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⚑ NHTSA Official DataUpdated: May 2026How we calculate this
Severe Issues

2008 Volvo Xc70: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

Shopping for a used 2008 Volvo Xc70? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 39 complaints, with Fuel System as the top reported area.

39
Complaints
2
Crashes
1
Fires
β€”
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
8
Recalls

2008 Volvo Xc70 Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA official fuel economy rating for the 2008 Volvo Xc70.

15
MPG City
22
MPG Hwy
17
MPG Combined
523
g COβ‚‚/mile
Premium Gasoline
⚠️Costs $12,000 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.

2008 Volvo Xc70 Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Optionalβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2008 Volvo Xc70 has 39 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Fuel System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2008 Volvo Xc70 β€” key reliability facts
Make
Volvo
Model
Xc70
Model year
2008
NHTSA owner complaints
39
Crash-related complaints
2
Safety recall campaigns
8
Top reported component
Fuel System
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
17
EPA MPG city / highway
15 / 22
Fuel type
Premium Gasoline
Electronic stability control
Standard

Most Common 2008 Volvo Xc70 Problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
9
complaints

Fuel System

#2
9
complaints

Gasoline

#3
6
complaints

Engine Problems

Fires:1

Complaint patterns center on Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Should You Buy a Used 2008 Volvo Xc70?

The 2008 Volvo Xc70 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

What to Check Before Buying a Used 2008 Volvo Xc70

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the fuel system, including fuel pump and lines, for any signs of leaks or malfunction.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for reported components, especially fuel system and engine.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on fuel and electrical systems.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect the fuel system, including fuel pump and lines, for any signs of leaks or malfunction.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for reported components, especially fuel system and engine.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on fuel and electrical systems.

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2008 Volvo Xc70, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

What the Complaint Data Suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Based on 39 NHTSA complaints for the 2008 Volvo XC70, the data suggests a concentration of issues in the fuel system, with 9 complaints related to fuel system components and 9 specifically for gasoline. Engine problems and electrical faults also appear as recurring themes, though the low complaint volume limits confidence in these patterns.

Key Findings
  • Fuel system complaints account for 9 of the 39 total complaints.
  • Engine problems were reported in 6 complaints.
  • Electrical faults were noted in 4 complaints.
Top Concerns
  • Fuel System
  • Engine Problems
  • Electrical Faults
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. Only one model year (2008) was analyzed, limiting the ability to identify trends across years. The total of 39 complaints is a small sample, reducing statistical confidence.

All 2008 Volvo Xc70 Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Volvo Xc70. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Fuel System9β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline9β€”β€”β€”
Engine Problems6β€”1β€”
Electrical Faults4β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System41β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions4β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper3β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Brake System31β€”β€”
Visibility2β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures2β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration21β€”β€”
Wheel Issues21β€”β€”
Equipment2β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems1β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain1β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects1β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Real Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Volvo Xc70. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 39 most recent complaints

VisibilityApr 23, 2024

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. …

Structural ProblemsMar 27, 2023

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 pre…

Engine ProblemsSep 7, 2021

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 wa…

Headlight/Taillight FailuresJul 31, 2021

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, ex…

Engine ProblemsπŸ”₯ FireAug 10, 2020

MY 2008 VOLVOS ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS SHOPPING , THE ENGINE IS COMPLETELY DESTROYED SO IT IS TOTALED.

Visibility/WiperMar 18, 2020

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.

Electrical FaultsFeb 17, 2020

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 S…

Engine ProblemsJan 9, 2020

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 …

VisibilityApr 18, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO CROSS COUNTRY WAGON. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THE GLASS PARTICLES PROJECTED UPWARD BECAUSE THE HEADLINER WAS CLOSED AND STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD OF THE VEHICLE TRAVELING BEHIND THE CONTACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT PUL…

Uncategorized IssuesApr 8, 2019

PRIOR TO A 165 MILE ROAD TRIP THE FUEL GAUGE READ 1/4 TANK - 120 MILES TO EMPTY. I FILLED THE TANK TO FULL BEFORE HEADING OUT. AFTER REFUELING, I CLOSED THE GAS CAP BUT FORGOT TO SHUT THE FUEL DOOR. THE FUEL DOOR OPEN ERROR LIGHT CAME ON AND THE FUEL GAUGE STILL READ 1/4 TANK - 1…

Brake SystemApr 5, 2019

TRAVELING 7-10 MPH, BUSY RESIDENTIAL STREET IN LOU, KY, CAR SWERVED IN FRONT OF ME, APPLIED BRAKES, NOTHING HAPPENED. CHANGED TO RIGHT LANE, ATTEMPTED BRAKES, 2ND TIME, LOUD GRINDING NOISE, FROM REAR OF VEHICLE, NO BRAKING ACTION. PULLED VEHICLE TO FAR-RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD, PUT RED…

Brake SystemMar 27, 2019

AUTO DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD THE VEHICLE HAD INSTALLED BRAKE PARTS, THAT WERE NONCOMPLIANT WITH FMVSS, WHICH CAUSED, SUDDEN AND COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE ON 12/1/2018, AND $2000.00 IN DAMAGES TO REPLACE ENTIRE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. I WAS TRAVELING ON BUSY RESIDENTIAL STREET IN LOU, KY,…

Engine ProblemsAug 30, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO XC70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HOT AIR BLEW FROM THE AIR VENTS WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS ACTIVATED. ALSO, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAN CONTROL MOD…

Steering DefectsJul 1, 2018

HAD A FLAT TIRE, TOOK TO COSTCO FOR A NEW TIRE, COSTCO COULD NOT FIND RIM SIZE OR LOAD VERIFICATION ON THE PILLAR WHICH HAD ONLY THE WEIGHT OF PASSENGERS. THEY COULD NOT FIND WHAT SIZE TIRE THE ORIGINAL VEHICLE CAME WITH, STATED THE COMPUTER DOES NOT LIST THE SPEED RATING, THE VE…

Airbag MalfunctionsFeb 15, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO XC70. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE "SRS URGENT NEEDS SERVICE" INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (PORTLAND VOLVO CARS, LOCATED AT 9 US ROUTE 1, SCARBOROUGH, ME 04074) AND WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEH…

Uncategorized IssuesJul 21, 2017

TAILGATE LOCK WONT WORK SEEMS LIKE THE PIECE THAT SHOULD ENGAGE WITH THE PIECE ON THE FLOOR IS NOT

Electrical FaultsDec 19, 2016

AM RADIO QUIT WORKING SEVERAL YEARS AGO. I COMPLAINED TO VOLVO OF AMERICA AND I'VE LODGED A COMPLAINT PREVIOUSLY WITH NHTSA REGARDING THE SAFETY FACTOR WITH THE RADIO NOT LOCKING ONTO ANY AM STATION. IT IS MY CONCERN THAT IN THE EVENT OF A NATIONAL EMERGENCY I WOULD NOT BE ABLE T…

Engine ProblemsAug 18, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO XC70. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED AND SEVERAL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V218000 (ENGINE AN…

Tire IssuesApr 25, 2016

2008 VOLVO XC-70. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SENSORS CORROSION. *M THE CONSUMER STATED DURING A TIRE CHANGE, IT WAS DISCOVERED TWO VALVES WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. *JB *TR UPDATED 12/14/16.*JB

Fuel/Propulsion SystemMar 2, 2016

DESPITE FUEL GAUGE READING OVER 1/4 TANK CAR STOPPED IN MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY AND NEARLY CAUSED A COLLISION; THANKFULLY NO ONE HURT. DESPITE SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS ISSUE WITH 2008XC70 NO RECALL EVER ISSUED. SEVERAL OTHERS HAVE REPORTED THIS ISSUE TO NHTSA, I BELIEVE A RECALL …

Page 1 of 2

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Volvo Xc70.

2008 Volvo Xc70 Recalls

8 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Volvo Xc70. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

20V37800030/06/2020
SEAT BELTS:FRONT

08V03200028/01/2008
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

09V13900029/04/2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

10V566000Aug 11, 2010
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

09V218000Dec 6, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

07V56600013/12/2007
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

07V50000026/10/2007
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

10V190000Jul 5, 2010
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Compare Volvo Xc70 Model Years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2008 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

2016201520142013201220112010200920082007

2008 Volvo Xc70 Buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2008 Volvo Xc70 reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 39 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2008 Volvo Xc70 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volvo Xc70?β–Ύ

#1: Fuel System (9 complaints). #2: Gasoline (9 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (6 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Volvo Xc70?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2008 Volvo Xc70?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Volvo Xc70, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 39 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2008 Volvo Xc70 have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Volvo Xc70. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS:FRONT. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2008 Volvo Xc70?β–Ύ

The 2008 Volvo Xc70 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Fuel System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Volvo Xc70 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2008 Volvo Xc70 based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.