2008 Volvo XC70: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Volvo XC70: 8 recalls, 39 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.

Recalls
8 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #07V500000 · 2007 · 1,601 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Late deploymentof the ic and sips air bags in certain side impact crash situations could increase the risk of injury to the vehicle occupant.
The fix: Dealers will perform a software upgrade of the SRS control unit. The recall began on October 31, 2007.
Equipment Vehicle recall #07V566000 · 2007 · 1,695 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #09V139000 · 2009 · 12,303 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Operating a motor vehicle during inclement weather conditions without functioning windshield wipers can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the cem and upgrade the software free of charge. The recall began on May 15, 2009.
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 #10V190000 · 2010 · 679 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
The 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…
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
- Fuel system (9): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), warning light on (2).
- Airbags (4): the most common themes are warning light on (3).
- Electrical (4): the most common themes are electrical failure (2), door / lock issues (2).
- Fuel & propulsion (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2008 Volvo XC70 has 39 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 16 XC70 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 26). Complaints peaked in 2012 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 71,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (25 complaints, 2 recalls), 2009 (15 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | 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 XC70.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Volvo XC70 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Volvo XC70. 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 XC70 problems?
Owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel system (9), airbags (4), electrical (4).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Volvo XC70 get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (3.2 L, Automatic (S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Volvo XC70 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.