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2003 Volvo S60 electrical complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 54, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2003 Volvo S60 electrical problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Feb 16, 2016 · Electrical · 165,000 miles · IN

While driving my 2003 volvo s60, the dash instrument panel suddenly lost all power w/the gauges/display all stopping. Then it would return and keep working. Then it would do it a different time, continuing in this cycle - randomly shutting off completely so I had no gauges, warning lights, turn signal lights, etc. Just a large black area where the instrument panel is. This was especially concerning at night when I would just randomly loose the display while driving on the highway. I contacted volvo and they said this is a known problem w/their vehicles (and is also confirmed when looking online for others who have had the same problem). The repair is not covered under any sort of safety recall, and is very expensive. For a mfg whose cars are touted as being very safe, having the instrument panel suddenly stop working so no idea of speed nor any gauges/warning lights are available while driving is clearly not in-line w/safe driving. No other car I've owned has ever had this known problem, especially w/a part not prone to wear & tear like other parts typically are in a car.

Filed Oct 22, 2015 · Acceleration, Electrical · 56,000 miles · IN

Transmission shifting problems oil leaks.

Filed Aug 31, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 170,000 miles · AL

I am surprised there has not been a recall issued for certain model year volvos relative to the center dash module losing all communication apparently due to failed solder connections (based on chat-rooms, volvo specific). I understand components can fail, but the sheer number of failures and the failure mode is beyond typical or expected failures. The failure mode causes most or all dash gauges, indicators and lights to fail, including the speedometer. These failures apparently occur randomly, and at any age/mileage.

Filed Jun 16, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 129,091 miles · IN

While driving home after having steering rack replaced the dash lights (speedometer, turn signals, message center, etc.) went completely out. After multiple drives the dash lights go on and off intermittently while driving.

Filed Jan 20, 2015 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volvo s60. The contact stated that the entire instrument panel gradually became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 4/20/15

Filed Dec 11, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 153,000 miles · NY

Driving car lights on dash board went completely off. Took it to shop they tap it and dash came on again, change fuse . Lights went off again and stayed off.

Filed Oct 10, 2014 · Electrical · 124,570 miles · WI

The entire gauge cluster turns off and on when the vehicle is traveling down the road. This is a wide spread problem thats well documented by the volvo community. The issue is a poorly soldered circuit board on the dim.

Filed Jul 12, 2014 · Electrical · 148,000 miles · VA

Vehicle driver information module (dim) stopped working while vehicle was traveling on the road at approximately 45 miles per hour.

Filed Jun 20, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 130,000 miles · CA

I started my car and where it tells you if something needs to be done to car it said airbag warning urgent service needed. Then later while driving all the gauges stopped working. Now the gauges don't work at all. Plus when driving and turning a corner the car stalls now this has been happening for a couple years now. Plus a couple years ago all my head lights burnt out at once then they only lasted a couple days had to buy more that happened 5 times in one year still have no brights.

Filed May 29, 2014 · Electrical · LA

Dashboard went dead while driving. Gas meter, RPM, everything went dead. The dash lights later came on for a while, but the speedometer went back to 40 MPH. Nothing works properly.

Filed Jul 15, 2013 · Electrical · 45,023 miles · IL

Clock started rotating numbers.. And not stop. Then instrument dash information stopped. No dash lights, speed, gas, warnings. All off. When I can see dash. Once a month, maybe....it says air bags need checking, check engine. I am concerned that the air bags will not work if an accident occurs. And if I were to be able to afford the repair, then will I have to pay to check air bags? Engine? What if a fire did occur... How would I know? Dealer states $ 1700 to repair. It is safety issue for speed limit, air bag deployment if an accident occurs, fuel consumption. Can't see mileage for this complaint! Dash not working... Engine mounts shot. Seat warmer broke first year. Needed replacement. The electrical harness in this car is shot, broke, not correct. Too many complaints entered for this to not be a recall. Please, please help!

Filed Jun 26, 2013 · Electrical · 138,000 miles · CT

Lost instrument panel while driving. All gauges not working. It happened while driving.

