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Body and structurePart report

2003 Volvo XC90 Body and structure Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
6%of 93 total for the year
Median mileage
47,045miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Volvo XC90, 6% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,045 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 was not aware of the design defect in sun roof & the water damages that result in electrical issues. I had always parked my vehicle in covered parking until moving this year in january. I had taken my car in to have a tune up in nov 2012 at which time I was given an estimate of repairs needed in my car. My car remained parked for most of 2013 due to having moved I wasn't able to afford repairs. The repairs where inner&outer tie rods,ball joints, mounts, arm bushings, rotors & break pads. The above aforementioned where made. …”

NHTSA complaint #10554145, filed 2013-11, 79,000 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

“Vehicle drains water on to front passenger floor, and ocassional driver side after it rains. It is a know problem that a class action suit was won in new jersey, including 5 other states. The water is from clogged drain tubes in sunroof and sometimes shrinkiage of drain tube that dislodges. Vehicle now has a musty smell from the frequent water in the vehicle. Not sure if high moisture inside has caused my cd player to malfunction. Also have a short in electrical system that cause me to replace 3 batteries in the vehicle. …”

NHTSA complaint #10749784, filed 2015-08

“I own a Volvo XC90 t6 awd. This car has had problems with the twin turbo-chargers, the warning lights, a tire blowout, vibrations in the steering wheel, alignment issues, short circuit in the driver's side control panel, poor fit and finish of the driver side door panel and a host of other fit and finish problems. The momentum Volvo dealership in houston, texas and Volvo north america service representative denied any problems being a serious or recurring problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #10067880, filed 2004-04

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202413%
202325%
202113%
202039%
2019410%
201848%
201779%
20162312%
2013218%
201115%
2010217%
2009114%
200813%
200713%
200636%
200542%
2004143%
200366%

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
Equipment
5 complaints
Air bags
4 complaints
Steering
4 complaints
Electronic stability control
3 complaints
Exterior lighting
3 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2003 Volvo XC90

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