2003 Volvo V70 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 16%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Volvo V70, 16% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,100 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When coming to a stop and the transaxle downshifts from 3rd to 2nd gear, it will lurch and a loud 'clunk' shakes the vehicle. This also occurs when accelerating, shifting from 1st gear to 2nd gear; the transaxle will hesitate, engine will rev and makes a loud 'clunk' that shakes the vehicle when the gear change finally occurs. Also, if I need to step on the brakes suddenly and then re-accelerate, it really makes a loud 'clunk' as the engine will rev and go nowhere, eventually slamming itself into 2nd gear and frightening the occupants of the vehicle due to the loud noises and lurching.”
NHTSA complaint #10608955, filed 2014-07, 119,000 miles“At approximately 7,000 miles, automatic transmission began to slip in shifts between second and third gear. Dealer readapted transmission using manufacturer's procedure in an attempt to correct slippage. Manufacturer's term for this problem is shift flair in which engine RPM increases during a shift making the car feel like it has temporarily lost drive or the transmission is slipping. In my experience with the problem, the engine RPM would significantly increase for a few seconds and during that period the car would lose power. Only the inertia of the rolling wheels could keep the car moving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10056232, filed 2004-01, 7,200 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Volvo V70. The contact stated that while driving, he heard a knocking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 63,000. The VIN was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #10484631, filed 2012-11, 63,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Volvo V70. While accelerating from a stop or driving on an incline, the transmission slipped when shifting from first to second gear. The vehicle is currently with the dealer and they stated that the transmission software needed to be reset. The powertrain and speed were unknown. The current mileage was 7,000 and failure mileage was 6,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10220237, filed 2008-03, 6,000 miles“Vehicle transmission seems to slip, engine revs increase and vehicle looses momentum. Dealer has worked on the car three times. The last repair lasted several months but problem has resurfaced”
NHTSA complaint #10096162, filed 2004-10Related service bulletins
- 10171679Jan 8, 2020This is a Technical Journal: In case of complaint of Noise, some "tools" have been created to help you to do a better and more precise fault tracing
- 10037893May 25, 2012Volvo: there is a software update. *rm updated 4/11/2012. *kb updated 4/13/12. *pe updated 5/15/12. *pe updated 6/4/12.
- 10037896Jan 5, 2011Volvo: abs light on, four-wheel drive is not working. There is a software problem.
- 10033045Dec 23, 2009Volvo: rear differential housing, leakage and resealing. Oil leakage/moisture from the rear differential housing halves can be resolved by resealing the housing and replacing the…
- 10032425Jul 10, 2009Volvo: the 5 speed automatic transmission, aw55-50/51, has a bolt on top that anchors the b4 band, which applies 3rd gear. If that bolt is removed, the band will be disengaged…
- 10016434Jul 7, 2006Transmission control module (tcm) upgrades available to correct complaints/symptoms.
- 10016108Nov 1, 2005Difficult to engage 1st and/or reverse gear.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 | 14% |
| 2006 | 2 | 10% |
| 2005 | 3 | 14% |
| 2004 | 6 | 7% |
| 2003 | 5 | 16% |
| 2002 | 17 | 22% |
| 2001 | 45 | 20% |
| 2000 | 8 | 9% |
| 1999 | 8 | 5% |
| 1998 | 12 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 Volvo V70
9 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Volvo V70
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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