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2003 Volvo S60

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most S60 years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Volvo S60 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 20.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

101 reports with mileage · 19 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports1 fire reports0 injury reports

Structure complaints

7 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2013
Electrical SystemStructure

THE DASHBOARD HAS A FAULT IN IT, POSSIBLY A SHORT OR SOME OTHER ELECTRICAL FAULT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT. BUT, ONLY RECENTLY HAS BECOME RATHER ACUTE. LIGHTS AND GAUGES GO ON AND OFF. PROBLEM HAS ADVERSELY AFFECTED THE SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM TO THE POINT THAT IT IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONS AND REQUIRES RESETTING; APPARENTLY. …

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THE DASHBOARD HAS A FAULT IN IT, POSSIBLY A SHORT OR SOME OTHER ELECTRICAL FAULT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT. BUT, ONLY RECENTLY HAS BECOME RATHER ACUTE. LIGHTS AND GAUGES GO ON AND OFF. PROBLEM HAS ADVERSELY AFFECTED THE SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM TO THE POINT THAT IT IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONS AND REQUIRES RESETTING; APPARENTLY. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE SINCE DOING MY RESEARCH, THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS INCIDENTS BEING REPORTED ON THE INTERNET. CONSIDERING THE LARGE NUMBER OF ISSUES/COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN ABOUT THIS ISSUE, THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR IS APPARENTLY NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. REPAIR FOR SUCH APPEARS TO BE IN THE $1,500.00 TO $2,000.00 RANGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10521829

70,000 miles · Jul 10, 2011
Electrical SystemStructure

2003 VOLVO S60 AW DASHBOARD FAILURE. I UNDERSTAND FROM TALKING WITH AUTO MECHANICS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND IS ALSO RECOGNIZED BY AUTO ELECTRICAL REPAIR SITES. THIS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WITH THIS LOSS OF EQUIPMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10411663

49,000 miles · Nov 9, 2010
Structure

2003 VOLVO S60 PASSENGER FRONT DOOR HANDLE DOES NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE. OPENS FROM OUTSIDE FINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10365189

51,000 miles · Oct 26, 2010
Structure

THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLES ON MY VEHICLE BROKE. I WAS ABLE TO GET A NEW HANDLE ASSEMBLY FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE, BUT THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE A NEW HANDLE ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. I'VE WAITED TWO MONTHS, BUT APPARENTLY THE NEW PART IS NOT AVAILABL…

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THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLES ON MY VEHICLE BROKE. I WAS ABLE TO GET A NEW HANDLE ASSEMBLY FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE, BUT THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE A NEW HANDLE ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. I'VE WAITED TWO MONTHS, BUT APPARENTLY THE NEW PART IS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10362488

79,695 miles · Aug 25, 2010
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE AND WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL DOWN. WINDOW LOCKED IN PLACE AND THE MOTOR STRUGGLES IN ITS ATTEMPT TO ROLL IT DOWN. ALONG WITH THIS A WEEK LATER MY SUN ROOF DECIDED NOT TO OPEN, IN AN ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE SUN ROOF- ALL YOU HEAR IS A LOUD CLICKING SOUND. EVEN THEN IT BARELY CRACKS…

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FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR, WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE AND WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL DOWN. WINDOW LOCKED IN PLACE AND THE MOTOR STRUGGLES IN ITS ATTEMPT TO ROLL IT DOWN. ALONG WITH THIS A WEEK LATER MY SUN ROOF DECIDED NOT TO OPEN, IN AN ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE SUN ROOF- ALL YOU HEAR IS A LOUD CLICKING SOUND. EVEN THEN IT BARELY CRACKS OPEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10351734

59,000 miles · Jul 27, 2010
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO GARDEN STATE VOLVO IN WALL, NJ IN MARCH FOR THIS TO BE FIXED. THE MECHANIC "FIXED" THE INSIDE CABLE WITH DUCT TAPE AND CHARGED US $175 FOR THE REPAIR. WITHIN A WEEK THE DOOR WAS BROKEN AGAIN. I CALLED GARDEN STATE VOLVO AND ASKED FOR THE PART…

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THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO GARDEN STATE VOLVO IN WALL, NJ IN MARCH FOR THIS TO BE FIXED. THE MECHANIC "FIXED" THE INSIDE CABLE WITH DUCT TAPE AND CHARGED US $175 FOR THE REPAIR. WITHIN A WEEK THE DOOR WAS BROKEN AGAIN. I CALLED GARDEN STATE VOLVO AND ASKED FOR THE PART TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM TO BE ORDERED. I HAVE CALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE PART IS BACK-ORDERED AND IS COMING FROM SWEDEN. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT THE DRIVER CAN NOT GET OUT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10345762

10 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentSeat Belts

THE GRIEF FROM THIS CAR LITERALLY BEGAN ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE SHOW ROOM, AS THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. THEY REQUIRED FOUR VISITS TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE ISSUE OF THE TIRES BEING UNSAFE BECAME APPARENT WHEN THE CAR WAS TWO WEEKS OLD, WITH UNDER 1000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER FRONT & REAR BU…

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THE GRIEF FROM THIS CAR LITERALLY BEGAN ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE SHOW ROOM, AS THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. THEY REQUIRED FOUR VISITS TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE ISSUE OF THE TIRES BEING UNSAFE BECAME APPARENT WHEN THE CAR WAS TWO WEEKS OLD, WITH UNDER 1000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER FRONT & REAR BUMPERS SEPARATE FROM VEHICLE , WITH LITTLE OR NO PROVOCATION. TIRES SELF DESTRUCT AT SPEEDS OF 2-4 MPH (WHILE PARKING), IF A CURB IS TOUCHED. I'M INFORMED THAT TIRES HAVE WEAK SIDEWALLS & TO REPLACE TIRES (AT MY EXPENSE). AIR CONDITIONING REQUIRED THREE VISITS TO REPAIR SHOP & IS STILL NOT GETTING THE CAR AS COLD AS IT SHOULD IN HOT WEATHER. I SHOULD ADD THAT I'M ALSO INFORMED THAT REPLACEMENT TIRES WILL DIMINISH THE HANDLING OF THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI #10070421

Official recalls

6

21V766000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Sep 30, 2021

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2006 S80 and 2001-2009 S60 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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 November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10125.

20V681000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Nov 4, 2020

Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2003 S80 and S60 vehicles sold or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The driver side frontal air bag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments into the passage compartment, when the driver side air bag is deployed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Metal fragments can strike vehicle occupants increasing the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy: Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag module, free of charge. The recall began April 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10058.

10V566000 · Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System)

Nov 8, 2010

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

09V483000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Dec 18, 2009

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

07V226000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Jun 5, 2007

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

03V284000 · Equipment:other:labels

Aug 1, 2003

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.