Volvo XC90 Recall R/2003/171: Possible Unintentional Operation Of ABS, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 30 Oct 2003
- Launched
- 429
- vehicles in the UK
- R53063
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Volvo recalled XC90 vehicles. At certain temperatures (room temp or below) that the front wheel speed sensors can send faulty signals to a number of control units. The dealer will replace both front wheel sensors with modified type. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
At certain temperatures (room temp or below) that the front wheel speed sensors can send faulty signals to a number of control units. It is possible that under braking the ABS could be activated when not needed and the ABS light will be illuminated.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POSSIBLE UNINTENTIONAL OPERATION OF ABS Defect: There is a possibility that at certain temperatures (room temp or below) that the front wheel speed sensors can send faulty signals to a number of control units. It is possible that under braking the ABS could be activated when not needed and the ABS light will be illuminated. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and replace both front wheel sensors with modified type.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: possible unintentional operation of ABS.
The Fix
The dealer will replace both front wheel sensors with modified type.
Are You Affected?
XC90 may be included. Volvo estimates 429 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Volvo, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Volvo.
- Book with any franchised Volvo dealer, quoting the campaign code R53063 or the DVSA reference R/2003/171. See how to get a Volvo recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XC90Front seat belts | Urgent | R/2025/517 | |
| C40, S90, V60, V90 and 3 moreSafety Notice | Urgent | R/2025/211 | |
| S60, S90, V60, V90 and 2 moreCell Modules | Urgent | R/2025/117 | |
| S60, S90, V60, V90 and 3 morePush Road | Urgent | R/2024/446 | |
| XC60, XC90Seat and seat belt torque | Urgent | R/2024/124 |
This is one of 175 Volvo recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volvo recall launched before it was R/2003/167 on 24 Oct 2003, for possible incorrect fitting of seat belt attachments. The one launched after it was R/2003/173 on 17 Nov 2003, for possible fuel leak. You can also see every Volvo recall, the Volvo XC90 recall history, all recalls launched in 2003 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2003/171, launched 30 October 2003. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.