2008 Volvo V70 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 2008 Volvo V70 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other V70 years?

V70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all V70 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Volvo V70 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	6	46%	▲ up
Engine	4	31%	▲ up
Lighting	1	8%	— flat
Other	1	8%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	1	8%	— flat

Does the 2008 Volvo V70 have recalls?

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

20V378000Seat BeltsJune 30, 2020 · 308,260 units

Defect

Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.

Consequence

An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.

10V566000Electrical SystemNovember 8, 2010 · 416 units

Defect

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

Consequence

AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy

VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.

09V218000EngineJune 12, 2009 · 17,614 units

Defect

VOLVO IS RECALLING 17,614 MY 2008-2009 S80, V70, AND XC70 VEHICLES. THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MAY STOP WORKING DUE TO A SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING ERROR IN THE FAN CONTROL MODULE (FCM). DEPENDING ON DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE CUSTOMER MAY EXPERIENCE REDUCED AIR CONDITIONING PERFORMANCE, AND/OR RAPID INCREASE IN ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE.

Consequence

THIS SITUATION MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF COOLING SYSTEM FUNCTION AND ENGINE FAILURE. THE DRIVER MAY NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT TIME TO REACT TO THE WARNING LIGHT(S) OR THE TEXT MESSAGE IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE CENTER AT 1-800-458-1552.

08V032000OtherJanuary 28, 2008 · 1,900 units

Defect

CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR INTEGRATED BOOSTER SEATS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE LABELING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 213, "CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS." LABELS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE MISSING WARNING INFORMATION INDICATING THAT 'DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR' IF THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT FOLLOWED WHEN USING CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS.

Consequence

THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS USED IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT FOR THE PURPOSE OF REDUCING THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN KILLED OR INJURED IN MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES AND IN AIRCRAFT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LABEL WITH THE CORRECT WARNING INFORMATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 20, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TODAY I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE THAT MY LOW BEAM WAS OUT. I STOPPED IN THE AUTO PARTS STORE AND BOUGHT THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM REPLACEMENT BULB. WHEN I WENT TO DISASSEMBLE IT I NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS BURNT. I'M GOING TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS BUT THIS IS VERY CONCERNING.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 12, 2019 · fire

“TAKATA RECALL: A RECALL FAILURE OCCURRED MAY 1, 2017 ON A FAN CONTROL MODULE THAT WAS INSTALLED ON 7/22/2009-RCALL NUMBER 214. . THE RECALL WAS DONE BUT NOW THE RECALL PART HAS FAILED AGAIN. DEALERSHIP IS NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR IT AGAIN..”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 1, 2017

“TODAY I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE THAT MY LOW BEAM WAS OUT. I STOPPED IN THE AUTO PARTS STORE AND BOUGHT THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM REPLACEMENT BULB. WHEN I WENT TO DISASSEMBLE IT I NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS BURNT. I'M GOING TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS BUT THIS IS VERY CONCERNING.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 12, 2019 · fire

“Sunroof exploded while mechanic was driving the vehicle. Fortunately, sunroof visor was closed, so only minor amount of glass entered the vehicle, and no injury from the explosion or glass. There was no inspection by manufacturer or police, as not needed, also no warning lights, etc.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 14, 2023

“225/55R 95H On the highway in center lane going 70mph. Car was starting to shake and then heard loud noise coming from the back. Next thing the tire blew. Tread ripped off the bumper, side rear panel, taillight and trim under the door. We were lucky to be able to pull over to the shoulder. We had…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 20, 2024

2008 Volvo V70 — common questions

Is the 2008 Volvo V70 reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2008 V70 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (6 complaints), engine (4 complaints), tires & wheels (1 complaints).

Does the 2008 Volvo V70 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Volvo V70. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo V70 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the V70 years to avoid are 2001, 1998, 1999, 2004, 2000, 2002, 2003. The cleanest record among V70 years belongs to 2016.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2008 compare to other V70 years?

What are the most common 2008 Volvo V70 problems?

Does the 2008 Volvo V70 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2008 Volvo V70 — common questions

Is the 2008 Volvo V70 reliable?

What are the most common 2008 V70 problems?

Does the 2008 Volvo V70 have recalls?

Which Volvo V70 years should you avoid?

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