Skeletons in 2003 XC's Closet?

[Awful1999XC]

Hello,
I may be trading in my 1999 XC for a 2003 XC.

Are there skeletons in 2003 XC's closest as there are for the previous generation XC and early current generation? For early current generation, the infamous ETM.

My current impression is, other than maintenance, there really are none to be concerned with.

Thanks in advance for your time, effort and sharing of useful information.

[John@CdnRockies]

The only one which comes to mind are wheel bearings. We have about 80,000 km's on our rig under fairly harsh driving conditions and that has been the only problem. It was covered under warranty so I don't have anything negative to report. The AWD mechanism has been rock solid and the ETM is now covered under an extended warranty.

John

[Awful1999XC]

ETM now covered by an extended warranty? Dude, what in tarnation are you talking about!

From what I understand, model year 2002 1/2 and newer have a Bosch ETM with no failures reported.

I checked NHTSA for any complaints in regards to the infamous ETM and there have been none filed.

However, I did see one complaint for failed bearings, thereby supporting your post.

[Art]

You may also want to keep an eye on the front and rear stabilizer links as the failure of this item has been one of the favourite topics of discussion in the forums. From what I understand, Volvo has yet to come up with a new and improved replacement. Thankfully, the links are relatively inexpensive compared to new wheel hubs.

[Awful1999XC]

What's the low down on the Bosch ETM?

So far:
* stabilizer links
* wheel hubs

Anything else?

[gary]

I have an '03 with about 44K miles on it and you'll get no complaints from me. The car has been mechanically sound and I think your current impression is correct.

[Awful1999XC]

Can anyone share the 2003 XC maintenance/repair history?

[XCSwedie]

2004 XC here w/ close to 60k

The Pirelli tires are not that good. The sway bar end links are weak (replaced at 50k).

Other than that, nothing major (rubber strippping fell off on trunklid.)

[Awful1999XC]

For those who have replied, thanks for sharing.

If you're reading this and have a 2003/2004, feel free to share.

[morson1]

2003 XC70 with 50000km on the meter.

So far following is done

Swaybar links front
Steering inner rod with joint both sides
Rear hatch lock
Rear brake discs and pads
Rear wheel hubs
Front lower ball joints
Removal of gearbox (manual trans) to change grease on outgoing axle

And numerous things done trying to get rid of vibrations in car, none helped:
Weight placed in steering wheel, trying to "hide" the vibrations
Bushings in subframe exchanged for stiffer ones
Upper engine mount exchanged
And so on...

[Willy]

I am curious about the vibrations, is your car a petrol or diesel type?
Willy

[Awful1999XC]

Vibrations:
? Driveshaft Balanced
? Rotors

Just a couple of thoughts...

[Awful1999XC]

Please keep the feedback coming.

Many thanks...

[morson1]

I am curious about the vibrations, is your car a petrol or diesel type?
Willy

It´s a petrol one, manual trans...

No driveshaft balanced and no rotors.. The car is out of warranty now, and right now I definately don´t have any more cash to spend on it, so I just drive it, and curse Volvo every mile, for not making the 240 anymore.. :mad:

I might add, that some months ago I visited a dealer and had a test run in a completely new XC70, 7 miles on the meter, and it had the same vibrations. Ooh was I surprised! Maybe I´m too sensitive?? For example, holding one hand on the headrest of the passenger seat in speeds like 50mph and feeling vibrations, is it supposed to be like that?

[Willy]

My car doesn't vibrate at all, what you descibe sounds abnormal to me.
In your list of efforts to cure the vibrations, I don't see anything about the tyres. May I assume they have been balanced? Does your car and the newer one you tried have the same tyres?
Willy

[Jake529]

My car has these issues

1. Needs another wheel bearing replaced
2. Radiator is leaking
3. ABS TRAC control light comes on and off.
4. Car starts then dies this happens every other day or so...
5. Rear hatch closes when it wants too...
6. Radio is acting funny...

