RoadVitals

2008 Volvo XC70

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
39
Latest Apr 23, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
8
Latest Jun 30, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

Overview

Our database contains 39 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Volvo XC70, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and electrical categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 237 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Fuel system1326.5%
  • Engine612.2%
  • Electrical510.2%
  • Visibility510.2%
  • Airbags48.2%
  • Brakes36.1%
  • Exterior lighting24.1%
  • Other / unspecified24.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

8 campaigns cover this model year

View all 8

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20V378000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Jun 30, 2020
308,260 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 crash.
The risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
Volvo Car USA LLCManufacturer number R10029View on NHTSA.gov
10V566000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Nov 8, 2010
416 units potentially affected
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
The risk: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
The remedy: 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 PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.Manufacturer number R231View on NHTSA.gov
10V190000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

May 7, 2010
679 units potentially affected
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 XC70 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 5, 2006 THROUGH OCTOBER 1, 2009 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 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.
The risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
The remedy: 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 ON JUNE 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 39
Visibility
Filed Apr 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. The failure mileage was approximately 200,400.

NHTSA ID
11584708
Incident
Apr 20, 2024
Mileage
200,400 mi
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Mar 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 pressure is applied against it. This is a serious safety concern as the windshield is a structural component of the vehicle and the integrity of the vehicle with an unbonded windshield compromises the vehicle safety. Beyond that structural concern, the inside windshield fogs us consistently causing impaired visibility while driving, especially in the rain.

NHTSA ID
11513913
Incident
Mar 25, 2023
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 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 was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V218000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID
11432013
Incident
Sep 7, 2021
Mileage
120,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jul 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, exposing bare wiring. 3. Unknown. Found no information in Google search. Plenty of information on others having same issue, in Volvo forums online. Last search regarding this problem brought me to NHTSA website, to look on a recall about this issue, then to this form submission. 4. No. This is the first time I've been exposed to the problem. This is the first case personally, where a vehicle has suffered a loss of both low beam headlights simultaneously. The wiring issue was found when I pulled out the old bulbs for replacement. 5. No. My wife informed me that the low beams stopped working on her car. There was an indicator on the instrument panel indicating "low beam failure." Strangely, I found both low beams to be burned out.

NHTSA ID
11427301
Incident
Jul 29, 2021
Engine
Filed Aug 10, 2020
Fire reported

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

NHTSA ID
11348482
Incident
Aug 6, 2020
Mileage
125,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Mar 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.

NHTSA ID
11318632
Incident
Mar 13, 2020
Mileage
191,050 mi
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Feb 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 SIDE MIRRORS FALLING/FLYING OFF THE MOUNT WHILE IN MOTION AND THEN SHATTERING ON THE ROAD WAY. WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY THE REAR DOOR NOT CATCHING WHEN FULLY OPEN AND AUTOMATICALLY CLOSES IN RAPID MOTION. THE AM RADIO TRANSMISSION/RECEPTION MOTOR STOPPING,

NHTSA ID
11309652
Incident
Feb 8, 2020
Mileage
198,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 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 DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE VEHICLES RECALLED. THE REFERENCED ABOVE WAS FOR 17,614 2008-2009 XC70, S80, AND V70 VEHICLES. EVIDENTLY WAS RELATED TO A SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING ERROR IN THE FAN CONTROL MODULE, AND THE DEFECT CORRECTIVE ACTION WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACING THE FCM. VOLVO TOLD ME THAT THEY WILL NOT ASSIST WITH THIS EFFORT, EVEN THOUGH IT'S A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE EFFECTED BY THE RECALL, BUT APPARENTLY NOT MY SPECIFIC VIN. ANY ASSISTANCE IN GETTING ADDITIONAL VINS ADDED TO THIS RECALL WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

NHTSA ID
11298223
Incident
Jun 1, 2019
Mileage
160,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

35526.1.8

ENGINE

This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure
 Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.

37809.1.1

This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval.
 Current items under prior approval are listed in the "Service" section

19245

This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.

8501

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session:
 •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V.
 •Connect to the vehicle over a wired connection using a VOE (Volvo OBD to Ethernet) adapter and perform a NEW vehicle readout.

S10303

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.
 As a result, there is a possibility that the customer’s key fob is not paired to the vehicle.
 The corrective action is to download SP Software.
 S10303 affects 151 vehicles in the U.S and 5 in Canada.

S10303

Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key fob.
 As a result, there is a possibility that the customer’s key fob is not paired to the vehicle.
 The corrective action is to download SP Software.
 S10303 affects 151 vehicles in the U.S and 5 in Canada.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volvo XC70 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2017000—
2016720—
2015610—
2014220—
2013820—
2012142038.0
2011153044.3
2010155047.1
2009155049.0
2008Viewing398048.6
2007252043.1
2006183039.1
2005273045.3
20041014047.8
2003245044.2
2002354148.3
2001665150.0
2000000—
1999000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.