VOLVO V70XC · model year

2003 VOLVO V70XC

21 NHTSA complaints for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2003VOLVOV70XC carries 21 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2003 V70XC is power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive) with 2 filings, followed by seat belts (2) and latches/locks/linkages (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 28 investigation files overlapping the 2003 V70XC. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

21
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

21 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)2
SEAT BELTS2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
AIR BAGS2
ENGINE2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL1
POWER TRAIN1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1

Recent Complaints

20210322VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ACTIVATING THE PARKING BRAKES. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT THEN DROVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER VOLVO CARS OF BETHESDA SERVICE CENTER (5415 BUTLER RD, BETHESDA, MD 20814, (301) 750-6100) WHO HAD AN EMPLOYEE TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED AND WAS RETURNED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 280,582.

Mileage: 280,582

20180212UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TAKATA RECALL NOTHING HAS HAPPENED AS OF YET, BUT A WARNING LIGHT IS ON TELLING ME THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THE AIRBAGS AND NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. BEFORE I TAKE IT IN & PAY FOR THE REPAIR I NEED TO KNOW IF THIS VEHICLE WAS PART OF THE RECALL. I COULDN'T SEE IT ONLINE BUT I AM CERTAINLY CONCERNED

Mileage: 161,000

20140821ENGINE

WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE REVS UP AND THE CAR ACCELERATES AT A HIGH RATE. LUCKILY, MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND I COULD STOP THE CAR. I HAD TO PRESS DOWN QUITE HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. A COUPLE OF SECONDS AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE RETURNS TO A NORMAL IDLE SPEED. THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES OVER, APPROXIMATELY, THE LAST SIX MONTHS. THE MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE WAS TODAY, AUGUST 21, 2014. I ESTIMATED THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS IN FEBRUARY OF 2014. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

20140821FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE REVS UP AND THE CAR ACCELERATES AT A HIGH RATE. LUCKILY, MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND I COULD STOP THE CAR. I HAD TO PRESS DOWN QUITE HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. A COUPLE OF SECONDS AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE RETURNS TO A NORMAL IDLE SPEED. THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES OVER, APPROXIMATELY, THE LAST SIX MONTHS. THE MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE WAS TODAY, AUGUST 21, 2014. I ESTIMATED THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS IN FEBRUARY OF 2014. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

20140821VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE REVS UP AND THE CAR ACCELERATES AT A HIGH RATE. LUCKILY, MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND I COULD STOP THE CAR. I HAD TO PRESS DOWN QUITE HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. A COUPLE OF SECONDS AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE RETURNS TO A NORMAL IDLE SPEED. THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES OVER, APPROXIMATELY, THE LAST SIX MONTHS. THE MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE WAS TODAY, AUGUST 21, 2014. I ESTIMATED THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS IN FEBRUARY OF 2014. *TR

Mileage: 130,000

20131211POWER TRAIN

THE CAR IS SHIFTING HARD AND NOW WONT SHIFT AT ALL MECHANICS SAY IT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. SO I EMAIL VOLVO FOR HELP IN REGARDS TO THIS ISSUES WITH NO HELPING RESPONSE FROM THEM OTHER THAN SORRY HERE IS A LIST OF DEALERS NEAR YOU THAT DO SERVICE. *TR

20131211ENGINE

THE CAR IS SHIFTING HARD AND NOW WONT SHIFT AT ALL MECHANICS SAY IT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. SO I EMAIL VOLVO FOR HELP IN REGARDS TO THIS ISSUES WITH NO HELPING RESPONSE FROM THEM OTHER THAN SORRY HERE IS A LIST OF DEALERS NEAR YOU THAT DO SERVICE. *TR

20120929AIR BAGS

DASHBOARD AND SPEEDOMETER WENT BLANK SRS WARNING LIGHT ON. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

20120929ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DASHBOARD AND SPEEDOMETER WENT BLANK SRS WARNING LIGHT ON. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

20120501ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

MY DRIVER INSTRUMENT MODULE BEGAN TO FAIL, ON AND OFF, NOW IT IS COMPLETELY OFF. I CALLED VOLVO BECAUSE OF THE HIGH COST OF REPAIR 1400.00, THEY OFFERED ME 200.00 VERY QUICKLY ALMOST TOO QUICK, SOUNDS TO ME AS IF THEY KNOW THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND ARE TRYING TO KEEP IT ON THE DOWN LOW. I PLAN TO MAKE ANOTHER CALL TO THEM AND REPORT THE PROBLEM TO EVERY AGENCY I CAN. I HAVE NO IDEA IF MY AIRBAGS ARE WORKING, BRAKES, COOLING SYSTEM, HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE, MILEAGE IS NOT CALCULATING PROPERLY NOTHING WORKS. *JS

Mileage: 140,000

20120206ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE VEHICLES LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. I REPLACED BOTH OF THE BULBS AND THEY STILL DO NOT WORK. THERE ARE MANY ADDITIONAL OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ACCORDING TO VOLVO FORUMS ON THE INTERNET. *TR THE VEHICLES INFORMATION SYSTEM CONTINUALLY READS THAT THERE IS AN AIRBAG PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH THE AIRBAGS HAVE NEVER BEEN ACTIVATED/DEPLOYED. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND DASH LIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

20120206EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE VEHICLES LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. I REPLACED BOTH OF THE BULBS AND THEY STILL DO NOT WORK. THERE ARE MANY ADDITIONAL OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ACCORDING TO VOLVO FORUMS ON THE INTERNET. *TR THE VEHICLES INFORMATION SYSTEM CONTINUALLY READS THAT THERE IS AN AIRBAG PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH THE AIRBAGS HAVE NEVER BEEN ACTIVATED/DEPLOYED. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND DASH LIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

20120206AIR BAGS

THE VEHICLES LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. I REPLACED BOTH OF THE BULBS AND THEY STILL DO NOT WORK. THERE ARE MANY ADDITIONAL OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ACCORDING TO VOLVO FORUMS ON THE INTERNET. *TR THE VEHICLES INFORMATION SYSTEM CONTINUALLY READS THAT THERE IS AN AIRBAG PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH THE AIRBAGS HAVE NEVER BEEN ACTIVATED/DEPLOYED. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND DASH LIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

20110812AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

COMPUTER WHICH CONTROLS THE AIR-BAG SYSTEM HAS FAILED AND IS $1200. TO REPLACE. THE CAR IS 8 YRS. OLD AND HAS 51000 MILES ON IT. THE MECHANIC SAYS THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM IN THE VOLVO CARS AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE FACTORY. THE CAR WILL NOT PASS THE STATE INSPECTION WITHOUT THIS REPAIR AND SO WE MUST FIX IT. *TR

Mileage: 51,100

20101228SEAT BELTS

2 SEPARATE SEAT BELT LATCHES/CATCHES ON DIFFERENT SEATS HAVE FAILED ON MY 2003 VOLVO XC70 SINCE MARCH OF 2009. IN BOTH INSTANCES, THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED AND REPAIRED UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR COLLISION ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURES. I FIND IT VERY STRANGE THAT 2 DIFFERENT SEAT BELT CATCH ASSEMBLIES WOULD FAIL ON THE SAME CAR. I WILL BE SUBMITTING SEPARATE COMPLAINTS FOR EACH INCIDENT, AS THEY HAPPENED ON DIFFERENT DATES TO DIFFERENT PARTS. MARCH 2009 - PASSENGER REAR OUTER SEAT BELT CATCH ASSEMBLY DID NOT WORK; SEAT BELT WOULD NOT CONNECT. ON MARCH 11, 2009 DEALER DEEMED THE SEAT BELT CATCH ASSEMBLY DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED WITH A NEW PART - PART #9191997. SEAT BELT HAS BEEN WORKING FINE SINCE REPAIR. THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL. I PAID FOR THE REPAIR OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL, IF THE PROPER REPAIRS WERE NOT MADE. *TR

Mileage: 69,838

20101228LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 SEPARATE SEAT BELT LATCHES/CATCHES ON DIFFERENT SEATS HAVE FAILED ON MY 2003 VOLVO XC70 SINCE MARCH OF 2009. IN BOTH INSTANCES, THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED AND REPAIRED UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR COLLISION ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURES. I FIND IT VERY STRANGE THAT 2 DIFFERENT SEAT BELT CATCH ASSEMBLIES WOULD FAIL ON THE SAME CAR. I WILL BE SUBMITTING SEPARATE COMPLAINTS FOR EACH INCIDENT, AS THEY HAPPENED ON DIFFERENT DATES TO DIFFERENT PARTS. MARCH 2009 - PASSENGER REAR OUTER SEAT BELT CATCH ASSEMBLY DID NOT WORK; SEAT BELT WOULD NOT CONNECT. ON MARCH 11, 2009 DEALER DEEMED THE SEAT BELT CATCH ASSEMBLY DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED WITH A NEW PART - PART #9191997. SEAT BELT HAS BEEN WORKING FINE SINCE REPAIR. THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL. I PAID FOR THE REPAIR OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL, IF THE PROPER REPAIRS WERE NOT MADE. *TR

