VehicleVerdict

2008 Volvo XC70 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 54 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median XC70 year — the 2008 model ranks #3 of 16 XC70 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (13), electrical system (6), and engine (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

54

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other XC70 years?

XC70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted118 complaints2001: 77 complaints2002: 46 complaints2003: 28 complaints2004: 118 complaints2005: 31 complaints2006: 22 complaints2007: 37 complaints2008: 54 complaints2009: 20 complaints2010: 17 complaints2011: 18 complaints2012: 17 complaints2013: 9 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 9 complaints2016: 7 complaints
XC70 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XC70 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Volvo XC70 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1324%
Electrical System611%
Engine611%
Tires & Wheels59%
Visibility & Wipers59%
Airbags47%
Other36%
Brakes36%
Speed Control24%
Lighting24%
Body & Structure12%
Transmission12%
Seat Belts12%
Suspension12%
Steering12%

Does the 2008 Volvo XC70 have recalls?

8 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.

10V190000OtherMay 7, 2010 · 679 units

Defect

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 XC70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 5, 2006 THROUGH OCTOBER 1, 2009 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE FMVSS LABEL, TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AND A PAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL CONTAIN INCORRECT MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE INFLATION PRESSURE ACCORDING TO FMVSS 110.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy

THE CORRECTIVE ACTION IS TO UPDATE THE VEHICLES WITH A NEW FMVSS LABEL, TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AND TPMS SOFTWARE. VOLVO RETAILERS WILL ALSO APPLY A LABEL WITH CORRECT MAXIMUM TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

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.

09V139000Electrical SystemApril 29, 2009 · 12,303 units

Defect

VOLVO IS RECALLING 12,303 MY 2007-2008 S80 AND V70 VEHICLES. THE DIAGNOSTIC SOFTWARE IN THE CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE (CEM) MAY CAUSE A MALFUNCTION OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FUNCTIONALITY. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY NOT OPERATE WHEN ACTIVATED; OR IN CERTAIN CASES THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY ACTIVATE WHEN NOT SWITCHED ON.

Consequence

OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS WITHOUT FUNCTIONING WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CEM AND UPGRADE THE SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 15, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE CENTER AT 1-800-458-1552, OR CUSTOMERCARE@VOLVOFORLIFE.COM.

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.

07V566000OtherDecember 13, 2007 · 1,695 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THE WHEEL INFORMATION LABEL LOCATED ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PILLAR WAS PRINTED MISSING THE WHEEL SIZE (RIM) INFORMATION.

Consequence

THE PURPOSE OF THIS STANDARD IS TO PROVIDE SAFE OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE BY ENSURING THAT VEHICLES TO WHICH IT APPLIES ARE EQUIPPED WITH TIRES OF ADEQUATE SIZE AND LOAD RATING AND WITH RIMS OF APPROPRIATE SIZE AND TYPE DESIGNATION.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECT CERTIFICATION LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. IF THE OWNER PREFERS, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 31, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.

07V500000AirbagsOctober 26, 2007 · 1,601 units

Defect

IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, TWO SOFTWARE ERRORS HAVE BEEN FOUND IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) CONTROL UNIT SOFTWARE. THIS MAY RESULT IN A LATE DEPLOYMENT OF THE INFLATABLE CURTAIN (IC) AND SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION SYSTEM (SIPS) AIR BAGS IN CERTAIN SIDE IMPACT CRASH SITUATIONS. IN ADDITION, THIS SOFTWARE ERROR MAY ALSO CAUSE THE 'SRS AIRBAG - SERVICE URGENT' MESSAGE AND SRS WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE.

Consequence

LATE DEPLOYMENTOF THE IC AND SIPS AIR BAGS IN CERTAIN SIDE IMPACT CRASH SITUATIONS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL PERFORM A SOFTWARE UPGRADE OF THE SRS CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 31, 2007. 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.

“MY 2008 VOLVO XC70 SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED AS I PREPARED TO PARK. THIS HAPPENED ON TWO OCCASIONS SO FAR, AND I AM FRIGHTENED TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL AGAIN. THE EXPERIENCE IN BOTH CASES WAS ALMOST IDENTICAL. THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD SUDDENLY AS I SLOWED THE CAR TO PARK IT. IN BOTH CASES, MY FOOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 3, 2012 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEREO FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AM STATION FAILED TO ACTIVATE AND BECAME CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY BECAUSE HE WAS UNABLE TO RECEIVE SAFETY ALERTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 15, 2012

“MY VOLVO'S ENGINE STARTED TO SPUTTER THEN DIED AND LOST ALL POWER. THIS OCCURRED IN SECONDS AND LEFT MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND I IN A VERY DANGEROUS, POTENTIALLY DEADLY TRAFFIC SITUATION. MY GAS GAUGE READ 150 MILES WORTH OF GAS LEFT IN GAS TANK. THE VOLVO WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 4, 2009

“The contact owns a 2008 Volvo XC70. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof fractured without impact. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · April 20, 2024

“ ON OR ABOUT THE ABOVE CAPTION DATE. WHILE TRAVELING NORTH ON ST RT 219 (WEST SENECA NY) I INDICATOR ON THE CAR NOT LOW TIRE PRESSURE. WITHIN 1 MINUTE OF THIS NOTICE THE LEFT REAR TIRE OF THE CAR BLEW. UPON REPAIR IT WAS NOTED BY THE FACILITY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILER WAS THE TPMS SENSOR HAD CORRODED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 8, 2013 · crash

2008 Volvo XC70 — common questions

Is the 2008 Volvo XC70 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 54 complaints put the 2008 model at #3 of 16 XC70 years. It is one of the XC70 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 XC70 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (13 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), engine (6 complaints).

Does the 2008 Volvo XC70 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Volvo XC70. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo XC70 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XC70 years to avoid are 2004, 2001, 2008, 2002, 2007. The cleanest record among XC70 years belongs to 2014.

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.