Model year guide

2003 Volvo XC90

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Volvo XC90 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 25 on record.

2003 Volvo XC90 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Volvo XC90 at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints96
Combined17 mpg
Typical price$2,594

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Volvo XC90 recalls 5

Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly NHTSA Campaign #06V155000 · 05/05/2006

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES,THE OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT CAN DEFORM AT HIGH LOADS CAUSING A LOSS OF THE CLAMPING FORCE AND THE NUT MAY LOOSEN, WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OUTER BALL JOINT TIE RODS WITH IMPROVED OUTER BALL JOINT TIE RODS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System) NHTSA Campaign #10V566000 · 08/11/2010

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

Fix: 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 …

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #09V483000 · 18/12/2009

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 ENVIRO…

Fix: 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.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer NHTSA Campaign #06V144000 · 28/04/2006

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, IF THE WIPER ARM IS ACTIVATED IN EXTREME WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS AND WITHOUT LIFTING THE WIPER ARMS AND CLEANING THE WINDSHIELD PRIOR TO MOVING, THE WIPER ARM MIGHT SLIP ON ITS DRIVESHAFT, RESULTING IN AN INABILITY TO MOVE THE WIPERS FROM THE PARK POSITION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER ARMS AND RETAINING NUTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.

Seat Belts:rear/other NHTSA Campaign #03V391000 · 10/10/2003

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE SEAT BELT ATTACHMENT(S) FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW SEAT(S) MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FITTED PROPERLY.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE SECOND AND/OR THIRD ROW SEAT BELT ATTACHMENTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Volvo XC90 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.

2003 Volvo XC90 MPG & running costs

Combined17 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway21 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,383

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Volvo XC90 worth?

Low
$1,300
Typical price
$2,594
High
$3,700

From 25 comparable 2003 Volvo XC90 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Volvo XC90 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$21,915
Fuel only$21,915
Per mile$0.29

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Volvo XC90 trims & engines on record

Trims
T6 · 2.5T

2003 Volvo XC90 vehicles on record

2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CZ91HX31005291 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CZ91H131011657 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CM91H831007295 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CZ91H731002929 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CZ91H031003680 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CZ91H031014100 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 2.5TYV1CM59H231002476 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CM91HX31015186 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CZ91H331013801 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CZ91H531007143 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CZ91H131019385 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 2.5TYV1CM59H431017593 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CZ91HX31021927 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CZ91H931004391 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CZ91H531004601 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 2.5TYV1CN59H331017646 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CM91H631016156 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CZ91H031005221 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 2.5TYV1CM59H731014283 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 2.5TYV1CM59H931021218 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CZ91H431001995 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 2.5TYV1CN59H131017337 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 T6YV1CZ91H331001776 2003 Volvo XC90 2003 Volvo XC90 2.5TYV1CM59H931018464

Other Volvo XC90 model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

2003 Volvo XC90 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Volvo XC90 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2003 Volvo XC90. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo XC90?

Based on 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, fuel/propulsion system, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Volvo XC90 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Volvo XC90 at about 17 mpg combined (15 city / 21 highway).

How much is a 2003 Volvo XC90 worth?

Comparable 2003 Volvo XC90 listings run roughly $1,300–$3,700, typically around $2,594 (from 25 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.