2003 Volvo XC70 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 21%of 24 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- 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 XC70, 21% of the 24 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 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.
“I purchased my (2003) Volvo XC70 in late 2006 from I service it regularly and do routine maintenance checks. About a month ago the car began to jerk and hesitate. I took it to the dealer and was told I needed a new transmission for $5700. The car has 71000 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10427544, filed 2011-09, 71,000 miles“Volvo XC70 2003 transmission is going bad with 80,000 miles on it. Needs a total replacement. Hesitates during shifting and sometimes doesn't go into gear for several seconds. Power booster to the brakes also has a seal issue causing power booster electronic vacuum to constantly run.”
NHTSA complaint #10347876, filed 2010-08, 80,000 miles“2003 Volvo xc 70 with geartronic transmission failure at 75k miles. Transmission flares when shifting gears and makes clunking noise when downshifting into first gear at stops. Transmission fluid has been changed and software reflashed, problem remains.”
NHTSA complaint #10363871, filed 2010-11, 75,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 14% |
| 2015 | 2 | 33% |
| 2011 | 2 | 13% |
| 2010 | 3 | 20% |
| 2008 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 2 | 8% |
| 2006 | 1 | 6% |
| 2005 | 8 | 30% |
| 2004 | 11 | 11% |
| 2003 | 5 | 21% |
| 2002 | 14 | 40% |
| 2001 | 21 | 32% |
Other parts of the 2003 Volvo XC70
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Volvo XC70
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