Mileage: 69,838

20101228SEAT BELTS

2 SEPARATE SEAT BELT LATCHES/CATCHES ON DIFFERENT SEATS HAVE FAILED ON MY 2003 VOLVO XC70 SINCE MARCH OF 2009. IN BOTH INSTANCES, THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED AND REPAIRED UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR COLLISION ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURES. I FIND IT VERY STRANGE THAT 2 DIFFERENT SEAT BELT CATCH ASSEMBLIES WOULD FAIL ON THE SAME CAR. I WILL BE SUBMITTING SEPARATE COMPLAINTS FOR EACH INCIDENT, AS THEY HAPPENED ON DIFFERENT DATES TO DIFFERENT PARTS. DECEMBER 2010 - DRIVER SEAT BELT CATCH ASSEMBLY DID NOT WORK; SEAT BELT WOULD NOT CONNECT. ON DECEMBER 22, 2010 DEALER CONFIRMED CATCH ASSEMBLY NOT OPERATING CORRECTLY AND REPLACED WITH A NEW PART - PART #9191817. SEAT BELT HAS BEEN WORKING FINE SINCE REPAIR. THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL. I PAID FOR THE REPAIR OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL, IF THE PROPER REPAIRS WERE NOT MADE.

Mileage: 98,863

20101228LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 SEPARATE SEAT BELT LATCHES/CATCHES ON DIFFERENT SEATS HAVE FAILED ON MY 2003 VOLVO XC70 SINCE MARCH OF 2009. IN BOTH INSTANCES, THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED AND REPAIRED UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR COLLISION ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURES. I FIND IT VERY STRANGE THAT 2 DIFFERENT SEAT BELT CATCH ASSEMBLIES WOULD FAIL ON THE SAME CAR. I WILL BE SUBMITTING SEPARATE COMPLAINTS FOR EACH INCIDENT, AS THEY HAPPENED ON DIFFERENT DATES TO DIFFERENT PARTS. DECEMBER 2010 - DRIVER SEAT BELT CATCH ASSEMBLY DID NOT WORK; SEAT BELT WOULD NOT CONNECT. ON DECEMBER 22, 2010 DEALER CONFIRMED CATCH ASSEMBLY NOT OPERATING CORRECTLY AND REPLACED WITH A NEW PART - PART #9191817. SEAT BELT HAS BEEN WORKING FINE SINCE REPAIR. THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL. I PAID FOR THE REPAIR OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL, IF THE PROPER REPAIRS WERE NOT MADE.

Mileage: 98,863

20080416POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

LEAKING ANGLE GEAR ON 2003 VOLVO XC70. *TR

Mileage: 74,500

20060304POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

WHEN WE BROUGHT OUR 2003 VOLVO XC V70 WAGON INTO THE DEALER AT 62,000 MILES WE COMPLAINED ABOUT A LOUD WHIRRING NOISE AS WE DROVE IT. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO REPEAT IT AND NOT TO WORRY. WHEN WE BROUGHT IT BACK AT 69,000 FOR AN OIL CHANGE WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS A LOUD WHIRRING NOISE THAT MEANT WE NEEDED A WHEEL BEARING REPLACED. SO WE MADE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THAT CHANGED. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, AT THAT VISIT WE WERE TOLD TO HAVE EACH WHEEL BEARING REPLACED AND WE WERE TOLD THE ANGLE GEAR WAS STRIPPED AND ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD TO HAVE THE WHEEL BEARING REPLACED ON MY OLD MAZDA 323 WHEN IT HAD ABOUT 70,000 MILES ON IT SO I KNOW IT IS A BIG DEAL. HOW CAN IT BE THAT WE NEEDED ALL 4 WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME? HOW DID THEY MISS IT AT THE EARLIER CHECKUP? WERE THE WHEEL BEARINGS THE REASON WE NEEDED THE ANGLE GEAR REPLACED AS WELL? IS THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VOLVOS XC WAGONS? THIS WAS VERY EXPENSIVE, SHOULD WE HAVE TO

Mileage: 70,019

Compare 2003VOLVOV70XC to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2003 VOLVO V70XC have?
The 2003 VOLVO V70XC has 21 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 VOLVO V70XC?
The most-complained component for the 2003 VOLVO V70XC is POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE) with 2 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SEAT BELTS and LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES.
Is the 2003 VOLVO V70XC safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.