VehicleVerdict

2003 Volvo Wxll problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2003 Volvo Wxll — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work. Reports tied to this model year include one death, per the complaint records themselves.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Wxll years?

Wxll NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted1 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 1 complaints
Wxll NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Wxll years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Volvo Wxll problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1100%

Does the 2003 Volvo Wxll have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V308000TransmissionAugust 22, 2003 · 3,426 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN HEAVY-DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES, THE BODY BUILDER WIRING OPTION WAS MIS-WIRED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE AUTO NEUTRAL WITH SERVICE BRAKE STATUS OPTION MAY ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO GO INTO FORWARD GEAR WITHOUT THE DRIVER'S FOOT PRESSING DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL FIRST.

Consequence

UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE COULD PUT PERSONS IN DANGER INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

VOLVO TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL AIR OPERATED STOP LIGHT SWITCH AND THE NECESSARY WIRING CHANGES. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AT 1-800-528-6586.

03V183000EngineMay 15, 2003 · 120 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS WESTPORT B GAS PLUS OR C GAS PLUS 6 CYLINDER ENGINES, THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION MAY NOT CORRECTLY DETECT A THROTTLE PLATE ACTUATOR FAILURE THAT COULD RESULT IN AN UNCOMMANDED OPEN THROTTLE CONDITION.

Consequence

IF THIS EVENT OCCURS, THE VEHICLE OPERATOR WILL NOT HAVE CONTROL OF THE ENGINE SPEED WHICH COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CUMMINS CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-343-7357 OR VOLVO TRUCK AT 1-800-528-6586.

2003 Volvo Wxll — common questions

Is the 2003 Volvo Wxll reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 Volvo Wxll have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Volvo Wxll. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.