2008 Volvo V70 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 Volvo V70 ranks 3rd worst out of 12 model years, with a complaint index of 82 and 11 NHTSA complaints, mostly electrical (55%) and engine (36%) issues. It carries 4 recalls, and its Avoid verdict reflects a high complaint index compared to other V70 years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 82/100
- #3 of 12 V70 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 11
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 16 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2008 Volvo V70 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System6 (55%)
- Engine4 (36%)
- Other1 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (9%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Wiring harness near a headlight bulb reportedly burnt, discovered after a bulb replacement.
- Corroded battery cables reportedly caused shorting and overheating along with sulfur fumes at start-up.
- Engine overheating warnings reportedly appeared repeatedly, tied to a failed cooling fan control module.
- Ignition switch reportedly stuck, causing intermittent failure to start.
- Side mirrors reportedly detached from their mounts while driving on flat, smooth roads.
- A rear tire reportedly shook and blew out at highway speed, tearing off nearby body trim.
2008 Volvo V70 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V378000Jun 30, 2020Seat Belts308,260 vehicles
Seat belts:front
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.
Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
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.
- 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 09V218000Jun 12, 2009Engine17,614 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan
Volvo is recalling 17,614 my 2008-2009 s80, v70, and xc70 vehicles. The engine cooling fan may stop working due to a software programming error in the fan control module (fcm). Depending on driving conditions, the customer may experience reduced air conditioning performance, and/or rapid increase in engine coolant temperature.
Risk: This situation may result in loss of cooling system function and engine failure. The driver may not have sufficient time to react to the warning light(s) or the text message in the instrument panel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fan control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during july 2009. Owners may contact volvo customer care center at 1-800-458-1552.
2008 Volvo V70 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,200
- 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 V70 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Volvo V70 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2008 V70 has a complaint index of 82, the 3rd worst of 12 model years for this model, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other V70 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volvo V70?
- Electrical System issues make up 55% of complaints, followed by Engine problems at 36%, based on 11 total complaints filed with NHTSA.
- Does the 2008 Volvo V70 have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 V70, covering seat belt anchor cables, a Garmin GPS battery issue, an engine cooling fan control module, and booster seat labeling.
- At what mileage do 2008 V70 problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints is 115,000 miles, while Engine complaints show a median of 78,000 miles.
- Which V70 years are worse than the 2008 model?
- The 2005 and 2006 V70 have higher complaint indexes, 91 and 100 respectively, and are also rated Avoid, making 2008 the 3rd worst year overall.