Two problems related to engine cooling system have been reported for the 2003 Volvo XC90. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Volvo XC90 based on all problems reported for the 2003 XC90.
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. Boston Volvo has stated in October and since owning the vehicle can find nothing wrong, April diagnosed with need new drive shaft after having car for 2 days but could not really fine anything but drive shaft. A strong fuel smell stated fuel pump does not need to be corrected. I need new muffler and taking to my own mechanic the real issue is transmission service urgent and need new transmission. Volvo did not diagnose this problem and my son is driving the car! my son is driving a lemon that is a danger to himself. Taking to Volvo does nothing, they cannot even diagnose and give wrong info given to me. I am currently up to over $8,000 in damages and still owe on this lemon. I need new transmission, muffler, still car vibrates and front end noises from whining, thumping etc.
Power train - automatic transmission failure. Days after completing a 90,000 mile service and other repairs (brakes, broken engine mount bracket) and trip to boston from washington DC, the "transmission service urgent" message came up for the first time since purchasing the vehicle new in 2003 from don beyer Volvo in falls church, virginia. The failure occurred on new year's eve during a snow storm in the boston area. The closest dealership was closed for the holiday. On January 2, 2009, we brought the vehicle to dalzell Volvo in dedham, massachusetts. After conducting a diagnostic test, the service manager informed me that the transmission was failing and that radiator fluid had mixed with the transmission fluid. I was quoted a price of $7000 to replace the transmission, radiator, and related equipment. After researching this issue, I discovered that the transmission failure is widespread for Xc90 model years 2003-2004 and that this significant safety issue is well-known by Volvo. The vehicles covering these model years should have been recalled to replace the transmissions.