Owners have filed 28 complaints
about the 2003 Volvo XC70 with NHTSA between 2003 and 2016.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 34
Against the median year of the Volvo XC70. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 37
7.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 16
10% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2003 Volvo XC70
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
621.4%
Median failure at 124,718 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
517.9%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Airbags
414.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 170,000 mi
Electrical System
414.3%
Median failure at 116,000 miles
Suspension
310.7%
Median failure at 101,295 miles
Brakes
27.1%
Median failure at 105,000 miles
Equipment & Accessories
13.6%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
13.6%
Lights
13.6%
Body & Structure
13.6%
Median failure at 14,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
14.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
14.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
314.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
314.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1047.6%
150,000+ miles
314.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2003peak 5Feb 2016
Recalls on the 2003 Volvo XC70
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201039687 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles, there is a possibility of overheating issues of batteries in the Garmin nüvi® 760 when certain batteries manufactured within a limited date code range are used in certain Garmin nüvi® 760 models with a specific printed circuit board (PCB) design. The interaction of these factors can, in some circumstances, increase the possibility of overheating, which may lead to a fire. Correction: Dealers will direct customers who have an affected unit to the Garmin Web site, which explains how to verify if their units are involved and includes procedures to follow for product exchange.
Recall 200606614,000 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain Volvo 850, S40, V40, V50, V70, XC70 and XC90 equipped with integrated child booster cushions were incorrectly labelled during vehicle assembly. The label indicates that the booster cushion can be used for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg (33 and 80 lb). CMVSS 213 states that the minimum weight for use must be 18 kg (40 lb). Should an underweight child be placed in the booster cushion and the vehicle is involved in a crash, the child may have a greater risk of injury. Correction: Volvo Canada will send a letter to owners explaining this problem and will supply updated weight limit decal to be applied to each side window.
Recall 200322610,712 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 210.2. The symbol indicating the presence of a lower universal anchorage system, and a reproduction of this symbol were omitted from the owner's manual. Correction: The corrected owner's manual page will be mailed to owners.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 170,000 milesArdmore, TNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 PROBLEM COULD CAUSE AIRBAG PROBLEMS, BUT AFTER HAVING THE DIM PROBLEM FIXED, I WAS TOLD THE AIRBAGS SHOULD DEPLOY. IN 2012, I POSTED THE FOLLOWING COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA AND CAN BE READ ONLINE: "I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 VOLVO XC70 AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT (55MPH) WHEN THE DASHBOARD SUDDENLY WENT BLACK AND ALL OF THE GAUGES, INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, GAS GAUGE, AND CLOCK STOPPED WORKING. EVERY WARNING LIGHT LIT UP. THE VOLVO DEALER ADMITTED THEY HAD SEEN THIS ISSUE BEFORE. THE COST TO REPLACE THE DIM WAS OVER $1400.00 AND I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY IT SINCE I WAS NOT GOING TO DRIVE MY CAR WITH NO SPEEDOMETER OR GAS GAUGE. THE DIM REPLACEMENT IS NOW ONLY WARRANTED FOR TWO YEARS, SO I MAY FIND MYSELF IN THE EXACT SAME BOAT IN THE FUTURE IF THE NEW DIM ALSO FAILS. RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ONLINE, I FOUND THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM, PARTICULARLY FOR 2003 VOLVO MODELS. AFTER FINDING THE NHTSA WEBSITE, I ALSO FOUND THAT SOMEONE ELSE HAD RECENTLY REPORTED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND ALSO NOTED THAT THE DIM FAILURE COULD IMPACT THE PROPER OPERATION OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM...."
NHTSA complaint #10671821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Groveland, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* 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.
NHTSA complaint #10823551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesMountain View, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* 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.
NHTSA complaint #10811992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesBaltimore, MD
AIR BAGS
TL* 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.
