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SeatsPart report

2003 Volvo XC90 Seats Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
3%of 93 total for the year
Median mileage
15,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the seats of the 2003 Volvo XC90, 3% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

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 was involved in a rear-end collision with my 2 children in a Volvo XC90. My seat back failed during the accident and I am not referring to the whips system. I sustained multiple injuries including a whiplash injury as well as injuries of my back and left shoulder that I believe were exacerbated by the seat back assuming a fairly reclined position. I also fear that if either of my children had been sitting behind the drivers seat (especially in a rear-facing infant seat) they could have been seriously injured as a result of this failure of the seat back. …”

NHTSA complaint #10054714, filed 2004-01, 2,500 miles

“The consumer purchased new tires because of extreme wear at low mileage. The 2003 Volvo XC90 had numerous problems that had to be corrected on a regular basis. The lug nuts were replaced twice due to rust when the vehicle was delivered, unable to turn the ignition, radio was inoperative and the left door could not be opened due to the problem with the seat molding. After 15k plus miles, the tires had worn smooth to the cord. (tire-perrilli scorpion)”

NHTSA complaint #10103496, filed 2004-11, 15,090 miles

“Multiple failures; door lock,tires were worn to the cord. * bf the lug nuts were replaced because they were rusted when the vehicle was delivered, the doors did not fit properly, the radio failed, the key would not turn in the ignition, the left rear door could not be opened due to the problem with the seat molding and the tire displayed unusual wear and were worn smooth to the cord. The lug nuts that were installed rusted again. (tires/perrilli scorpian)”

NHTSA complaint #10097221, filed 2004-10, 15,000 miles

Seats: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202312%
202213%
202113%
201642%
201115%
200813%
200612%
200420%
200333%

Other parts of the 2003 Volvo XC90

Transmission and drivetrain
49 complaints
Electrical system
18 complaints
Fuel system
10 complaints
Suspension
9 complaints
Brakes
7 complaints
Engine cooling
7 complaints
Body and structure
6 complaints
Equipment
5 complaints
Air bags
4 complaints
Steering
4 complaints
Electronic stability control
3 complaints
Exterior lighting
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2003 Volvo XC90

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