2008 Volvo C70 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 Volvo C70 ranks worst of 8 model years with a complaint index of 100 and 22 complaints, earning an Avoid verdict. Top issues involve door/trunk latches (Structure & Body, 50% of complaints) and power steering failures tied to a recall.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 8 C70 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 22
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Structure & Body
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 26.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2008 Volvo C70 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body11 (50%)
- Other4 (18%)
- Steering4 (18%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (14%)
- Airbags1 (5%)
- Brakes1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Doors or the trunk lid unlatch and pop open unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds or through turns.
- Power steering fails suddenly without warning, causing the car to veer or become hard to control at highway speeds.
- A power steering return line hose ruptures, leaking fluid and requiring full line replacement.
- Rear camber arms fail, causing uneven tire wear and loss of vehicle control.
- Front wheel rims crack, leading to slow tire deflation.
- Rear tires develop scalloped, feather-edged wear along with a low rumble noise.
2008 Volvo C70 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V508000Oct 18, 2011Other20,611 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 c70 vehicles manufactured from november 15, 2005, through july 31, 2011, and model year 2011-2012 s60 vehicles manufactured from july 14, 2010, through april 16, 2011, that were equipped with optional accessory spare tire kit. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles do not contain the correct information for vehicles equipped with the optional accessory spare tire and wheel kit.
Risk: A misprinted label could lead to improper tire inflation which could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners and dealers will inspect the vehicle and install the label as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on february 23, 2012. Owners may contact volvo at 1-201-768-7300.
- NHTSA 10V566000Nov 8, 2010Other416 vehicles
Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
Risk: An overheated battery could lead to a fire.
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.
- NHTSA 08V329000Jul 23, 2008Steering1,020 vehicles
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Volvo is recalling my 2008-2009 vehicles. A section of the power steering return line hose was not properly vulcanized (cured) and does not meet specifications. If the power steering return hose fails, a sudden rupture of the hose can occur.
Risk: This can result in a rapid drainage of the power steering fluid in the system and a complete loss of power assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering return line hose assembly free of charge. The recall began on august 13, 2008. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
2008 Volvo C70 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 26.5 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other C70 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Volvo C70 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 C70 ranks worst among 8 model years, with a complaint index of 100 and 22 complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volvo C70?
- Structure & Body issues make up half of all complaints, mainly doors and the trunk popping open while driving, at a median mileage of 75,000. Steering complaints, including power steering failures, make up 18% of reports.
- Does the 2008 Volvo C70 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists three recalls for the 2008 C70, including a steering recall for a power steering return line hose that could rupture, plus recalls covering a label installation and a Garmin GPS battery issue.
- What year Volvo C70 should I avoid?
- The 2008 and 2011 model years both carry an Avoid verdict, with 2008 ranked worst overall with a complaint index of 100 versus 86 for 2011.
- How many complaints does the 2008 Volvo C70 have?
- NHTSA lists 22 complaints for the 2008 Volvo C70, including 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury, with 3 recall campaigns filed.