Filed Jun 26, 2013 · Body, Electrical · OH

The dashboard has a fault in it, possibly a short or some other electrical fault the problem has been intermittent. But, only recently has become rather acute. Lights and gauges go on and off. Problem has adversely affected the SRS airbag system to the point that it is no longer functions and requires resetting; apparently. I am filing this complaint because since doing my research, there have been numerous incidents being reported on the internet. Considering the large number of issues/complaints I have seen about this issue, the problem with my car is apparently not an isolated incident. Repair for such appears to be in the $1,500.00 to $2,000.00 range.

Filed Apr 23, 2013 · Airbags, Electrical · 183,000 miles · NJ

My 2003 s60 volvo has failed it all started with the radio flickering to different stations.I noticed from than my lights started blinking on and off I has no idea what was going on with this car I seriously almost got into in accident I pulled over and turned the car off 5mins after I started it up now all the guages where down eve fuel was pass empty I was terrified that my car would shut off I had my 7 year old in the car as I was carefully was driving home the guages starting moving all over the place radio switching from left to right the msg window said sea bag service soon iam very scare of my safety jus bought this car on feb 12/2013.

Filed Mar 26, 2013 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 100,520 miles · MD

The dash information system will randomly go blank and display SRS failure. Along with all information lights start blinking on and off. The analog gauge like the speedometer and fuel gauge will go to "0" or just move eratically to any number or position while driving. At night the entire information center go blank the clock and the mileage(no lights at all).

Filed Feb 27, 2013 · Electrical · 125,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volvo s60. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, she was informed that the turn signals had failed. The contact also mentioned that the clock failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the instrument panel module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the instrument panel module. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 125,000.

Filed Feb 26, 2013 · Electrical · 124,000 miles · MI

While driving the dash (not the radio, or other electrical components) went out-completely blank. I lost, the tac, the speedometer/odometer, engine gauge and gas gauge. This problem has continued intermittently and I can not relate it to a given speed or weather. Not knowing your speed is a safety issue and at night it's odd to be driving a car w/out an illuminated dash/controls. I do have an SRS code-service immediately. When I was last at the dealer they had "never heard of this issue" and would have to charge me diagnostic fees. Online research shows this to be a common problem and a new dim ($1200) can fix the problem. This is a safety issue and there are too many complaints posted online for this to be a little problem. What is the r/1000 (repair per thousand vehicles)?

Filed Nov 28, 2012 · Electrical · 82,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volvo s60. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the instrument panel failed and the gauges stopped functioning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 82,000 and the current mileage was 82,300.

Filed Nov 19, 2012 · Electrical · 38,000 miles · NV

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volvo s60. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle began to decelerate independently to approximately 5 MPH. The contact stopped the vehicle on the shoulder and shut the engine off. After restarting, the contact was able to drive normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three times for diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The third time the vehicle was taken to the dealer, the technician replaced the ECM. The failure continued after the repair. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the turbo was replaced but to no avail. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.

Filed Nov 1, 2012 · Airbags, Brakes · 48,672 miles · SC

The dash information sytem will randomly go blank and display SRS and brake failure, along with all information lights blinking on and off. Also the analog gauges like the speedometer and fuel gauge will go to "0" and empty or just move eratically to any number or position while driving. At night sometimes the entire dash or information center will go black (no lights at all) and on odd occasions one headlight may go out and come back on.

Filed Oct 8, 2012 · Electrical · 140,000 miles · IN

Dashboard instrument cluster going on and off-had it tested several times-stays off--no gauges or lighting-this is a common problem with all volvos and I am thinking it is a safety issue-and why had it not been recalled yet?? This is a repair that I have to fix-as it is almost 1500 dollars---volvo forums has several hundred people complaining of this--before I get repair I am wondering if volvo should contribute---

Filed Aug 11, 2012 · Airbags, Electrical · 94,000 miles · WA

While driving out of a parking lot and accelerating to 35 MPH, entire dashboard blacked out. No speedometer, no odometer, no gas gauge,no message. Radio, windows, and air conditioning continued to work normally, as did headlights, interior lights, and turn signals. I turned off engine and then restarted car. Same symptoms. The third time I restarted car I received message on panel, SRS/airbag service urgent light comes on and stays on. I could not retrieve any other information regarding average speed, how full gas tank is, etc. I just went out to my car, which has been parked for about 21/2 hours since the incident, to get the mileage for this report and panel lights have disappeared again! I will get car to mechanic tomorrow, but I feel this is a very dangerous situation to be in,and especially with night time or high speed highway driving! My mileage is approximately 94,000 miles. I could not get a reading from my odometer as the panel is blacked out again!

