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 milesRelated recalls
- 07V226000Jun 5, 2007On 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…Covers: Volvo S60 2003–2004, V70 2003–2004
Related service bulletins
- 10219421Aug 29, 2022Engine Control Module (EMS) Software (MSW) Information â August 2022; Improvement List (Change Log) - US21+OBD22 (13L VGT, TC) And US17+OBD22 (11L) Emissions
- 10169030Oct 16, 2019This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed.
- 10157864Feb 9, 2019This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed.
- 10156257Feb 9, 2019This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed.
- 10026143Sep 26, 2008Volvo: extend warranty coverage for the engine management software (ems) on some model year 2003-2008 models. P45 csc letter was received. *pe ref: 10026144 (p-46), 10026145…
- 10026144Aug 27, 2008Volvo: extended warranty for the engine management software (ems) on some model year 2003-2008 models. P 46 csc letter was received.
- 10024466Apr 18, 20085 cylinder angle gear leakage and resealing. On all wheel drive models. *nj updated 6/5/08.
- 10015607Jun 1, 2005Service campaign 143 - leakage detection software upgrade for certain vehicles that do not meet the requirements of the california air resources board (carb) emissions control…
- 10014585Aug 1, 2004Vacuum hose routing label.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 7% |
| 2015 | 3 | 5% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 20% |
| 2007 | 1 | 5% |
| 2006 | 3 | 10% |
| 2005 | 7 | 16% |
| 2004 | 63 | 32% |
| 2003 | 16 | 13% |
| 2002 | 12 | 6% |
| 2001 | 18 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2003 Volvo S60
54 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsTires
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