Owner notification began on april 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
2003 Volvo VHD problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 2 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 213,763 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Volvo VHD complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Volvo VHD years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Volvo VHD have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2003 Volvo VHD: 12V-510 (seat belts), 09V-173 (visibility), 07V-573 (electrical system), 06V-213 (wheels), 06V-021 (engine and engine cooling) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Volvo VHD?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (2 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 213,763 miles.
Are Volvo recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volvo dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.