NHTSA complaint #10810285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesArdmore, TNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 PROBLEM COULD CAUSE AIRBAG PROBLEMS, BUT AFTER HAVING THE DIM PROBLEM FIXED, I WAS TOLD THE AIRBAGS SHOULD DEPLOY. IN 2012, I POSTED THE FOLLOWING COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA AND CAN BE READ ONLINE: "I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 VOLVO XC70 AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT (55MPH) WHEN THE DASHBOARD SUDDENLY WENT BLACK AND ALL OF THE GAUGES, INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, GAS GAUGE, AND CLOCK STOPPED WORKING. EVERY WARNING LIGHT LIT UP. THE VOLVO DEALER ADMITTED THEY HAD SEEN THIS ISSUE BEFORE. THE COST TO REPLACE THE DIM WAS OVER $1400.00 AND I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY IT SINCE I WAS NOT GOING TO DRIVE MY CAR WITH NO SPEEDOMETER OR GAS GAUGE. THE DIM REPLACEMENT IS NOW ONLY WARRANTED FOR TWO YEARS, SO I MAY FIND MYSELF IN THE EXACT SAME BOAT IN THE FUTURE IF THE NEW DIM ALSO FAILS. RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ONLINE, I FOUND THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM, PARTICULARLY FOR 2003 VOLVO MODELS. AFTER FINDING THE NHTSA WEBSITE, I ALSO FOUND THAT SOMEONE ELSE HAD RECENTLY REPORTED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND ALSO NOTED THAT THE DIM FAILURE COULD IMPACT THE PROPER OPERATION OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM...."
NHTSA complaint #10671821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,000 milesBowie, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* 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.
NHTSA complaint #10597024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,600 milesElmhurst, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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. I BECAME VERY CONCERNED BECAUSE I DRIVE WITH MY 6 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE CAR. AFTER SOME TIME I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A GAS LEAK COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR AND THIS BECAME A VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. I AUTOMATICALLY DROVE TO THE NEAREST MECHANIC SHOP AND GOT THE CAR LOOKED AT. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND CAN NOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE THE CAR CAN CATCH FIRE OR EVEN EXPLODE. AFTER SOME RESEARCH AND AFTER HEARING BACK FROM THE MECHANIC I LEARNED THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP ON THIS MODEL CAR AND THIS IS EXACTLY THE PROBLEM. I REACHED OUT TO VOLVO AND THEY TELL ME THAT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL AND THAT THEY WILL ONLY PAY FOR THE PART. I HAVE PLENTY OF PICTURES SHOWING THE DEFECT IN THE FUEL PUMP. I FIND THIS RIDICULOUS SINCE THEY KNOW THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THESE CARS. MY FAMILY AND I COULD HAVE DIED FROM BEING IN THIS CAR GOD FORBID AND NOW I AM STUCK WITH THIS BILL FROM THE MECHANIC DUE TO VOLVO'S FAILURE/DEFECT. VOLVO IS KNOWN FOR HAVING THE SAFEST CARS IN THE WORLD WHICH IS WHY I DECIDED TO PURCHASE THIS CAR FOR MY FAMILY, AND NOW I AM STUCK WITH A BILL FOR THERE DEFECT AND CAN NOT FIND HELP OR ANSWERS.
NHTSA complaint #10554719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,105 milesCranston, RI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN SUDDENLY MY GAS GAUGE DROPPED BELOW EMPTY AND ALL MY GAUGES STOPPED WORKING INCLUDING THE CLOCK, BLINKERS, SPEEDOMETER AND THE DIGITAL INFORMATION COMPUTER PANEL THAT INDICATES HOW MANY MILES LEFT TO A GALLON, ETC. THIS WAS QUITE DANGEROUS AS I COULD NO LONGER SEE THE SPEED OF TRAVEL, HOW MUCH GAS I HAD LEFT, THE TIME NOR COULD I USE MY BLINKERS TO INDICATE LANE CHANGES. THERE WAS NO WARNING OR INDICATION THAT THE SPEEDOMETER PANEL WOULD JUST DIE OUT!
