2003 Volvo XC70 Volvo XC70 2003

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2003 Volvo XC70 repairs by problem area

Engine (23%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (10%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (36%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (21%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (2%)

Other (4%)

Chart based on 163 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Volvo XC70.

2003 Volvo XC70 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (4%)

$1000 - $2499 (16%)

$500 - $999 (21%)

$100 - $499 (43%)

< $100 (16%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 132 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Volvo XC70 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Volvo XC70 in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2012 - Sep 2013
Nov 2012

131620 mi

C $150
Rear wiper arm replacement, plastic fatigue at wiper holder 
May 2013

137020 mi

C $1100
Condensor replaced 
Aug 2013

140120 mi
Replaced low beam bulb 
Volvo XC70 in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2013 - Feb 2014
Aug 2013

114300 mi

US $1800
The emergency brake shoe fell off and it grinded many other parts on the rear axle. 
Feb 2014

130000 mi

US $1000
I hit a pothole, damaged the right front wheel bearing. Took in to my dealer, Volvo of Princeton. They told me that i need to replace both front wheel bearing and it'll cost 980$ before tax!!! 
Volvo XC70 in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2011 - Jan 2016
Oct 2011

101680 mi

C $600
front bearing dead, had to have wheel hub assembly replaced 
Aug 2012

115100 mi

C $536
front and rear wheel bearing replaced 
Dec 2012

117180 mi

C $650
ball joint detected as broken during an alignment rear wiper motor died, needed to be replaced. 
Oct 2013

123660 mi

C $190
front washer pump failed. 
Jan 2014

128340 mi

C $850
front console computer and airbag system failed, computer needed to be rebuilt. 
Feb 2014

129040 mi

C $350
exhaust pipe with cat converters cracked off manifold (right before etest!) pipe retails for ~$1200, so pipe was cut and welded back to proper shape/length. 
Sep 2015

150040 mi

C $1200
alternator/voltage regulator died, killed 2 of the computers as well and fried some of the wiring harness 
Oct 2015

150340 mi

C $650
Exhaust rotted out and required replacement 
Volvo XC70 in Ohio, United States
Feb 2011 - Jan 2018
Sep 2011

110000 mi

US $167
Wheel bearing on drivers side replaced with genuine Volvo part. Wheel bearing had been replaced 6 months earlier with aftermarket brand, but did not hold up Front transfer case has been leaking slowly and collecting dirt and grime; looks like a scab on case. Dealer indicated it was not repairable and that I should just drive it that way... CV Boot tore. Only repair is to order an entirely new axle.  Transmission started slipping between gear shifts. Changed transmission fluid with genuine Volvo. Third fluid change in 20K miles. Fluid alone costs $117. Seems to do the trick though. Hopefully last time I need to change it. 
Mar 2013

148000 mi

US $150
Original wheel bearing failed. But at 148K I cannot complain. Was pretty easy & straightforward to fix myself. 
Jan 2014

184200 mi

US $1929
Front Differential Failure causing loss of AWD. Diagnosis: angle gear stripped. Initially thought it was only the angle gear sleeve. New Differential $1800. Used Differential $1200. 
Jul 2014

165800 mi

US $120
Fuel line cover underneath car fell off 
Feb 2015

177400 mi

US $600
Front Driver's Side Spring Broke. This is somewhat common and due to an unacknowledged design defect. 
Sep 2015

193000 mi

US $75
Replaced outer left tie rod. This car seems to eat tie rods for breakfast. Seems like every year one side or the other goes bad. 
Feb 2016

189900 mi

US $45
Top Motor Mount Failed Control Arm Bushings Failed 
Sep 2016

196000 mi

US $1600
Intake failure... seems to be common problem at ~200k miles. Can be cleaned, but only works a year, so replaced unit with new. Heavy oil leak along rear and passenger side of engine. Mechanic replaced a variety of seals, including valve cover gasket 
Jan 2017

190500 mi

US $500
Rear Drive Shaft (Propeller Shaft) failure, causing loud knocks intermittently. Local shop quote was $1300 for OE shaft (must replace entire unit) and $300 for install. Colorado Drive Shaft sells rebuilt Volvo w/OE components for $485 
Apr 2017

