2003 Volvo XC90 recalls and problems
The 2003 Volvo XC90 has 5 safety recalls and 93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Volvo XC90 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Volvo XC90 recalls
Recall 10V-566: Equipment
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
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 06V-155: Steering
Problem: 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 the outer tie rod ball joint.
Risk: The driver may notice that the vehicle is difficult to maneuver increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 06V-144: Visibility
Problem: 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 its driveshaft, resulting in an inability to move the wipers from the park position.
Risk: Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.
Fix: 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.
Recall 03V-391: Seat Belts
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the seat belt attachment(S) for the second and third row seat(S) may not have been fitted properly.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
2003 Volvo XC90 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 49 | |
| Electrical System | 18 | |
| Suspension | 10 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 9 | |
| Structure | 6 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 6 | |
| Equipment | 5 | |
| Steering | 4 | |
| Air Bags | 4 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | |
| Parking Brake | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 39
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 2
- Electrical System › Ignition — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2
- Suspension › Rear — 2
- Suspension › Front — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 74,650 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 XC90 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Volvo XC90 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2003 Volvo XC90: 10V-566 (equipment), 09V-483 (fuel system, gasoline), 06V-155 (steering), 06V-144 (visibility), 03V-391 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Volvo XC90?
Owners report power train problems most often (49 reports), followed by electrical system (18). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 74,650 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.