U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Volvo 700: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

2 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

900 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 1 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Exterior Lighting is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 2 complaints (50.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Engine operation	1	50.0%
Steering behavior	1	50.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Exterior Lighting

Power Train

Steering

Exterior Lighting: 1; Power Train: 1; Steering: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 1 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2003

2016

2003: 1; 2016: 1

Pattern summary

Exterior Lighting leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10002760 · 2003-01-15 (January 15, 2003)

THE "CLEAR" PLASTIC RAW RESIN MATERIAL MODERNLY AND CONTEMPORARILY USED IN HEADLAMP SHIELDS/DOORS/LENSES IS FREQUENTLY OF AN INFERIOR GRADE WHICH PROGRESSIVELY CLOUDS OVER TIME AND YIELDS VEHICLES LESS VISIBLE TO OTHERS AND WITH VERY SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED VISIBILITY TO THEIR OPERATORS. NON-CLOUDING PLASTICS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE SINCE THE '40S AND "BRILLIANT" CRYSTAL PLASTICS ARE VERY POPULAR TODAY, BUT DOMESTIC AND IMPORT MANUFACTURERS FREQUENTLY SKRIMP ON COSTS BY USING INFERIOR PLASTICS. I IMAGINE IT IS A UV-DAMAGE PROBLEM. THIS WAS MUCH LE…

Owner-reported narrative. 900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10002760 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10884841 · 2016-07-14 (July 14, 2016)

RUNNING VEHICLE STALLED; POCODE 303 POSSIBLE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR DEFECT. CAR WAS IN MOTION... COULD BE DEAD NOW. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE PARKED, CHARGED $430.00 PLUS TO HAVE THE LOCK COLUMN REPLACED . RICK HENDRICK VOLVO OF CHARLESTON, SC REFUSES TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT IN THE PRICE. 2 1/2 HOURS LABOR CHARGED. THIS IS CRIMINAL THAT A DEALERSHIP WOULD CHARGE THIS AND REFUSE A N ADJUSTMENT. NEVER HAD A CAR'S LOCK COLUMN BREAK...

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10884841 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