198000 mi

US $3100
Steering Rack Failure. The replacement part has long since been discontinued by Volvo. Repair required extensive retrofitting of new steering rack design. VERY Expensive repair totalling more than $3100. 
Oct 2017

212000 mi

US $600
Car needed a new driveshaft. Ordered from a shop called "Colorado Driveshaft". They had the best price. They rebuild the OEM shafts, so no Chinese junk here. 
Volvo XC70 in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2011 - Dec 2017
Mar 2011

113460 mi

C $50
Steering hose leaking. Clean up & flush steering fluid and refit hoses. 
Sep 2011

117180 mi

C $200
Grinding noise in front hub bearing. Old issue started 120kkm. Since it was getting worse replaced it with new parts and problem solved. 
Nov 2011

118420 mi

C $30
Two hand size rust under the chassis around Jack Point. Cause: paint damaged previous by shop hoist, then due to water and winter salt these area start to rust. 
Oct 2012

127400 mi

C $500
Moderate wheel bearing noise from right side. Both right front and rear were replaced due to both of them have 200kkms. 
Mar 2013

130200 mi

C $478
Car can't drive with very bad engine shaking when idle. Error code related to faulty Throttle Body. New Throttle Body fixed the issue. 
Nov 2014

141980 mi

C $5
Exhaust hanger rust and broken. Exhaust leak between catalytic converter and resonator. Wiper motor seized. Overhaul, clean rust, lubricate, repack grease and seal the unit. 
Dec 2015

150040 mi

C $50
Anti Sway Bar link worn. Replaced to fix noise. 
Oct 2016

152300 mi

C $100
ignition coil bad 
Volvo XC70 in Connecticut, United States
Apr 2013 - Apr 2014
Aug 2013

301000 mi

US $2000
Transmission worn out.Used transmission with 89,000 miles installed. 
Feb 2014

306000 mi

US $160
Light control module faulty causing loss of high beam,fuel door lock,dimmer switch,front fog lights and rear fog light.It also cause some dashboard lighting to be dim or non-existant.Replaced module with a used unit.Everything is back to wk. 
Apr 2014

306000 mi

US $160
2 motor mounts need replacing and the PCV system is clogged.Exhaust hanger is broken because of motor mounts.Decided to get rid of this car and aquire one with less issues and milage. 
Volvo XC70 in Ohio, United States
Feb 2015 - Jun 2017
Jul 2015

208800 mi

US $300
Replacement of PCV and oil catch system to correct positive crank case ventilation. 
Jul 2016

221500 mi

US $60
The control valve that triggers the supplemental vac generator needed repaired due to a hard pedal and slow recover of hard braking. 
Volvo XC70 in North Carolina, United States
Mar 2017 - Mar 2018
Apr 2017

136000 mi

US $120
Muffler and Exhaust Pipe was hanging loose, disconnected. Rewelded was done to connect hanging Muffler and Exhaust System. 
Sep 2017

139000 mi

US $338
Starting problems. Electrical systems and Fuel Pump systems, Starting systems Diagnosis. Replaced battery. 
Oct 2017

139500 mi

US $220
Replaced the Brake Booster Vacuum Switch. Instrument Cluster/Dim (driver information system) Repaired. I had to ship it to Circuit Board Medics in Greenville, SC. 
Volvo XC70 in Alberta, Canada
May 2015 - Dec 2016
Sep 2015

93000 mi

C $2500
needed new transmission chip 
Jul 2016

98880 mi

C $3000
Complete fail of rear spring; ball joint and tie rod. Decided to replace both sides as other spring was cracked. 
Volvo XC70 in New York, United States
Jun 2014 - Apr 2018
Jan 2016

146000 mi

US $750
New struts, mounts, sway bar links due to noise. 
Mar 2016

151000 mi

US $200
New parking brake cables, shoes, actuators, hardware, rotors and pads. 
Jun 2017

166000 mi
A/C clutch had excessive clearance, adjusted clutch 
Oct 2017

166000 mi

US $2100
Lost reverse. 
Jan 2018

173000 mi

US $100
Tie rod end and wheel alignment 
Volvo XC70 in New York, United States
Mar 2015 - Apr 2016
May 2015

