NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2003 Volvo Xc90 AWD; the most frequently affected component is equipment — navigational system(global positioning system). Owners filed 96 complaints, most often about power train. Among the 16 model years of this model in the database, 2003 ranks #8 for number of recalls.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Steering — Tie rod assemblyCampaign 06V155000 · 05 May 2006
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Seat belts — Rear/otherCampaign 03V391000 · 10 Oct 2003
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.
Remedy: 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.
What owners complain about
Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Power train18 · 45%
Electrical system12 · 30%
Fuel system5 · 12%
Gasoline5 · 12%
Fuel/propulsion system4 · 10%
Structure3 · 8%
Suspension3 · 8%
Air bags3 · 8%
When complaints were filed
20093
201014
20117
20122
20134
20142
20156
20211
20221
From owner complaints
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volvo xc90. The contact was driving approximately 55-65 mph when the transmission began to jerk with excessive hesitation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the transmission was replaced for the third time. The manufacturer was notified of the transmission failures but…
Driving the xc90 and suddenly there is a huge thump and clicking from the dashboard. All the dials around the spedometer stop working.. If we keep driving there are more thumps and we quickly lose engine power - it is extremely scary when it happens.. All the lights come on (inside the car), dashboard goes dead etc…
I had the transmission service engine light come on. I took it to the mechanic and he said the coolant has leaked into to the transmission causing the transmission to give out. They said it needs replaced at a cost of 6000. This would be the 3 rd transmission in this car alone. Their are multiple people with the same…
I was not aware of the design defect in sun roof & the water damages that result in electrical issues. I had always parked my vehicle in covered parking until moving this year in january. I had taken my car in to have a tune up in nov 2012 at which time i was given an estimate of repairs needed in my car. My car…
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.