2008 Volvo XC90: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Volvo XC90: 3 recalls, 29 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.

Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #07V563000 · 2007 · 37,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, under certain conditions, the climate control module (ccm) May receive a 'shut-down signal' from the engine control module (ECM) after ignition key insertion. If this condition occurs, the climate control functions will not be available (including the defroster) during that driving cycle.
Why it matters: Inoperative defrosters under inclement weather conditions could cause impaired visibility which has the potential to result in personal injury and/or vehicle and property damage.
The fix: The ECM software will be upgraded. The recall began on January 28, 2008.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #08V206000 · 2008 · 102 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles May have been built with incorrect bolts to the engine mount.
Why it matters: The aluminum bracket for the engine mount could break due to lack of adequate clamping force. This could cause the engine to come in contact with the sub-frame, ultimately resulting in a reduced engine torque or stalling of the engine without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine mount bolts for specific markings. If any of the bolts contain the incorrect markings, the bracket and bolts will be replaced. All owners have been contacted and arrangements have been made to repair these vehicles.
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…
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 (8): the most common themes are door / lock issues (7), warning light on (2).
- Engine (6): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (4): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Seat belts (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2008 Volvo XC90 has 29 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 23 XC90 model years for complaints (well below the 66 average). Complaints peaked in 2008 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 52,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (38 complaints, 2 recalls), 2009 (7 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Premium |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | 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 XC90.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Volvo XC90. 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 XC90 problems?
Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (8), engine (6), transmission & drivetrain (4).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Volvo XC90 get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.2 L, Automatic (S6)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Volvo XC90 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.