Going to the Lincoln dealer to order a 06 Town Car before the cut off in a couple of days.

Jake

I would excpect more from a car, only 179k.

[philosophicaldreamer]

My car has these issues

1. Needs another wheel bearing replaced
2. Radiator is leaking
3. ABS TRAC control light comes on and off.
4. Car starts then dies this happens every other day or so...
5. Rear hatch closes when it wants too...
6. Radio is acting funny...

Going to the Lincoln dealer to order a 06 Town Car before the cut off in a couple of days.

Jake

I would excpect more from a car, only 179k.

I think that we need to be somewhat realistic: Any car that has been driven 180K miles will have problems.

Ta-ta, j.

[redwagon04]

2003 XC70 with 50000km on the meter.

So far following is done

Swaybar links front
Steering inner rod with joint both sides
Rear hatch lock
Rear brake discs and pads
Rear wheel hubs
Front lower ball joints
Removal of gearbox (manual trans) to change grease on outgoing axle

And so on...

I have a 2004 w/39K miles...all done under warranty:

Rear hatch lock replaced
Fuel filler door solenoid (door would not open)
Tie Rod end
Drive shaft squeal in slush
Radio
Key fob
Headlight assembly (could not adjust lights)

[morson1]

My car doesn't vibrate at all, what you descibe sounds abnormal to me.
In your list of efforts to cure the vibrations, I don't see anything about the tyres. May I assume they have been balanced? Does your car and the newer one you tried have the same tyres?
Willy

The wheels have been balanced a total of three times each.. And yes, the new car also had the Pirelli Scorpions..

[Willy]

The Scorpions have been the subject of many debates, you may do a search on the topic. I didn't like them at all, mostly because of noise but they also induced (some) vibrations at specific speeds. I think it may have to do with the (coarser) profile of these tyres. However, I can't remember that the vibrations were as severe as you described.
I do know that tyres can "transform" a car!
Willy

[gregorc73]

I have a jan-2003 from new, now with 100,000kms+. No issues other than a gear box solenoid replaced under warranty & front rotors replaced at 90,000kms. Great reliable car, still drives like new. Good luck.

[Awful1999XC]

4. Car starts then dies this happens every other day or so...

Have you had this checked out?
I can think of two possibilities:
1) Antenna ring
2) An electronic device on your keychain conflicting (pissing off) with the immbolizer
3) Bosch ETM getting ready to crap


I'm thinking is might be 1 or 2.

[Jake529]

The ETM was replaced by the other owner at 75K.... I think that my garage door remote is causing the issue.... I am going to take it off for a while and see if it does it...

Thanks

Joliet Jake
Nashua

[Jake529]

I don't think so.. When I got this car from the dealer, the poor suckers that bought this thing new in 00 paid some serious money to get that car to go to 120K. Come on. The parts that those idiots put on the car should be better than what they pulled off. RIGHT??? Oh yea and I am married to Cybill Shepherd the way she looked in the Last Picture Show.......

[Awful1999XC]

Jake, the ETM in your 2003 was replaced at 75K? As you may agree, that part should never need replacing.

WHO ELSE HAS HAD THERE ETM REPLACED IN A 2003 + MODEL YEAR XC?

I checked NHTSA for the following model years: 2003, 2004, and 2005. In 2005, there were two complaints for ETM failures, however. One of the complaints was for 2001 (probably filed in 2005) and the other stated they had to pay (50000 plus miles in about 2 years is high and thus I suspect the year is not correct and again filed in 2005).

[Awful1999XC]

So far:
* stabilizer links
* wheel hubs
* Some electronic issues: a bad electronic device module sending corrupt data on the CANBUS (I've heard the same thing from a Sales Manager)--looks like cars, in general, should come with an electronics warranty now
* ETM has been mentioned a few times, but no further postings of an actual failure

Anything else?

[pbear95]

If you have ruled out tire balancing & wheel bearings, I would check your drive shaft bearings. When they start to go you can get a vibration when starting and a harmonic hum at hwy speed.