NHTSA complaint #10510254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesDublin, NH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 VOLVO XC70 AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT (55MPH) WHEN THE DASHBOARD SUDDENLY WENT BLACK AND ALL OF THE GAUGES, INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, GAS GAUGE, AND CLOCK STOPPED WORKING. EVERY WARNING LIGHT LIT UP. THE VOLVO DEALER ADMITTED THEY HAD SEEN THIS ISSUE BEFORE. THE COST TO REPLACE THE DIM WAS OVER $1400.00 AND I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY IT SINCE I WAS NOT GOING TO DRIVE MY CAR WITH NO SPEEDOMETER OR GAS GAUGE. THE DIM REPLACEMENT IS NOW ONLY WARRANTED FOR TWO YEARS, SO I MAY FIND MYSELF IN THE EXACT SAME BOAT IN THE FUTURE IF THE NEW DIM ALSO FAILS. RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ONLINE, I FOUND THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM, PARTICULARLY FOR 2003 VOLVO MODELS. AFTER FINDING THE NHTSA WEBSITE, I ALSO FOUND THAT SOMEONE ELSE HAD RECENTLY REPORTED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND ALSO NOTED THAT THE DIM FAILURE COULD IMPACT THE PROPER OPERATION OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. CLEARLY, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS AFFECTING MORE THAN JUST A FEW ISOLATED VOLVO OWNERS. VOLVO SHOULD ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM, ISSUE A RECALL AND PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS. THE DIM MODULE IS A COMPUTER PART AND ITS FAILURE IS OBVIOUSLY NOT THE RESULT OF EXPECTED "WEAR AND TEAR." INSTEAD, IT APPEARS TO BE A DEFECTIVE PART THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACE TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS THAT CAN BE CAUSED BY THE SUDDEN LOSS OF THE DASHBOARD SYSTEM AND POSSIBLE NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE OPERATION OF THE AIRBAGS. PLEASE DO WHAT YOU CAN TO HAVE VOLVO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10448849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesBaltimore, MD
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I PURCHASED MY (2003) VOLVO XC70 IN LATE 2006 FROM I SERVICE IT REGULARLY AND DO ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECKS. ABOUT A MONTH AGO THE CAR BEGAN TO JERK AND HESITATE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $5700. THE CAR HAS 71000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10427544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesBoston, MA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2003 VOLVO XC70 TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN CAR WITH 100,000K MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10405959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesArdmore, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE DRIVER INFORMATION MODULE (DIM) ON MY 2003 VOLVO XC70 BEGAN INTERMITTENTLY GOING OUT. DURING THIS TIME, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A VOLVO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE DIM WAS BAD AND WOULD NEED TO BE RE-MANUFACTURED AS IT IS A "CAR SPECIFIC" PART. THE COST OF THE JOB WAS GOING TO BE AROUND $1,400.00. I COULD NOT AFFORD THE REPAIR. AWHILE LATER, THE DIM WENT COMPLETELY OUT LEAVING WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO SEE HOW FAST I'M DRIVING, HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE, WARNING LIGHTS, ETC. WHEN THE DIM WENT COMPLETELY OUT, I BEGAN DOING A GREAT DEAL OF RESEARCH OB THIS PROBLEM TO SEE IF I COULD HAVE THE DIM REPAIRED/REPLACED CHEAPER THAN I WAS QUOTED BY THE DEALER. UPON RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT A GREAT NUMBER OF 2003 VOLVO XC70 OWNERS WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. MANY VOLVO MECHANICS AND OWNERS, REFER TO THIS PROBLEM AS NOT BEING UNUSUAL. IN ADDITION, NOT HAVING A DIM POSES MANY, OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARDS, SUCH AS SPEEDING, CAR BREAKING DOWN ON THE ROAD, ETC. ALSO, I WAS TOLD BY THE VOLVO MECHANIC THAT DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT A FUNCTIONING DIM COULD PREVENT MY AIRBAGS FROM DEPLOYING. FINALLY, I NOTICED THAT MANY OWNERS WERE REPLACING THE DIM'S WHICH IS LEADING TO A NUMBER OF CARS THAT DO NOT SHOW CORRECT MILEAGE FOR THE VEHICLE. APPARENTLY, ONE CAN REPLACE THE DIM WITH A USED DIM, MUCH CHEAPER, BUT BECAUSE THE DIM IS A "CAR SPECIFIC" PART, ONCE THE DIM IS REPLACED THE DIM WILL NOTE THE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE THAT THE DIM CAME OUT OF. IN MY NON-EXPERT, HUMBLE OPINION, IF THIS PROBLEM HAS BECOME "NORMAL," THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE COVERED BY VOLVO; IT SEEMS THAT THE PRODUCTION WAS FAULTY. IN ADDITION, VOLVO SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE CONSIDERING THE FAULTY DIM IS A SAFETY HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10400019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,460 milesDartmouth NS, 00
SUSPENSION:FRONT
RIGHT HAND SIDE, FRONT COIL SPRING CRACKED IN TWO.
