2003 Volvo XC70: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Volvo XC70: 4 recalls, 24 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Vehicle recall #03V284000 · 2003 · 220,407 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
The 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…
Fuel system Vehicle recall #09V483000 · 2009 · 158,733 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Equipment Vehicle recall #10V566000 · 2010 · 416 vehicles
What's wrong:
Why it matters: An overheated battery could lead to a fire.
The 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…
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #21V800000 · 2021 · 194,546 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 14, 2021.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #07E023000 · 2007 · 13,128 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain cardone master cylinders with part numbers 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987mza, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, and 11-3156, and with date codes lower than dca7078 sold as replacement equipment for use on the vehicles listed above. The seal on master cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid.
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Cardone will notify owners and offer to repurchase any defective master cylinders. The recall began during April 2007. Owners can contact cardone at 1-800-777-4780.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (5): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (4).
- Fuel system (4): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2), leaks (2).
- Airbags (4): the most common themes are warning light on (4), fails to deploy (3).
- Electrical (4): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
The 2003 Volvo XC70 has 24 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 16 XC70 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 26). Complaints peaked in 2010 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 115,552 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (35 complaints, 4 recalls), 2004 (101 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Volvo XC70.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Volvo XC70 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Volvo XC70, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Volvo XC70 problems?
Owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (5), fuel system (4), airbags (4).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Volvo XC70 get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (S5)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Volvo XC70 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.