2003 Volvo V70

Routine

Owners filed 32 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It has been recalled 5 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel System, Gasoline6
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission3
000
Electrical System3
000
Air Bags3
000
Power Train2
000
Vehicle Speed Control › Linkages1
100
Tires › Tread/Belt1
000
Tires › Sidewall1
000
Structure › Body1
000
Seat Belts › Integrated Child Seat1
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module21V800000
Filed Oct 14, 2021194,546 vehiclesVolvo Car Usa, Llc

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(global Positioning System)10V566000
Filed Nov 8, 2010416 vehiclesVolvo Cars Of N.a. Llc.

Defect. 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.

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 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump09V483000
Filed Dec 18, 2009158,733 vehiclesVolvo Cars Of N.a. Llc.

Defect. 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.

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 RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Engine and Engine Cooling07V226000
Filed Jun 5, 200732,189 vehiclesVolvo Cars Of N.a. Llc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR LOCATED ON THE LEFT END OF THE FUEL RAIL MAY, AT TIMES, TRANSMIT INCORRECT SIGNAL REGARDING THE FUEL PRESSURE TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. IF THE SIGNAL IS OUTSIDE OF THE PRE-PROGRAMMED ALLOWABLE LIMITS, A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE MAY BE SET AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON. THE SOLDERED JOINTS ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD OF THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR MAY CRACK DUE TO TEMPERATURE CHANGES AND EXCESSIVE VIBRATIONS.

Risk. MISFIRE MAY OCCUR DURING DRIVING THAT, IN TURN, WILL REDUCE THE ENGINE TORQUE AND IN THE WORST CASE SCENARIO, THE ENGINE MAY STALL WITHOUT WARNING. IN CERTAIN TRAFFIC SITUATIONS THIS COULD CAUSE AN UNSAFE SITUATION AND POSSIBLY A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Equipment › Other › Labels03V284000
Filed Aug 1, 2003220,407 vehiclesVolvo Cars Of N.a. Llc.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed May 24, 2023MT

I live 5 hours from the closest Volvo dealership so I called to see if they could send me the the air bag that has been recalled. The airbag is very easy to be replaced in less then 10 minutes. Because of this it is absolutely absurd for me to travel for ten hours to get something done that I can do myself in 10 minutes. They said I can buy the airbag and they could send it. But this being a recall is'nt it their responsibility to fix it in any way possible. I just feel like this is wrong that they are doing this and am addressing it in this compliant.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 7, 2022MI

This is subject to a recall R10136 NHTSA Recall 21v-800 We have set appointments twice to have this done only to be told that the parts are not available and we would be contacted when they are. The local dealer is Maple Hill in Kalamazoo. I started a chat with Volvo and the suggestion was to try another dealer. If the part is not available I fail to see how that will help.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 3, 2022OH

The contact owns a 2003 Volvo V70. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V800000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Engine
Filed Jan 20, 2017134,066 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS BELOW 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V483000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,066.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 29, 20165 milesFL

THE DRIVER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR LATCH HAS DISCONNECTED FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS. AS A DRIVER, I AM LITERALLY STUCK IN THE CAR, AND I HAVE TO EXIT THHROUGH PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS REPAIR(S) DOES NOT WORK, AND THE DOOR LATCHES ARE FAULTY IN THESE CARS. AS A PERSON THAT IS DRIVING IN FLORIDA, WITH THREE KIDDOS, I CAN'T BE STUCK IN MY CAR IF FOR SOME REASON THE CAR GOES INTO THE WATER. THE SPRING IN THE HANDLE OF THE CAR DOES NOT WORK, AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE DOOR HANDLE. YES, THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION, AS I CAN'T EXIT MY CAR, ESPECIALLY IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 23, 201688,000 milesCA

SMELL FUEL OUTSIDE RIGHT REAR OF CAR.

Power Train
Filed Jul 8, 2014119,000 milesWA

WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND THE TRANSAXLE DOWNSHIFTS FROM 3RD TO 2ND GEAR, IT WILL LURCH AND A LOUD 'CLUNK' SHAKES THE VEHICLE. THIS ALSO OCCURS WHEN ACCELERATING, SHIFTING FROM 1ST GEAR TO 2ND GEAR; THE TRANSAXLE WILL HESITATE, ENGINE WILL REV AND MAKES A LOUD 'CLUNK' THAT SHAKES THE VEHICLE WHEN THE GEAR CHANGE FINALLY OCCURS. ALSO, IF I NEED TO STEP ON THE BRAKES SUDDENLY AND THEN RE-ACCELERATE, IT REALLY MAKES A LOUD 'CLUNK' AS THE ENGINE WILL REV AND GO NOWHERE, EVENTUALLY SLAMMING ITSELF INTO 2ND GEAR AND FRIGHTENING THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LOUD NOISES AND LURCHING. *JS

