2003 Volvo XC90 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 53%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Volvo XC90, 53% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Received a transmission urgent service warning light. Took the car to dealer and they stated I need a new transmission. Car has 62,000 miles and has always been serviced at Volvo. I did a search online and found over 200 complaints of the same failures I stated. Volvo would not cover the repairs under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10259612, filed 2009-02, 62,000 miles“My 2003 Volvo XC90 has been to the dealer several times including over 3 times for same problem when I purchased the vehicle in 2006. All recalls have been fixed, front axle, wipers etc. I have purchased 4 sets of tires, tires boston Volvo installed and my 17 year old son received a complete blow out because wrong size tires. I continue taking to same dealer and since owning the car have had the same noises in front of car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10326221, filed 2010-04, 104,000 miles“My 2003 Volvo XC90's transmission went out just ten days after the warranty expired. Volvo customer service offered a good faith repair but still cost me several thousand out-of-pocket in repair costs. Six weeks after repair, I have a puddle on my garage floor. This problem, with the t6 transmission, is rather common and well-documented. If the problem is so prevalent, why is there not a full recall or better fix? I am not satisfied with this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10260371, filed 2009-03, 77,344 miles“2003 Volvo XC90 - transmission is stuck in 3rd gear. I just found out the transmission is built by GM. No wonder there is a problem! The dealer said to fix the problem would br $6k+. He said the axle had leaked grease into the transmission and is causing the issue. Gm built the transmission and this is not the first time I have heard or read about the same problem. The car is sluggish from a dead stop which is dangerous and will cause an accident. The vehicle is not safe to drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10269298, filed 2009-05, 102,000 miles“Volvo xc 90 2003 t6 transmission catastrophic failure on 10/23/09 I purchase my Volvo xc 90 2003 t6 with 85000 miles, on 01/07/10 I had a total collapse of my transmission around $8,000.00! Thank's god I buy extended warranty for tranny and engine. But to have my tranny certify by Volvo I have to buy a new radiator, cost over $1,000.00! (included replacements parts), no sense at all! In my understanding this vehicle has a chronic transmission problem and I'm not supposed to be responsible for any of these cost!”
NHTSA complaint #10299811, filed 2010-01, 85,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10052500Jun 18, 2013Volvo: on some vehicles, the software for transmission control module (tcm) fails to contain optimal calibration settings, and would need to install upgraded tcm software. Models…
- 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.
- 10043574Mar 16, 2012Front left frost plug displacement can cause axle grease to mix with the automatic transmission fluid (atf).
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 14% |
| 2023 | 3 | 7% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 8% |
| 2020 | 3 | 9% |
| 2019 | 3 | 7% |
| 2018 | 5 | 10% |
| 2017 | 5 | 6% |
| 2016 | 10 | 5% |
| 2011 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 4 | 14% |
| 2007 | 5 | 13% |
| 2006 | 3 | 6% |
| 2005 | 62 | 28% |
| 2004 | 145 | 31% |
| 2003 | 49 | 53% |
Other parts of the 2003 Volvo XC90
18 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsOther 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 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