2 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

50.0%Usable mileage1 / 2 records

100.0%Valid incident date2 / 2 records

100.0%Valid filing date2 / 2 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates2 / 2 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1990	1991	1992	1993	1998	2000	2003
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Turbo/Supercharger	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 744289 TURBO RETURN LINE UNSEALED AND LEAKING OIL. DEALER WANTED TO REPLACE ENTIRE TURBO; SHOULDN'T HAPPEN TO A CAR, ESP. A VOLVO, THAT'S ONLY THREE YEARS OLD WITH 56K MILES ON IT. DEALER DID A TEMPORARY FIX BUT EVENTUALLY WILL AHVE TO REPLACE TURBO WAY BEFORE ITS TIME TO DO SO. Look up ODI 744289 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10002760 · 900 mi THE "CLEAR" PLASTIC RAW RESIN MATERIAL MODERNLY AND CONTEMPORARILY USED IN HEADLAMP SHIELDS/DOORS/LENSES IS FREQUENTLY OF AN INFERIOR GRADE WHICH PROGRESSIVELY CLOUDS OVER TIME AND YIELDS VEHICLES LESS VISIBLE TO OTHERS AND WITH VERY SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED VISIBILITY TO THEIR OPERATORS. NON-CLOUDING PLASTICS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE SINCE THE '40S AND "BRILLIANT" CRYSTAL PLASTICS ARE VERY POPULAR TODAY, BUT DOMESTIC AND IMPORT MANUFACTURERS FREQUENTLY SKRIMP ON COSTS BY USING INFERIOR PLASTICS. I IMAGINE IT IS A UV-DAMAGE PROBLEM. THIS WAS MUCH LE… Look up ODI 10002760 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10884841 RUNNING VEHICLE STALLED; POCODE 303 POSSIBLE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR DEFECT. CAR WAS IN MOTION... COULD BE DEAD NOW. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE PARKED, CHARGED $430.00 PLUS TO HAVE THE LOCK COLUMN REPLACED . RICK HENDRICK VOLVO OF CHARLESTON, SC REFUSES TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT IN THE PRICE. 2 1/2 HOURS LABOR CHARGED. THIS IS CRIMINAL THAT A DEALERSHIP WOULD CHARGE THIS AND REFUSE A N ADJUSTMENT. NEVER HAD A CAR'S LOCK COLUMN BREAK... Look up ODI 10884841 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 732912 I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE BRAKE SHOE WAS WORN OUT BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING WITH THE PARK BRAKES ON.I HAVE DRIVEN SEVERAL NEW AUTOMOBILES BEFORE AND THIS ONE AND THIS HAD NEVER HAPPENED.IF THE BRAKES WERE ON HOWCOME ONLY THE RIGHT SIDE WORE OUT AND NOT THE LEFT SIDE?THE BRAKE RELEASE MODULE IS MESSED UP,I THINK.VOLVO CARS OF AMERICA WAS ALSO NOTIFED OF THE PROBLEM,I REQUESTED THAT A SAFETY CHECK BE CONDUCTED AND SINCE THE CAR PART WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY,I SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN CHARGED.I REQUESTED THAT THEY DO A SAFETY CHECK ON THIS VEHICLE… Look up ODI 732912 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 726808 THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS WARPED AT 4000 MILES AND WERE REPLACED AND NEW DISCS WERE INSTALLED. AT 20000 MILES THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN. THE LOCAL DEALER TOLD ME THAT VOLVO IS REPLACING THE REAR BRAKING SYSTEM ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS. PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH EVERYONE . THANKS. *AK Look up ODI 726808 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Steering	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10884841 RUNNING VEHICLE STALLED; POCODE 303 POSSIBLE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR DEFECT. CAR WAS IN MOTION... COULD BE DEAD NOW. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE PARKED, CHARGED $430.00 PLUS TO HAVE THE LOCK COLUMN REPLACED . RICK HENDRICK VOLVO OF CHARLESTON, SC REFUSES TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT IN THE PRICE. 2 1/2 HOURS LABOR CHARGED. THIS IS CRIMINAL THAT A DEALERSHIP WOULD CHARGE THIS AND REFUSE A N ADJUSTMENT. NEVER HAD A CAR'S LOCK COLUMN BREAK... Look up ODI 10884841 at NHTSA ↗
Visibility:Windshield	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 743505 WHILE TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 60 MPH THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR GLASS SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY IMPLODED COMPLETELY INTO THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENTIRE WINDOW SHATTERED AND BLEW ALL TO THE INSIDE OF THE CAB. AT NO TIME DID I SEE ANY ROAD DEBRIS COME UP AT THE WINDOW OR OFF THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. NO VEHICLES WERE ONCOMING OR HAD PASSED ME. I RADIOED TO THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY BEHIND ME AND THEY DID NOT SEE ANY OBJECTS FLY UP OR AT THE WINDOW. THERE WAS NO ONE IN SIGHT IN THE EMPTY FIELDS ALONG SIDE THE HIGHWAY CONSIDERING IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A GUNSH… Look up ODI 743505 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Wheels	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 889321 WAS TRAVELING 70MPH IN 1998, VOLVO, 1998 WHEN LEFT FRONT WHEEL STARTED TO COME OFF. HAD HEARD NOISES PRIOR, AND THEN NOTICED SMOKE. PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD , AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM WHEEL AREA. EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. *AK Look up ODI 889321 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	900 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10002760 · 900 mi THE "CLEAR" PLASTIC RAW RESIN MATERIAL MODERNLY AND CONTEMPORARILY USED IN HEADLAMP SHIELDS/DOORS/LENSES IS FREQUENTLY OF AN INFERIOR GRADE WHICH PROGRESSIVELY CLOUDS OVER TIME AND YIELDS VEHICLES LESS VISIBLE TO OTHERS AND WITH VERY SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED VISIBILITY TO THEIR OPERATORS. NON-CLOUDING PLASTICS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE SINCE THE '40S AND "BRILLIANT" CRYSTAL PLASTICS ARE VERY POPULAR TODAY, BUT DOMESTIC AND IMPORT MANUFACTURERS FREQUENTLY SKRIMP ON COSTS BY USING INFERIOR PLASTICS. I IMAGINE IT IS A UV-DAMAGE PROBLEM. THIS WAS MUCH LE… Look up ODI 10002760 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2000: 2 complaints · 2003: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2000	1	2	2
2003	1	1	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2000	2	0	0
2003	2	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Exterior Lighting	Power Train	Steering
Exterior Lighting	—	0	0
Power Train	0	—	1 ODI 10884841 RUNNING VEHICLE STALLED; POCODE 303 POSSIBLE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR DEFECT. CAR WAS IN MOTION... COULD BE DEAD NOW. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE PARKED, CHARGED $430.00 PLUS TO HAVE THE LOCK COLUMN REPLACED . RICK HENDRICK VOLVO OF CHARLESTON, SC REFUSES TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT IN THE PRICE. 2 1/2 HOURS LABOR CHARGED. THIS IS CRIMINAL THAT A DEALERSHIP WOULD CHARGE THIS AND REFUSE A N ADJUSTMENT. NEVER HAD A CAR'S LOCK COLUMN BREAK... Look up ODI 10884841 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	0	1 ODI 10884841 RUNNING VEHICLE STALLED; POCODE 303 POSSIBLE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR DEFECT. CAR WAS IN MOTION... COULD BE DEAD NOW. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE PARKED, CHARGED $430.00 PLUS TO HAVE THE LOCK COLUMN REPLACED . RICK HENDRICK VOLVO OF CHARLESTON, SC REFUSES TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT IN THE PRICE. 2 1/2 HOURS LABOR CHARGED. THIS IS CRIMINAL THAT A DEALERSHIP WOULD CHARGE THIS AND REFUSE A N ADJUSTMENT. NEVER HAD A CAR'S LOCK COLUMN BREAK... Look up ODI 10884841 at NHTSA ↗	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

2 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 50.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10884841

Look up ODI 10884841 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 50.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10884841

Look up ODI 10884841 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Complaints over time data
Category	Count
2003	1
2016	1