2003 Volvo XC70 recalls and problems

The 2003 Volvo XC70 has 4 safety recalls and 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Volvo XC70 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Volvo XC70 recalls

Recall 21V-800: Air Bags

Reported Oct 14, 2021 · 194,546 vehicles affected · Volvo Car USA, LLC

Problem: Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2007 V70 and XC70 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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.

Recall 10V-566: Equipment

Reported Nov 8, 2010 · 416 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (Gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.

Risk: An overheated battery could lead to a fire.

Fix: 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 new battery and a spacer will be inserted on top of the battery next to the pcb. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 18, 2010. Owners may contact garmin at 866-957-1981 or visit garmin's website at www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.

Recall 09V-483: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Dec 18, 2009 · 158,733 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: 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, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, kentucky, louisiana, mississippi, nevada, new mexico, north carolina, oklahoma, south carolina, tennessee, texas, utah, virginia and the U.S. Territories. When exposed to certain environmental conditions (Hot climate and temperature cycling) over time and in combination with varying fuel quality, the fuel pump can develop cracks in the fuel pump flange.

Risk: If the condition occurs vehicle owners may notice fuel smell and/or fuel leak which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Fix: 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 began on january 15, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Recall 03V-284: Equipment

Reported Aug 1, 2003 · 220,407 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: 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 vehicles and, in certain cases, the owner's manual isofix information is incorrect.

Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.

Fix: 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 take their vehicle to a volvo dealer for installation of the guide, it will be performed at no charge to the owner. Owner notification began on december 19, 2003. Owners should contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

2003 Volvo XC70 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	5
Fuel System, Gasoline	4
Air Bags	4
Electrical System	4
Suspension	3
Fuel/Propulsion System	2
Structure	1
Service Brakes, Air	1
Parking Brake	1
Visibility	1
Equipment	1
Exterior Lighting	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
Suspension › Front — 3
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 116,000 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 XC70 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Feb 1, 2016

The contact owns a 2003 volvo xc70. The contact stated that there was an abnormal strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle would experience hesitation with starting and driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 140,000 miles · reported Dec 23, 2015

The contact owns a 2003 volvo xc70. The contact stated that a strong fuel odor emitted inside and outside of the vehicle continuously however, there was no fuel visible on the ground. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic, who both confirmed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09v483000 (Fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Air Bags · at 170,000 miles · reported Dec 15, 2015

The contact owns a 2003 volvo xc70. When the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

Air Bags · at 170,000 miles · reported Jan 12, 2015

While driving down the road, a car was attempting to make a left-hand turn across four lanes of traffic. The person, apparently, did not see me and struck the side of my vehicle breaking the tire rod and doing extensive damage to the passenger front and back doors. The glove box was even difficult to open. In all of this, the passenger side airbag did not deploy. My son who is 14 and is 170 pounds was sitting in the passenger seat at the time. He is quite sore along his arm and neck. In 2012, I posted a complaint about the car having a dim problem and how the volvo mechanic said the dim…

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 169,000 miles · reported Jun 9, 2014

The contact owns a 2003 volvo xc70. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted a fuel odor. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repair. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 169,000.

Other Volvo XC70 years

2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 200420032002 2001

Compare all Volvo XC70 years · All Volvo models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Volvo XC70 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Volvo XC70: 21V-800 (air bags), 10V-566 (equipment), 09V-483 (fuel system, gasoline), 03V-284 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Volvo XC70?

Owners report power train problems most often (5 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 116,000 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.