2008 Volvo XC90 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2008 Volvo XC90 has a complaint index of 30, ranking 15th out of 21 model years, and earns a Good verdict. It has 29 complaints and 3 recalls, with electrical system issues the top concern.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 30/100
- #15 of 21 XC90 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 29
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 20 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2008 Volvo XC90 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System9 (31%)
- Engine8 (28%)
- Brakes5 (17%)
- Other4 (14%)
- Seat Belts4 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (14%)
- Fuel System3 (10%)
- Structure & Body2 (7%)
- Airbags1 (3%)
- Steering1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report sudden loss of power or engine seizure while driving at moderate speed, with no warning light before the failure.
- Owners describe engine oil loss shortly after delivery, accompanied by bluish-white smoke on startup and acceleration.
- Steering wheel vibration between 10 and 30 mph traced to a faulty motor mount bushing, tied to a recall for incorrect engine mount bolts.
- Rear seat latches reported to fail repeatedly, keeping the seat from staying fastened despite multiple dealer repairs.
- Parking brakes described as failing to disengage, leaving the vehicle unable to move even with the transmission in gear.
- Ignition key reported to stick in the lock cylinder, requiring excessive force to remove after the cylinder failed.
2008 Volvo XC90 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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 08V206000May 6, 2008Engine102 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Volvo is recalling 102 my 2008 xc90 and s80 vehicles equipped with v8 engines. These vehicles may have been built with incorrect bolts to the engine mount.
Risk: The aluminum bracket for the engine mount could break due to lack of adequate clamping force. This could cause the engine to come in contact with the sub-frame, ultimately resulting in a reduced engine torque or stalling of the engine without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine mount bolts for specific markings. If any of the bolts contain the incorrect markings, the bracket and bolts will be replaced. All owners have been contacted and arrangements have been made to repair these vehicles.
- NHTSA 07V563000Dec 12, 2007HVAC37,000 vehicles
Visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system
On certain sport utility vehicles, under certain conditions, the climate control module (ccm) may receive a 'shut-down signal' from the engine control module (ECM) after ignition key insertion. If this condition occurs, the climate control functions will not be available (including the defroster) during that driving cycle.
Risk: Inoperative defrosters under inclement weather conditions could cause impaired visibility which has the potential to result in personal injury and/or vehicle and property damage.
Remedy: The ECM software will be upgraded. The recall began on january 28, 2008. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
2008 Volvo XC90 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 20 MPG
- Combined
- 16 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $5,000
- 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 XC90 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Volvo XC90 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2008 XC90 has a complaint index of 30 and ranks 15th out of 21 model years, earning a Good verdict relative to other XC90 years.
- What problems does the 2008 Volvo XC90 have?
- NHTSA complaints point mostly to the electrical system (31% of complaints), followed by engine (28%) and brakes (17%). The median mileage at failure across all reported issues was 52,000 miles.
- Does the 2008 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 XC90, covering a GPS unit battery overheating risk, incorrect engine mount bolts on V8 models, and a climate control module software issue. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2008 XC90 compare to other years?
- The 2008 model's complaint index of 30 is lower than the 2005 (80), 2006 (50), and 2016 (100) model years, all rated Caution or Avoid, making 2008 one of the better years in the lineup.