Three problems related to power train 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.
I had the transmission service engine light come on. I took it to the mechanic and he said the coolant has leaked into to the transmission causing the transmission to give out. They said it needs replaced at a cost of 6000. This would be the 3 rd transmission in this car alone. Their are multiple people with the same problem. This is Volvox fault and it needs replaced on their dime.
Leaving a parking lot and heard loud sound car wouldn't move. Volvo says the following is broken: lower control arm, cv axle, rotor and damaged rim. We had been parked and were attempting to leaving parking lot(. Barely moving) could have been killed if this happened at higher speed. We have constantly spent money on this vehicle and I feel it is unsafe and that when the recalls were made there could have already been a fracture. This car is only driven to work and home on a regular basis. No rough roads. We have not caused any damage. This website does not allow proper selection under Volvo and make to allow selection of the suspension/control arm / rotors / axle / tire rims / ball joint, all of which were damaged in this 4 mph accident. Had this happened at 65 mph I have no doubt me and my family would not have survived.
Volvo Xc90 taken into dealership for axle replacement on 07/09/08 contacted that the transmission will be replaced then when question given vague statement no will be a transmission flush. Car returned on 07/16/08 advised given new transmission. Driving car on 07/19/08 come to a stop to cross 4 lane parkway when hit gas pedal car does not respond receive message reduce engine performance. After much research this is a known problem with the Volvo transmission in this model manufacturer refuses to acknowledge.