121900 mi

US $554
Replaced power seat computer. Driver's power seat got stuck all the way forward. Mechanic had to remove seat replace computer, and put seat back in car. Update with Volvo software needed as it was replaced with used part 
Apr 2016

140000 mi

US $600
Alarm siren battery failed. Remove and replace alarm siren 
Volvo XC70 in British Columbia, Canada
Oct 2010 - Sep 2014
Dec 2010

76880 mi

C $356
replaced both inner tie-rod ends, previously replaced under warranty at 34,400km. 
May 2011

80260 mi

C $110
replaced front sway bar link. Was already replaced under warranty a few years ago 
Jun 2011

81220 mi

C $20
this vehicle consumes headlamps on a regular basis, and electrical system shows no faults. 
Jan 2012

85560 mi

C $146
yet again another left low beam headlamp blown. radiator started leaking (small leak in core). Mechanic was able to stop the leak with some additive for now. Will need to be replaced soon. rear exhaust hanger was cracked, high cost of 88.00 for a stainless steel hanger, plus labour (30.00) to install. SRS system warning light came on. System was checked and showed dash module faulty. Taken to a volvo dealer to confirm fault. Told that it is a short somewhere in the dash. Dash would need to be replaced with a cost of approx. $1500.00 random noise coming from the engine compartment. Dealer detected brake vacuum pump continues to run after engine is turned off and vehicle is parked. Checked for vacuum leaks, none found. Told to continue to drive it, to repair is $13-1400. 
Sep 2012

89280 mi

C $94
Left front sway bar link replaced. 
Dec 2012

90520 mi
Attempted to repair electrical vaults in dashboard console. Repair shop removed cluster and tried to solder any loose connections. Clock spins out of control,info display is scrambled, sunroof opened on highway by itself, and won't close. 
Jan 2013

79480 mi

C $145
Sun roof opened unexpectedly on a rainy day while driving on the highway. Would not close via any method. Dealer removed sunroof module and dried it out,reinstalled and now working. 
Mar 2014

94860 mi

C $265
Replaced top engine mount at 153,000km. This is the second replacement, as the first replacement (around 40k) was covered under warranty. Common problem. Replaced four tail lights. This vehicle consumes lots of bulbs. Everything checks out ok. 
Aug 2014

96800 mi

C $798
DIM for vehicle failed. Replaced with Xemodex unit,and had local dealer in North Vancouver reset srs warning. Was charged for more software ($100 extra) even though new DIM was already reset for my vehicle. Paid double. Told common practice. 
Volvo XC70 in New Hampshire, United States
Jul 2010 - Dec 2013
Sep 2010

98340 mi

US $108
Sway bar links worn. Replaced sway bar links 
Dec 2010

106000 mi

US $500
Left rear wheel bearing replaced. 
Jun 2011

112000 mi

US $33
Failed annual inspection because inner tie rod worn out. Replaced and re-aligned. 
Mar 2012

120000 mi

US $300
noisy drive train, replaced front wheel bearings and  CV joints 
Feb 2013

131000 mi

US $1204
New front right spring, new lower control arm bushings, new top suspension bushings, new left inner tie rod. New front right spring, new lower control arm bushings, new top suspension bushings, new left inner tie rod 
Mar 2013

131000 mi
The instrument panel was not working, fixed by resoldering most of the components. 
Dec 2013

137000 mi

US $540
Replace Oil trap housing 
Volvo XC70 in Colorado, United States
Sep 2007 - Mar 2010
Dec 2007

115000 mi

US $2000
Front control arm bushings and rear prop shaft 
Jan 2009

145000 mi

US $250
Driver side seat heater was not working...connector was burnt out. Shift flares between 1,2 and 3...ongoing since we bought the car at 80k miles...has not gotten worse, just annoying. 
Volvo XC70 in Washington, United States
Oct 2008 - Jun 2022
Aug 2010

147200 mi

US $442
Excessive play in tie rod ends 
May 2011

159300 mi

US $1400
Shimmy in front end. Upper spring seats replaced, both front sway bar links replaced, and wheel alignment. Bevel gear was leaking. Diagnosed at another dealer. When the mechanic was resealing it, he found that the 4wd sleeve was broken and replaced that as well. The transmission was shifting erratically on a regular basis. The mechanic was not able to get it to act up. Since he looked at it, the Transmission has not had the problem.  
May 2013

