2003 Volvo V70 Volvo V70 2003

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2003 Volvo V70 repairs by problem area

Engine (25%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (16%)

Brakes and Traction Control (6%)

Suspension and Steering (28%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (19%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (1%)

Other (3%)

Chart based on 67 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Volvo V70.

2003 Volvo V70 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (16%)

$500 - $999 (14%)

$100 - $499 (34%)

< $100 (33%)

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

Chart based on 58 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Volvo V70

Engine not specified

Volvo V70 in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2009 - Jun 2011
Nov 2009

67000 mi

US $1350
Passenger window regulator was replaced ($500). Battery was replaced due to draw ($150). Window modulator caused draw and was replaced ($700). Believe modulator was damaged when regulator was replaced. ARS airbag light is on. Dash module needs to be replaced. $1350. this is nuts. Passed inspection with this, so not replacing it. Mentioned clunk in front end, was told it was a minor motor mount issue and no need to replace at this time. 
Mar 2010

74000 mi

US $1200
brake booster replaced Clunking noise in front end now identified as something minor in the suspension. 
Apr 2010

74800 mi

US $1100
Had misdiagnosed problem. Ball joint failed and wheel came off car, damaging fender. Repaired suspension (ball joint, axle, and universal joint) but not fender. 

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2003 Volvo V70 4dr Wagon

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

Volvo V70 in Arkansas, United States
Oct 2014 - Jun 2015
Nov 2014

125800 mi

US $900
alternator had to be replaced after they replaced the power steering pump and the problem wasn't resolved, I was not charged for the power steering pump. 
Volvo V70 in British Columbia, Canada
Sep 2014 - Mar 2015
Mar 2015

108500 mi

C $305
Replaced "soft" driver's side ball-joint replace sway bar linkages due to worn bushings (causing CLUNKing noises) 
Volvo V70 in Michigan, United States
May 2010 - Sep 2012
Jul 2010

99000 mi

US $140
replace upper and lower transmission torque bushings. 
Jun 2012

112000 mi

US $750
Replace ball joints and steering gear. 
Volvo V70 in Virginia, United States
Dec 2008 - Nov 2014
Nov 2009

99000 mi

US $350
Front roll bar stabilizer strut rattling and replaced. 
Jun 2011

125000 mi

US $1200
Started with intermittent SRS message, next intermittent ABS message, then all warning lights, odometer not working. Replaced DIM with reman item, lights still on, then replaced ABS module, lights out. So, what was the real problem, ABS?? 
Mar 2014

175000 mi

US $885
Propeller shaft driving rear wheels. Universal joint on end of shaft was worn, leading to vibration. OEM part cost $1200 plus installation. After-market shop got a used one for $600, plus $285 to install. Replaced both tie-rod ends. No symptoms led to this repair, the shop replaced them on their own, much to my dismay. 

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2003 Volvo V70 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 197hp 2.4L I5 5-speed automatic FWD

Volvo V70 in Washington, United States
Jan 2009 - Apr 2014
Sep 2009

105000 mi

US $300
Alternator replaced 
Oct 2011

132300 mi

US $250
Heater core leak 
Mar 2013

143000 mi

US $40
Changed headlight. 
Jul 2013

144500 mi

US $100
Flare 2nd to 3rd 
Volvo V70 in California, United States
Aug 2016 - Aug 2016
Aug 2016 Timing belt came off and damaged engine cylinders 

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2003 Volvo V70 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 161hp 2.4L I5 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD

Volvo V70 in Great Britain
Dec 2009 - Jun 2011
Jan 2010

161000 mi
Tailgate lock malfunctioning 
Feb 2010

161800 mi

£680
Clutch master cylinder failure 
Mar 2010

163000 mi

£10
Clutch inoperable due to fluid loss 
May 2010

164000 mi

£30
Clutch fluid loss. Garage replaced plastic union to cure leak. 

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2003 Volvo V70 4dr Wagon

168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed manual FWD

Volvo V70 in Louisiana, United States
Dec 2017 - Jan 2022
Jan 2018

127000 mi

US $2600
after the repair the car drove normally for 3 days and then would not go into any gear(its a manual transmission) had it towed back to the dealer who said it was the transmission that would have to be replaced for $7000. After recovering from the shock and researching what was going on I insisted that they show me how the transmission was broken and not just unconnected which my research said was a possibility. The dealer mechanic insisted it was the transmission and suggested I junk the car. I did not believe that the car was dead and so had it towed to an independent shop where they were able to reseat the disconnected drive axel. The car drove for a day and then the drive axel fell out again. In frustration, I posted on some Volvo aficionado sites and got the suggestion that the axel was not seated properly or that it was the wrong part. So I checked the part number on the dealer invoice and sure enough, they had used the wrong axel for my model car. When I told them this was a possibility they checked it out and they towed the car in and put in the right axel at no extra charge. no problems felt when driving but at what was just a maintenance service it was suggested by the mechanic that front end needed tie rods, ball joints cv boots and that a drive axle would be necessary. we authorized the work. 
Volvo V70 in Quebec, Canada
Nov 2010 - Feb 2012
Dec 2010

62620 mi

C $400
DEAD SPOT ON STARTER MOTOR ; CAR WOULD NOT START. HAD TO BE TOWED , AND NEW STARTER (REBUILT) WAS INSTALLED. 
Jun 2011

63860 mi

C $200
mechanic remove muffler shield rattling Mechanic cracked flex pipe in the process of removing shield. Volvo dealer denies anywrong doing. They want 2400.00 to replace flex pipe & catalyst. Ordered aftermarket flex&catalist on line . 
Sep 2011

