2003 Volvo XC90 problems
Owners have filed 149 complaints about the 2003 Volvo XC90 with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 32.9% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 12.1%.
Complaints149
Crashes3
Fires3
Injuries10
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 32.9% · 49
Electrical system 12.1% · 18
Suspension 6.7% · 10
Engine and engine cooling 6.0% · 9
Structure 4.0% · 6
Fuel system, gasoline 4.0% · 6
Equipment 3.4% · 5
Fuel/propulsion system 2.7% · 4
Severity
Of those complaints, 3 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 10 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 5 model years of the Volvo XC90 in this data, 2003 draws comparatively few complaints; 2004 is the outlier year.
Filing volume has held steady, 13 in the last three years against 13 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 78,172 miles.
In owners' own words
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 problem. This is volvox fault and it needs replaced on their dime. Power train
Volvo XC90 65,000 miles - regularly factory maintenance at Volvo dealership - transmission failure. Almost had an accident accelerating when transmission slipped between 3 and 4th gear and car slipped into neutral. Volvo agrees to pay for parts, but not for labor which is expensive on this luxury vehicle. Many others (edmunds.Com) have this same issue and it is a safety hazard. Power train · reported at 65,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Volvo XC90. While driving at 38 mph, the transmission began slipping gears. The contact was able to reach her destination without incident. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised replacing the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 102,000 and the current mileage was 102,914. Power train · reported at 102,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…