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Engine coolingPart report

2003 Volvo S60 Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
13%of 120 total for the year
Median mileage
52,500miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Volvo S60, 13% of the 120 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have a 2003 Volvo s 60 that has begun stalling out while driving. I believe that this is similar to other car problems that have been reported recently. The car dies after it has reached operating temperatures. It just stops on the interstate or at a stop light, in intersections, etc. It takes between 10 and 30 seconds before it can be restarted. My concern is that this could be an recurring unreported problem with this vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #10171000, filed 2006-10, 59,000 miles

“I have a 2003 S60 Volvo. While driving 55 MPH the car would go into limp mode and the speed would quickly drop to 10 MPH and the message reduced engine performance would be displayed. The car will not accelerate past that speed. This is very serious safety concern because the quick drop in speed may lead to an accident. I took the car to a Volvo dealership and was informed the car needs the electronic throttle system replaced. This was a common problem with older models and a recall was issued after a class action lawsuit. …”

NHTSA complaint #10351687, filed 2010-08, 101,000 miles

“On 12 dec, 2008, my 2003 Volvo S60 stalled with no warning while traveling on a busy highway at 60 MPH. I pulled to safety (vehicle was in limp home mode) and had the vehicle towed to the dealership (park place Volvo). Since the vehicle started right back up and presented no codes, I was told there was nothing wrong and given a bill for $418 (for tow and diagnostic check). Approx. 1 month later, vehicle presented same problem; it stalled, without warning, while driving... Creating a great safety risk for the second time. …”

NHTSA complaint #10258205, filed 2009-02, 94,000 miles

“I had a similar issue about two years ago and replaced the catalytic converter. Just today (9/25/10), my 2003 Volvo S60 began to irregularly stall while driving. While I'm slowing down, it downshifts by it self, and just dies, and while I'm slowing down, the warning indicators on the dash are not lit, as if nothing is wrong, but when come to a complete stop all the lights on the dash are lit. The check engine light then comes on, it wasn't on before this happened. This can be very dangerous when you are slowing down to turn at an intersection. …”

NHTSA complaint #10357503, filed 2010-09, 135,000 miles

“Compliant 1: I have a 2003 S60 Volvo. The instrument panel goes dark and all instruments stop working. This includes all gauges, speedometer, RPM, fuel, temp and blinkers. They all go to zero and panel turns black and completely off. The exterior blinkers do still work. When the panel is working I receive various messages such as srs airbag service urgent, brake failure, and stop immediately no oil pressure. I took the car to my mechanic and he said it's the driver information module which costs $1300 to replace. My mechanic also stated that this is a reoccuring problem in this car. …”

NHTSA complaint #10403455, filed 2011-05, 125,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202217%
201535%
201311%
201211%
2011120%
200715%
2006310%
2005716%
20046332%
20031613%
2002126%
2001188%

Other parts of the 2003 Volvo S60

Electrical system
54 complaints
Vehicle speed control
18 complaints
Fuel system
14 complaints
Exterior lighting
9 complaints
Air bags
8 complaints
Body and structure
7 complaints
Engine
5 complaints
Other or unknown
5 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
Brakes
4 complaints
Equipment
4 complaints
Tires
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2003 Volvo S60

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology