Recalls
5campaigns
1 air bag · 1 electrical · 1 fuel pump
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
32filed
Owner reports, 1999–2008 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
22mpg combined
$2,969/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2.4 L 5-cyl· 5-speed automatic
6 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (5)
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2003 Volvo V70. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2003 Volvo V70. Not checked against your VIN.
Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode
Air bags · frontal
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2007 V70 and XC70 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
- 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 December 14, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10136.
26.3% repairedof 194,546 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V800000
Listed for 2003 Volvo V70. Not checked against your VIN.
760 PORTABLE AUTOMOTIVE GPS UNITS/GARMIN
Equipment · electrical · navigational system(global positioning system)
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported416 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 10V566000
Listed for 2003 Volvo V70. Not checked against your VIN.
FUEL PUMP LEAK
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported158,733 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V483000
Listed for 2003 Volvo V70. Not checked against your VIN.
FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR
Engine and engine cooling
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported32,189 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 07V226000
Listed for 2003 Volvo V70. Not checked against your VIN.
VOLVO/ISOFIX GUIDE
Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported220,407 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V284000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (32)
32 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The fuel system is mentioned most often.
1involved a crash
0involved a fire
1injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 32 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 7 | 21.9% |
| Electrical system | 5 | 15.6% |
| Power train | 5 | 15.6% |
| Air bags | 3 | 9.4% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 9.4% |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 9.4% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 6.3% |
| Tires | 2 | 6.3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 6.3% |
| Engine | 1 | 3.1% |
How 2003 compares with other V70 years
Best and worst V70 years →1999169
200093
2001221
200276
200332
200483
200521
200621
20077
200811
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 169 | 4 |
| 2000 | 93 | 5 |
| 2001 | 221 | 8 |
| 2002 | 76 | 6 |
| 2003 | 32 | 5 |
| 2004 | 83 | 5 |
| 2005 | 21 | 3 |
| 2006 | 21 | 3 |
| 2007 | 7 | 2 |
| 2008 | 11 | 4 |
This year (2003)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 22 mpg combined
22
mpg combined
19
city
28
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,750
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 404 g/mi
- EPA class
- Midsize Station Wagons
What it costs you to run
$2,969per year
$247per month
682gallons a year
Miles ÷ 22 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 5-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | $3,750 | 404 |
| 2.4 L 5-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | $3,750 | 404 |
| 2.3 L 5-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 2.3 L 5-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 2.4 L 5-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 2.5 L 5-cyl · 5-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | $4,350 | 468 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2003 V70 for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2003 Volvo V70 FAQ
How many recalls does the 2003 Volvo V70 have?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns: 21V800000 (air bag), 10V566000 (electrical), 09V483000 (fuel pump), 07V226000 (engine), 03V284000 (equipment). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2003 Volvo V70 problems?
Owners filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. Fuel system (7), Electrical system (5), Power train (5) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2003 Volvo V70 get?
EPA rates the 2.4 L 5-cyl · 5-speed automatic version at 19 city, 28 highway and 22 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2003 V70 compare with other years?
Among the 1999–2008 Volvo V70 model years at least five years old, the 2007 drew the fewest complaints (7) and the 2001 the most (221). The 2003 drew 32. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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