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 17, 2014FL

THE TURN SIGNAL IS SOMEHOW NOT CONNECTED PROPERLY TO THE VEHICLE. EVERY TIME THE DRIVER USES THE TURN SIGNAL, THE BRIGHTS TO THE CAR GO ON. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AT NIGHT ESPECIALLY, AS THE DRIVER FLASHES BRIGHTS TO OTHER DRIVERS AS THE TURN SIGNAL GOES ON WITH THE BRIGHTS TO THE CAR. TRIED TO FIX THE ISSUE ONCE, AND THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN ABOUT TWO YEARS LATER. WILL FIX THE PART AGAIN. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 22, 2012161,000 milesWI

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN FLASHED BACK ON. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THEN THE DISPLAY INDICATED THE SEAT BELTS WEREN'T WORKING. *TR

Power Train
Filed Nov 14, 201263,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, HE HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 24, 2012117,000 milesRI

THE DIM/DRIVER INFORMATION MANUAL/DASHBOARD DISPLAY BROKE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE LOSS OF WARNING LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL DISPLAYS. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 3, 200999,000 milesCA

1. STRONG FUEL ODOR AROUND VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT IN GARAGE. 2. LEAKING FUEL PUMP ON TOP OF FUEL TANK. 3. FUEL PUMP REPLACED BY VOLVO DEALER. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 23, 200962,775 milesCA

NOTICED A STRONG FUEL SMELL FROM MY 2003 VOLVO V70. MY MECHANIC FOUND THE ISSUE BEING A LEAKING FUEL PUMP. VOLVO HAS ISSUED RECALL NOTICES ON 2001 TO 2002 VOLVO V70, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE 2003 MODELS. THE ISSUES APPEAR TO BE EXACTLY THE SAME EVEN THOUGH VOLVO DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THIS ISSUE WITH THE 2003 MODEL. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Nov 10, 200991,000 milesNH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLVO V70 .THE LIGHTING AND THE GAUGES OF THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL HAVE FAILED. AS A CONSEQUENCE SHE CAN NOT READ ANY OF THE DISPLAY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000 . THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 30, 2009127,000 milesNC

MY 2003 VOLVO V70 WITH ~127,000 MILES STARTED LEAKING FUEL FROM THE FUEL PUMP HOUSING. THE PLASTIC HOUSING FAILED ON ITS OWN. STRONG GASOLINE FUMES ENTERED THE CAR EVEN THOUGH THE ACCESS PANEL AND SEAL WERE INTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND NEVER HAD ANY SERVICE REPAIR WORK ON OR NEAR THE FUEL TANK. I'VE HAD SEVERAL CARS OVER THIS MILEAGE WITH NEVER A FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY FAILURE OF ANY TYPE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A PREMATURE FAILURE THAT IS EITHER A DESIGN, QUALITY OR ASSEMBLY PROBLEM.*TR

Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed May 22, 200962,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY SUCKS UP RAW GAS, WHICH CAUSES A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL. THE CONTACT USED A RAG TO SOAK UP THE GAS AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FUEL RETURNS TO THE PUMP ASSEMBLY. HE FEELS THAT THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE COULD CATCH FIRE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 18, 200895,500 milesCT

GASOLINE OVERFLOWS FROM THE FILL NECK SPILLING DOWN THE CAR AND ONTO THE GROUND. THIS IS A FIRE RISK AND AN ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH VARIOUS PUMPS AT VARIOUS GAS STATIONS. THIS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME WITH ANY OTHER CAR IN 30 YEARS. I HAVE FOUND OTHERS REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE WEB. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 9, 200862,000 milesWA

CAR WOULD NOT START. MY MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED. I HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP AT MY OWN EXPENSE - A LENGTHY REPAIR THAT COST MORE THAN $1000. ALTHOUGH VOLVO RECALL 181 DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE, I WONDER WHETHER THE FUEL PUMP ISSUE IN VOLVO RECALL 181 SHOULD APPLY TO MORE VEHICLES SUCH AS MY OWN. THIS MAY BE WORTH MORE INVESTIGATION. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 6, 20086,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLVO V70. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR DRIVING ON AN INCLINE, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED WHEN SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE POWERTRAIN AND SPEED WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 27, 2006109,000 milesNJ

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ON VARIOUS ROAD CONDITIONS, THERE WAS A LOSS OF ALL VEHICLE POWER FOLLOWED BY THE ENGINE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE WAS EASILY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, #06V441000, REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

20 of 32 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2001
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20160100Routine
20150100Routine
20140100Routine
20130100Routine
20120100Routine
20110100Routine
20104300Routine
20094300Routine
200811410Routine
20077210Routine
200621410Routine
200521410Routine
200483660Routine
2003 — this page32500Routine
200276630Routine
2001221920Above average
200093620Routine
1999169410Routine
1998187571Fatalities reported
19973010Routine
19961000Routine

Compare every V70 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 14, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.