188500 mi

US $4200
Transmission flare. Tech found transfer gear frozen and metal shavings in the valve body. The transmission was rebuilt. This was a continuing problem that the dealer could not locate. 
Jan 2015

192000 mi

US $590
Dash gauge cluster went dead. Had DIM rebuilt. 
Jun 2015

221000 mi

US $261
Air conditioning was erratic. Would shut down on hot days. Mechanics adjusted AC clutch, added lubricant and refrigerant to system. 
May 2016

237000 mi

US $1430
CAM sensor bracket broke and the CAM sensor was damaged. CAM sensor and bracket had to be replaced. While in the shop, the fuel pump quit working. It was also replaced. 
Apr 2017

254753 mi

US $1312
CV joint bearing failure both sides 3 of the 5 engine mounts were broken. 
Mar 2018

270000 mi

US $705
Loud vibration noise when driving. Right rear wheel bearing was replaced. 
Jun 2018

275000 mi

US $1999
Clutch on compressor fell apart. 
Volvo XC70 in Massachusetts, United States
Nov 2008 - Oct 2017
Dec 2010

96000 mi

US $275
A-arms and inner steering links replaced 
Jul 2012

107000 mi

US $350
Exhaust replaced 
Aug 2016

139000 mi

US $500
Exhaust replaced 
Jun 2017

145000 mi

US $100
Radiator replaced Brake cruise control sensor replaced 
Aug 2017

153000 mi

US $400
Front and rear rotors and pads 
Volvo XC70 in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2011 - Sep 2015
Oct 2011

111600 mi

C $1000
Front bearings x2; left outer tie rod 
Jan 2012

114080 mi

C $650
New DIM (driver information module) needed requiring removal of dashboard. All instruments affected (speedo, tach, diagnostic lights, msg system...) 
Mar 2013

122760 mi

C $150
New inner right tie rod needed. 
Jun 2014

133920 mi
Broken right front spring. Engine warning light on.Fault code indicates "old software." Dealer says soln is to update software at a cost of $50. Dealer says its nothing to worry about. He cleared the alarm and said update software if we like at next service. 
May 2015

144500 mi

C $240
Brake hoses replaced. We safetied the car to transfer it to my son, and the mechanic said they needed to be changed in order for him to sign off on the safety certificate.  
Volvo XC70 in Virginia, United States
Oct 2008 - Dec 2014
Nov 2008

52000 mi

US $600
In for routine maint. Power steering leak and suspension bar or whatever replaced. 
Mar 2010

58000 mi

US $250
Tie-rod ends. 
Sep 2010

61000 mi

US $400
front strut replaced engine mount replaced 
May 2011

64700 mi

US $850
A/C stopped working after running 2 hours 
Apr 2012

71000 mi

US $500
Power steering Leak 
May 2014

80000 mi

US $1500
Engine mounts replaced,  tie rods, wheel alignment 
Dec 2014

80000 mi

US $3000
DETAILS NOT RECALLED. TOOK CAR IN FOR ROUTINE STATE INSPECTION 
Volvo XC70 in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2012 - Sep 2013
Aug 2013

117260 mi

C $750
Ball bearings in wheel needed to be replaced 
Volvo XC70 in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2009 - Jun 2011
Jan 2009

71300 mi

C $400
right front wheel bearing 
Mar 2009

72540 mi

C $700
radiator replacement 
Apr 2009

74400 mi

C $400
left front wheel bearing 
Jul 2009

81840 mi

C $450
right rear wheel bearing 
Apr 2010

105000 mi

C $700
Car shaking and steering loosly - ball joints, tie rods and a left axle/CV replaced 
Volvo XC70 in Nova Scotia, Canada
May 2010 - Dec 2011
Jun 2010

123380 mi

C $927
Center resonator corroded and perforated. Replaced. Center resonator corroded and perforated. Replaced. 
Jul 2010

124480 mi

C $200
A/C cuts out after 20 minutes of highway driving. Lots of ice on return refrigerant line in engine compartment. Suspect evaporator icing up, but dealer reported nothing wrong. 
Aug 2010

