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.
2008 Volvo Xc70 Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2008 Volvo Xc70.
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 ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
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.
- 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.
Fuel System
Gasoline
Engine Problems
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.
- 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.
- Fuel System
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
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.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Gasoline | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 6 | β | 1 | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | 1 | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Brake System | 3 | 1 | β | β | |
| Visibility | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 1 | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | 1 | β | β | |
| Equipment | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | β | 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. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
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. β¦
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 preβ¦
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 waβ¦
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, exβ¦
MY 2008 VOLVOS ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS SHOPPING , THE ENGINE IS COMPLETELY DESTROYED SO IT IS TOTALED.
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.
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 Sβ¦
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 β¦
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 PULβ¦
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 - 1β¦
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 REDβ¦
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,β¦
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 MODβ¦
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 VEβ¦
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 VEHβ¦
TAILGATE LOCK WONT WORK SEEMS LIKE THE PIECE THAT SHOULD ENGAGE WITH THE PIECE ON THE FLOOR IS NOT
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 Tβ¦
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 ANβ¦
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
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 β¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Volvo Xc70.
2008 Volvo Xc70 Recalls
8 campaignsNHTSA 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.
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?βΎ
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?βΎ
#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?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Volvo Xc70?βΎ
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?βΎ
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?βΎ
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.