2008 Volvo V70: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Volvo V70: 4 recalls, 11 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.

Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Vehicle recall #08V032000 · 2008 · 1,900 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will install a new label with the correct warning information. The recall began on February 20, 2008.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #09V218000 · 2009 · 17,614 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fan control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2009.
Equipment Vehicle recall #10V566000 · 2010 · 416 vehicles
What's wrong:
Why it matters: An overheated battery could lead to a fire.
The 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…
Seat belts Vehicle recall #20V378000 · 2020 · 308,260 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (6): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (2), electrical failure (2).
- Engine (3): the most common themes are overheating (2).
- Engine & cooling (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Exterior lights (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2008 Volvo V70 has 11 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 21 V70 model years for complaints (well below the 44 average). Complaints peaked in 2019 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 115,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (7 complaints, 2 recalls), 2009 (4 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Volvo V70.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Volvo V70 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Volvo V70. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 Volvo V70 problems?
Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (6), engine (3), engine & cooling (1).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Volvo V70 get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.2 L, Automatic (S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Volvo V70 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.