63860 mi

C $1000
order parts from U.s. on line & had it installed by a shop specialising in imports 

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2003 Volvo V70 4dr Wagon

168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed automatic FWD

Volvo V70 in Rhode Island, United States
Dec 2016 - Jul 2018
Apr 2017

163500 mi

US $875
inner tie rod and both front controll arms and ball joints 
Jul 2017

167000 mi

US $3
A/C compressor clutch gap increased due to wear and a/c was kicking off after 30 minutes, i re shimmed the clutch to the proper gap using the well known zip tie method. cost $3. 
Jan 2018

171000 mi

US $150
replaced headlamps with LED bulbs from amazon as the driver complained of dim headlites, seemed to help somewhat. these cars i think have a reputation for dim headlites not sure why 
Volvo V70 in California, United States
- Apr 2006
Jan 2006

36000 mi
Steering wheel fabric split; warranty item 
Apr 2006

39000 mi
Headlamp burned out - warranty item 
Volvo V70 in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2010 - Feb 2011
Jan 2011

86800 mi

C $350
Flat Tire, broken wipers, muffler hanger broken, and bad steering noise & vibration. Fresh tire, wipers, welding, and lubrication was all that was required. 
Volvo V70 in Virginia, United States
May 2007 - May 2016
May 2016

163000 mi
For years had noticed a lack of power. Mechanic could never fix. Mentioned to buyer, and was told that a small inexpensive valve would make it run like new! We were disappointed. I really miss that car! 
Volvo V70 in Great Britain
Nov 2008 - Dec 2016
Jun 2008

49000 mi

£3000
Failure of AWD. Main $tealer changed "numerous" parts before solving problem. After much research and talking to other owners/dealers; suggest owners check DEM module and/or temp sensor first before paying out like I did! Volvo not interested warranty ou Electrical "gremlins" causing weird faults with brake lights/instruments and central locking. Charged for new door lock and relay board....cost..a plumbers estimate! Result, still the same this morning, or rather it's worse as the key is stuck in lock! 
Feb 2009

64000 mi
No 4 wheel drive. Splined driveshaft had failed. I have been told by dealer that approx 1 in 5 XC70/XC90's suffer this failure. Volvo's response was...get stuffed!! 
Jan 2012

112000 mi
Drivers window guides failed causing damage to window regulator unit. Regulator & guides had to be replaced. Most expensive was the regulator unit @ over £200. Dealer was very good with labour costs. 
Apr 2012

115000 mi
Replace wheel bearing n/s rear hub. Due to fair wear after 115,000 miles. 
Mar 2014

150000 mi
This was rectified as part of a routine service. The problem was due to a botched repair by a local garage. I though I was saving time and money by using a local garage - I wish now I hadn't! The main dealer rectified the job at no cost! 
Oct 2014

160800 mi

£1500
Disc's, pads, parking brakes and suspension parts. Routine replacement of consumable parts after 10 years and 163,000 miles. I regard this as outstanding wear and tear. 
Feb 2015

165000 mi

£70
Front RHS coil spring replacement. 
Jun 2016

192000 mi

£150
Cambelt tensioner and idler pulley bearings worn. Simple and straightforward repair. Reasonable to expect this after nearly 200,000 miles. 
Oct 2016

203000 mi

£1000
Self-levelling rear suspension required changing due to failure of nearside rear unit. Given age and mileage and use of car e.g. towing, load carrying etc., I consider this reasonable wear and tear. 
Volvo V70 in New York, United States
Aug 2009 - Jun 2020
Sep 2009

68000 mi

US $100
Control arm replaced. 
Jan 2010

71000 mi

US $300
excessive vibration in front - replaced engine mount. Replaced control arms, strut housings.  Panel display replaced ($1300!) 
Jun 2010

75000 mi

US $214
air compressor noisy, replaced under extended warranty 
Nov 2010

78000 mi

US $100
transmission very occassionally slips. dealer service identified a software upgrade needed for that problem. 
Mar 2011

79000 mi

US $390
Both rear brake calipers replaced 
Jan 2013

101500 mi

US $1000
Struts, considerable bounce on bumps, replaced. 
Aug 2013

95000 mi

US $400
Tailgate switch/mechanism and rear light relay has to be replaced. Troubleshooting rear light/tailgate light issues took hours 
Oct 2015

110500 mi
replaced left front axle 
Dec 2015

113000 mi
rain caused extensive water to collect in front passenger compartment floor. mechanic blew out debris in sunroof drain holes. 
Oct 2016

115500 mi

US $200
replaced right front axle 
Feb 2017

118000 mi

US $700
Replaced catalytic converter replaced front struts and towers 
Mar 2018

125000 mi

US $1800
PCV box Replaced five motor mounts Axle seal right side (was leaking) 

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2003 Volvo V70 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic AWD

Volvo V70 in Maine, United States
Dec 2009 - Jun 2011
Jan 2010

137000 mi

US $350
Took car to dealer after a lean condition. I replaced all vacuum lines, fuel filter and gas cap. Dealer tested car and replaced airbox to turbo intake hose / improper diagnoses ($350). Dealer then states exhaust leak and/or MAFS. I did MAFS, solved. 
May 2010

139000 mi

US $120
Wheel bearing replacement, drivers front side. 
Jul 2010

146000 mi

US $85
replaced boost sensor, also controls cruise control. easy fix, cost $85 

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2003 Volvo V70 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 V70 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.