NHTSA complaint #10396979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Malden ON Hudson, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SHORTLY AFTER BUYING MY 2003 VOLVO 70XC I READ THAT BLACK CARS HAVE A TROUBLING HIGHER RATE OF ACCIDENTS. I HAD UNFORTUNATELY PURCHASED A BLACK VOLVO. I NOTICED THAT THERE IS NO CHROME ANYWHERE ON THE BODY, INCLUDING THE REAR. THERE ARE NO SIDE LIGHTS, NO DOOR LIGHTS (MY 1993 HAS DOOR LIGHTS WHEN THE DOOR OPENS TO ALERT OTHER DRIVERS THAT THERE IS A DOOR OPEN), NOTHING TO HELP WITH SAFETY ISSUES, YET THEY ADVERTISE AS BEING SUCH A SAFE CAR. HAVING OUTSIDE INDICATORS ON A BLACK CAR IS SAFETY 101. I THINK THAT VOLVO SHOULD BE MADE TO ADD OUTSIDE SAFETY FEATURES TO THIS MODEL.
NHTSA complaint #10375373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Malden ON Hudson, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SHORTLY AFTER BUYING MY 2003 VOLVO 70XC I READ THAT BLACK CARS HAVE A TROUBLING HIGHER RATE OF ACCIDENTS. I HAD UNFORTUNATELY PURCHASED A BLACK VOLVO. I NOTICED THAT THERE IS NO CHROME ANYWHERE ON THE BODY, INCLUDING THE REAR. THERE ARE NO SIDE LIGHTS, NO DOOR LIGHTS (MY 1993 HAS DOOR LIGHTS WHEN THE DOOR OPENS TO ALERT OTHER DRIVERS THAT THERE IS A DOOR OPEN), NOTHING TO HELP WITH SAFETY ISSUES, YET THEY ADVERTISE AS BEING SUCH A SAFE CAR. HAVING OUTSIDE INDICATORS ON A BLACK CAR IS SAFETY 101. I THINK THAT VOLVO SHOULD BE MADE TO ADD OUTSIDE SAFETY FEATURES TO THIS MODEL.
NHTSA complaint #10375373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Malden ON Hudson, NY
EQUIPMENT
SHORTLY AFTER BUYING MY 2003 VOLVO 70XC I READ THAT BLACK CARS HAVE A TROUBLING HIGHER RATE OF ACCIDENTS. I HAD UNFORTUNATELY PURCHASED A BLACK VOLVO. I NOTICED THAT THERE IS NO CHROME ANYWHERE ON THE BODY, INCLUDING THE REAR. THERE ARE NO SIDE LIGHTS, NO DOOR LIGHTS (MY 1993 HAS DOOR LIGHTS WHEN THE DOOR OPENS TO ALERT OTHER DRIVERS THAT THERE IS A DOOR OPEN), NOTHING TO HELP WITH SAFETY ISSUES, YET THEY ADVERTISE AS BEING SUCH A SAFE CAR. HAVING OUTSIDE INDICATORS ON A BLACK CAR IS SAFETY 101. I THINK THAT VOLVO SHOULD BE MADE TO ADD OUTSIDE SAFETY FEATURES TO THIS MODEL.
NHTSA complaint #10375373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Malden ON Hudson, NY
VISIBILITY
SHORTLY AFTER BUYING MY 2003 VOLVO 70XC I READ THAT BLACK CARS HAVE A TROUBLING HIGHER RATE OF ACCIDENTS. I HAD UNFORTUNATELY PURCHASED A BLACK VOLVO. I NOTICED THAT THERE IS NO CHROME ANYWHERE ON THE BODY, INCLUDING THE REAR. THERE ARE NO SIDE LIGHTS, NO DOOR LIGHTS (MY 1993 HAS DOOR LIGHTS WHEN THE DOOR OPENS TO ALERT OTHER DRIVERS THAT THERE IS A DOOR OPEN), NOTHING TO HELP WITH SAFETY ISSUES, YET THEY ADVERTISE AS BEING SUCH A SAFE CAR. HAVING OUTSIDE INDICATORS ON A BLACK CAR IS SAFETY 101. I THINK THAT VOLVO SHOULD BE MADE TO ADD OUTSIDE SAFETY FEATURES TO THIS MODEL.
NHTSA complaint #10375373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesCumberland, ME
PARKING BRAKE
CATASTROPHIC PARKING BRAKE FAILURE CAUSED RIGHT REAL WHEEL TO LOCK UP WHILE VEHICLE WAS MOVING. THIS COULD HAVE LED TO LOSS OF CONTROL, BUT DID NOT IN THIS INSTANCE. I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL OTHER VOLVO CUSTOMERS HAVE FILED THIS SAME COMPLAINT. COST OF REPAIR IS UNREASONABLE AT OVER $1000 DUE TO POOR DESIGN AND INFERIOR MATERIALS USED. BRAKE LININGS DELAMINATION WAS THE ROOT CAUSE. THE VEHICLE IS A 2003 VOLVO XC70.