125860 mi

C $200
Replace A/C evaporator temperature sensor. Rear seat passenger side seat belt buckle would not latch. Replaced. Rear seat passenger side seat belt buckle would not latch. Replaced. A/C cuts out after 20 minutes of highway driving. Lots of ice on return refrigerant line in engine compartment. Suspect evaporator icing up, but dealer reported nothing wrong. Replace A/C evaporator temperature sensor. 
Dec 2010

132680 mi

C $200
Replaced upper engine stabilizer bar mount bushings. Replaced upper engine strut bar mount bushings. 
Jan 2011

132060 mi

C $250
Replaced Haldex solenoid Replaced 1 headlight bulb and 1 taillight bulb. Replaced Haldex solenoid. (Also replaced 1 headlight bulb and 1 taillight bulb.) 
Mar 2011

135160 mi

C $475
Tensioner on accessory belt exploded. Took accessory belt with it. I have included the cost of the belt (even though it is a "wear item") because destroyed by the tensioner—it didn't wear out. Tensioner on accessory belt exploded. Took accessory belt with it. I have included the cost of the belt (even though it is a "wear item") because destroyed by the tensioner—it didn't wear out. 
Apr 2011

135682 mi

C $746
Cracked spring, passenger (right) side, front. Diagnose oil leak. Source of leak was found to be gasket between engine and bell housing. Replaced both headlight bulbs after one went out. $60 Spring was replaced last week but a new strut mounting plate and spring seat were not installed at that time. Result was a very squeaky strut. Mounting plate and spring seat were installed on this trip. Main PCV hose replaced and some other PCV "plumbing." Cracked spring, passenger (right) side, front. Diagnose oil leak. Source of leak was found to be gasket between engine and bell housing. Driver's side (left) front mudflap reattached. Fuel filter corroded and leaking. Replaced. Main PCV hose replaced and some other PCV "plumbing." Spring was replaced last week but a new strut mounting plate and spring seat were not installed at that time. Result was a very squeaky strut. Mounting plate and spring seat were installed on this trip. 
May 2011

136400 mi

C $400
Instrument cluster was showing SRS warning on the digital display, Gauges were operating intermittently. See video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08vdSveZx9E I sent to http://xemodex.com. They tested it, re-soldered it, etc. 
Dec 2011

145080 mi

C $170
Propeller shaft (driveshaft) was not properly engaged with rear differential/Haldex. Mechanic cleaned splines and re-seated the sahft. 
Volvo XC70 in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2010 - Sep 2012
Sep 2010

178560 mi

C $53
Emission test...gas cap defective. Otherwise, passed with flying colours 
May 2011

189720 mi

C $180
Oil leak from steering system. Pin hole in pressure hose to pump. Installed new. Not very functional for a couple of days. discovered air in the system. Now fine. 
Sep 2011

192820 mi

C $180
Lower Radial arms ...bushings were worn only but it is cheaper to just buy new, complete arms and discard old ones. 
Sep 2012

202120 mi

C $150
Sudden loss of power and bad idle and shuddering. Diagnosed with on coil plug coil shot. 
Volvo XC70 in Missouri, United States
Mar 2010 - Dec 2016
Dec 2012

92000 mi

US $90
battery 
Nov 2015

98000 mi

US $800
Rebuilt front end. Bearings, ball joints, tie rods, struts assembly including springs. 
Volvo XC70 in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2009 - Mar 2016
Nov 2010

108500 mi

C $1080
Rear wheel bearing, Parking brake pads and front brakes and rotors 
Aug 2011

117820 mi

C $1000
Broken spring, rear brakes all filters etc 
Jun 2013

138880 mi

C $428
Dash cutting out 
Sep 2013

141360 mi
link kits front and back 
Nov 2015

150540 mi

C $2000
wheel bearing. struts 

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2002.5 Volvo XC70 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 161hp 2.4L I5 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Volvo XC70 in Great Britain
Mar 2014 - Jan 2018
Jan 2017

123000 mi

£200
Track Rod End replaced due to wear and excessive play. 
Jan 2018

131000 mi

£300
Starter motor regulator failed. Rescued by RAC on low loader. First time this Volvo has needed rescuing. :-( Regulator/Starter motor replaced. All is well. :-) 

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2003 Volvo XC70 Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Volvo XC70 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.