Filed Aug 9, 2012 · Electrical · 125,000 miles · CO

The entire instrument panel went dead, and will not come back to life. The tachometer, odometer, speedometer and fuel gauge are off as though the car is off. Several mechanics have quoted me $1200+ to replace the entire instrument panel. The instruments went dead while I was on the interstate and leave me without the information I need to safely drive. Volvo should recall these vehicles and replace the faulty parts, there a quite a few forums on the internet where other volvo drivers have the same instrument failure.

Filed Apr 24, 2012 · Electrical · 83,000 miles · VT

Vehicle began displaying conflicting speed information, along with intermittent warning lamps. Speedometer froze at current speed during deceleration, then gauges began to flutter side to side.

Filed Apr 10, 2012 · Electrical · VA

Since about three months after I got my car in 2010 the entire dashboard system does not work. The gauges do not move or turn on whatsoever and the lights do not come on. I have looked on volvo forums and it says that the motorolla chip in the dashboard is defective in all of the 2001-2003 models. It is rather scary in my opinion never knowing how much gas I have or how fast I am going.

Filed Apr 1, 2012 · Electrical · 72,000 miles · CA

1) electric reading of dashboard goes completely dark. Unable to determine speed, fuel, engine temperature, ect. Urgent air bag warning light went on prior to it going dark. Car skips gears and revs when gas pedal is pressed. 2) radiator cooling fan keeps running when connected even when vehicle is turned off. It never turns off until battery is drained. Replaced entire unit as well as battery and still has the same problem. Volvo repair stated they never had an issue like this and issue maybe connected to failed electrical system.

Filed Mar 15, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 143,600 miles · CA

Car experiences loss of power, stalling, sputtering and hesitation when gas pedal is pressed down. San luis obispo smith volvo authorized dealer could not find any codes to explain this. Checked timing sensors, fuel pressure, RPM cam signals, eth system, air flow meter, map sensor. All checked out ok, dealer said all signs point to eta failing. Car stalls and loses power abruptly, I do not feel safe driving it anymore. There is a recall for models up to 2002, this 2003 s60 non turbo manual seems to exhibit the flaws of electronic throttle failure.

Filed Feb 7, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · PA

I am the owner of a 2003 volvo s60, this vehicle has been a headache for some time now. The first issue started with the headlights blowing out. I have had the car since 2008 and the lights have blown out atleast 10x's. The 2nd major issue I'm having with the vehicle is the car completely shuts down without warning when making a turn or sometimes sitting idle at a red light. Of course when the car is hooked up to a diagnostic machine there are no error codes and since this issue happens without warning it never happens when a service tech is with me. Lastly, two days ago I started my vehicle and the entire dash completely blacked out. None of the gauges are operable. I cannot see whether I have fuel or not in it. I feel that the manufacturer of this vehicle should be help responsible for these issues. I have read many complaints, and there were many volvo owners who have had the same exact problems I have been experiencing. There needs to be a re-call so that the consumers who have paid several diagnostic fees and repairs fees get reimbursed for the faulty products or parts being used to build these vehicles.

Filed Feb 4, 2012 · Electrical · 102,332 miles · NY

My instrument cluster has been malfunctioning until it went completely blank, occasionally it will light up, this is a safety concern since unable to see speedometer or vehicle fault lights.

Filed Jul 10, 2011 · Body, Electrical · 70,000 miles · CT

2003 volvo s60 aw dashboard failure. I understand from talking with auto mechanics this is a common problem and is also recognized by auto electrical repair sites. This extremely dangerous with this loss of equipment.

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