NHTSA complaint #10375122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2003 VOLVO XC 70 WITH GEARTRONIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 75K MILES. TRANSMISSION FLARES WHEN SHIFTING GEARS AND MAKES CLUNKING NOISE WHEN DOWNSHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR AT STOPS. TRANSMISSION FLUID HAS BEEN CHANGED AND SOFTWARE REFLASHED, PROBLEM REMAINS.
NHTSA complaint #10363871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Paltz, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT
TOOK THE CAR IN TO REPLACE TIRES(FRONT TIRES PREMATURELY WORN DOWN) THE MECHANIC NOTICED BROKEN STRUT COIL SPRING AND SUGGESTED MANUFACTURER DEFECT SINCE NORMAL SHOULD NOT BROKE THE SPRING, ESPECIALLY A CAR DESIGNED FOR OFF ROAD USE. I HAD TO REPLACE THE SPRINGS.
NHTSA complaint #10357283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Paltz, NY
AIR BAGS
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 $1300 REPAIR. DEALER INDICATED THAT IF COMPUTER WAS NOT REPAIRED, AIRBAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT AND PRESENTS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. DEALER INDICATED AUTOMOBILE WOULD NOT BE SAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT COMPUTER REPLACEMENT. SINCE WHEN DO CENTRAL SRS COMPUTERS JUST STOP WORKING? I BELIEVE THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED BY VOLVO AND NOT THE CONSUMER AS IT POSES SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES TO THE CONSUMER AND IS A COMPONENT OF THE AUTOMOBILE THAT SHOULD NOT REQUIRE ANY SERVICE.
NHTSA complaint #10357281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesRaleigh, NC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VOLVO 2003 XC 70 TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEM, LOSS OF 1ST GEAR ALONG WITH HARD SHIFT BETWEEN 2-3RD.
NHTSA complaint #10349152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VOLVO XC70 2003 TRANSMISSION IS GOING BAD WITH 80,000 MILES ON IT. NEEDS A TOTAL REPLACEMENT. HESITATES DURING SHIFTING AND SOMETIMES DOESN'T GO INTO GEAR FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. POWER BOOSTER TO THE BRAKES ALSO HAS A SEAL ISSUE CAUSING POWER BOOSTER ELECTRONIC VACUUM TO CONSTANTLY RUN.
NHTSA complaint #10347876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
VOLVO XC70 2003 TRANSMISSION IS GOING BAD WITH 80,000 MILES ON IT. NEEDS A TOTAL REPLACEMENT. HESITATES DURING SHIFTING AND SOMETIMES DOESN'T GO INTO GEAR FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. POWER BOOSTER TO THE BRAKES ALSO HAS A SEAL ISSUE CAUSING POWER BOOSTER ELECTRONIC VACUUM TO CONSTANTLY RUN.
NHTSA complaint #10347876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,131 milesArnold, MD
SUSPENSION:FRONT
NOTICED RUBBING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURN. TOOK TO SERVICE STATION, THEY NOTICED BROKEN STRUT COIL SPRING AND SUGGESTED MANUFACTURER DEFECT. TOOK TO VOLVO DEALERSHIP AND THEY REMARKED A POTHOLE MUST HAVE BEEN HIT TO CREATE DAMAGE. HAD THIRD OPINION, NO WAY TO CREATE THE BREAK IN SPRING DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. HAVING BOTH COILS REPLACED TO BE SAFE.
NHTSA complaint #10326536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,718 milesAliso Viejo, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
OVERWHELMING SMELL OF GASOLINE, POOR STARTING, BROUGHT AUTOMOBILE TO VOLVO MECHANIC (SINCE 1976) DETERMINED FACTORY VOLVO FUEL PUMP WAS LEAKING THROUGH THE HOUSING, GASOLINE ALL OVER BACK SEATS, TOP OF GAS TANK, ENGINE.. SAME OCCURRED JULY, 2009 ON A 2002 XC70, BELONGING TO MY MOTHER, MINE IS A 2003. MECHANIC AND SELF CONTACTED VOLVO FOR DEFECT WARRANTY OR RECALLS AS SO DANGEROUS. NO COOPERATION FROM VOLVO. I KEPT THE DEFECTIVE PART AFTER REPLACING.
NHTSA complaint #10289746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.