Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Volvo S60 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The problem is when the weather turns cold my car a Volvo 2003 S 60 turn signals do not operate, or if they do turn on sometimes the turn signals won't stop flashing until you turn the ignition off. The head lights also will not turn on at any setting during this time. When the weather turns warm again everything works until the weather turns cold again. It appears to be related to the CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE. It happens every time the weather is cold. It happen very unexpectedly my wife was driving down the road and was almost in an accident. The turn signals switch has already been replaced with a new Volvo turn signal switch.The turn signal still does not work. According to XEMODEX.INC this is a common problem for Volvo's S 60 2001-2010.
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. …
The instrument panel went dead last winter; no lights, no indicators, no instruments, nothing. I recently became aware that this is not an uncommon problem. Just an extremely expensive one. A Volvo technician informed me that the japanese firm that Volvo hired did a poor job and many of the instrument panels have defective soldering and require replacement or have the panel "re-pointed". Apparently, it is less of an issue in moist climates. Volvo will not repair the panel. They will only replace it. I was quoted $1,605.00 plus $157.00 to program it to the car's computer. The technician knew exactly what I was talking about. So, as I said before, this is not a uncommon problem. …
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.
Instrument panel/cluster goes out while driving which means you can't read any of the guages or warnings lights other than if check engine light is on. This imposes a safety risks to me and other traffic on the road. It does this erratically, going out completely and coming back on in time. No fuse problems, they are checked when this issue happens. I have a picture of exactly what happens right before the whole panel goes out.
The dashboard instrument panel and lights go off and come back on whenever. I have had the car for over a year. It was a gift. I just found out tonite from an officer that when the instrument panel and lights are off I have no tail lights. I was wondering if there has ever been a recall. This is very dangerous the date below is it an approximate. I really do not remember the exact date.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Volvo S60. While driving at various speeds, the instrument panel indicator intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that a cable behind the mileage gauge failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 179,000.
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
Instrument cluster not illuminating. I understand this is a common issue with 2003 S60 volvos. Manufacturer needs to recall/repair as this is a significant safety issue when all the instruments go dark and you cannot gauge your speed and gas left in tank
Dash cluster lights and gauges and turn signal indicator shut down and back on intermittently, motor seems to lose power when driving, and rough idle. The dash cluster problem happens while driving and in the park position.
Electrical complaints in other S60 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2003 Volvo S60?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Volvo S60, 45% of the model year's 120 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Volvo S60 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2003 Volvo S60, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Volvo S60 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.