Model year record

2008 Volvo XC70 recalls & problems

The 2008 Volvo XC70 has 8 safety recalls and 39 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is fuel system, gasoline (9 complaints).

Recalls8safety recalls

Complaints39filed by owners

Crashes · fires2 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Seat beltsJun 30, 2020

Front

Recall 20V378000308,260 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: 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.

EquipmentNov 8, 2010

Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system)

Recall 10V566000416 vehicles

Problem: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
Risk: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
Fix: 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.

EquipmentMay 7, 2010

Other › Labels

Recall 10V190000679 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Fix: 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.

Engine and engine coolingJun 12, 2009

Cooling system › Fan

Recall 09V21800017,614 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

Electrical systemApr 29, 2009

Software

Recall 09V13900012,303 vehicles

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

EquipmentJan 28, 2008

Other › Labels

Recall 08V0320001,900 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

EquipmentDec 13, 2007

Other › Labels

Recall 07V5660001,695 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

Air bagsOct 26, 2007

Frontal

Recall 07V5000001,601 vehicles

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

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2008 Volvo XC70 4-DR. Wagon w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

XC70 AWD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,850/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Typical mileage*
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly	9	0	0	25,750 mi
Air bags	4	0	0	63,627 mi
Electrical system	4	0	0	59,313 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	4	1	0	65,000 mi
Engine	4	0	1	112,500 mi
TiresPressure monitoring and regulating systems; Valve	3	0	0	—
Service brakes	3	1	0	—
Unknown or other	3	0	0	—
Visibility/wiper	3	0	0	—
Engine and engine cooling	2	0	0	—
Exterior lighting	2	0	0	—
Vehicle speed control	2	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
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 was approximately 200,400.
Apr 20, 2024 · 200,400 miles
Visibility/wiper
I have noticed water leaking into the inside of my windshield and also noticed that the front and rear carpets are damp and the car is developing a musty smell. Upon closer inspection it appears that the top of the windshield is unbonded from the frame and moves outward when pressure is applied against it. This is a serious safety concern as the windshield is a structural component of the vehicle and the integrity of the vehicle with an unbonded windshield compromises the vehicle safety. Beyond that structural concern, the inside windshield fogs us consistently causing impaired visibility while driving, especially in the rain.
Mar 25, 2023
Power train
The contact owns a 2008 Volvo XC70. The contact stated that while her husband was leaving a restaurant drive-thru, the vehicle lost motive power without warning while entering the main street. The driver was waiting for a tow truck to tow the vehicle from the scene. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V218000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Sep 7, 2021 · 120,000 miles
Exterior lighting
1. Low beam headlights failed - both at the same time, resulting in high beam only driving at night. Units available for inspection. 2. Yes. No low beam headlights. Upon inspection of wiring, during replacement of low beams, headlight wiring insulation found to be flaking off, exposing bare wiring. 3. Unknown. Found no information in Google search. Plenty of information on others having same issue, in Volvo forums online. Last search regarding this problem brought me to NHTSA website, to look on a recall about this issue, then to this form submission. 4. No. This is the first time I've been exposed to the problem. This is the first case personally, where a vehicle has suffered a loss of…
Jul 29, 2021
EngineFire
MY 2008 VOLVOS ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS SHOPPING , THE ENGINE IS COMPLETELY DESTROYED SO IT IS TOTALED.
Aug 6, 2020 · 125,000 miles
Visibility/wiper
AFTER GETTING A CAR WASH (ON A TRACK, IN NEUTRAL) THE WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE LEAKS, AND IT ALSO DOES THE SAME THING IN MY 2010 XC60.
Mar 13, 2020 · 191,050 miles
Electrical system
THE PROBLEMS INCLUDE DOOR LATCHES QUIT WORKING AND UNABLE TO SECURE DOORS WHEN VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, DOORS COULD LATCH BUT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE THE LOCKS WOULD NOT ENGAGE AND UNABLE TO DRIVE OR LEAVE THE VEHICLE IF THE DOORS ARE UNABLE TO ENGAGE. THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE MIRRORS FALLING/FLYING OFF THE MOUNT WHILE IN MOTION AND THEN SHATTERING ON THE ROAD WAY. WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY THE REAR DOOR NOT CATCHING WHEN FULLY OPEN AND AUTOMATICALLY CLOSES IN RAPID MOTION. THE AM RADIO TRANSMISSION/RECEPTION MOTOR STOPPING,
Feb 8, 2020 · 198,000 miles
Engine
HAVE HAD MULTIPLE OVERHEATING INCIDENTS WHILE DRIVING, WHICH COINCIDED WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPPING WORKING. I THINK LEARNED OF VOLVO RECALL #09V218000 WHICH DESCRIBES EXACTLY THE FAILURE I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING. I CONTACTED VOLVO CUSTOMER SERVICE, BUT THEY CLAIM THAT MY VIN DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE VEHICLES RECALLED. THE REFERENCED ABOVE WAS FOR 17,614 2008-2009 XC70, S80, AND V70 VEHICLES. EVIDENTLY WAS RELATED TO A SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING ERROR IN THE FAN CONTROL MODULE, AND THE DEFECT CORRECTIVE ACTION WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACING THE FCM. VOLVO TOLD ME THAT THEY WILL NOT ASSIST WITH THIS EFFORT, EVEN THOUGH IT'S A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE EFFECTED BY THE RECALL, BUT APPARENTLY NOT MY…
Jun 1, 2019 · 160,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.