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Research · 2 NHTSA variants

2008 Volvo C-ClassRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 30 owner complaints for the 2008 Volvo C-Class. Most complaints involve structure (10) and steering (4).

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Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Oct 2011
Owner complaints
30
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment: labels

Free remedy

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.

EquipmentReported Oct 18, 2011NHTSA 11V508000

Equipment: navigational system(global positioning system)

Free remedy

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

EquipmentReported Nov 8, 2010NHTSA 10V566000

Steering: hose, piping, and connections

Free remedy

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.

SteeringReported Jul 23, 2008NHTSA 08V329000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

30 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2008 – Dec 2025
  1. Structure10
  2. Steering4
  3. Suspension3
  4. Air bags2
  5. Vehicle speed control2
  6. Equipment2
  7. Latches/locks/linkages1
  8. Service brakes1
  9. Engine and engine cooling1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each C-Class model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
19988
199931
200042
200118
20029
20037
200415
20069
200717
200830
200916
201010
201128
201233
201315
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

10 reports
“This vehicle is the C70 convertible. When driving and hitting a speed bump or a pothole, both the driver and passenger doors pop open from a fully closed state to a partially open state. The doors do NOT fully disengage but in the partially closed state the doors rattle and shake. When this happens, the "door open" warning light appears on the dashboard, and you need to fully open the door and then re-close it. On a standard trip of 25 miles, this occurs no less than 6 times. So this is an ongoing everyday situation. It is a bit disconcerting to be in the car and hear that first door pop and feel the door shake and rattle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 5, 2024StructureODI 11599226

Steering

4 reports2 crashes
“DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, POWER STEERING WENT OUT ALL OF A SUDDEN MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. HARD TO MAKE TURNS. HAD IT INSPECTED NEXT DAY- AND THE POWER STEERING LINE HAD RUPTURED. I NOW HAVE TO HAVE THE ENTIRE LINE REPLACED.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 27, 2016SteeringODI 10889001

Suspension

3 reports
“LEFT FRONT SPRING BROKE WHILE ENTERING VEHICLE (PARKED OVERNIGHT IN GARAGE). EVIDENCE OF ANTI-CORROSION PAINT FLAKING OFF OF SPRING IN THE AREA THAT THE BREAK OCCURRED. THIS IS THE SECOND BROKEN FRONT SPRING ON THE SAME VEHICLE, THE PREVIOUS ONE HAPPENED ~ 1 YEAR AGO (ODI# 10502668.). POTENTIALLY A DEFECT IN THE COATING PROCESS ALLOWING THE COATING TO CRACK AND LET CORROSION HAPPEN ON THE SURFACE OF THE SPRING. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 27, 2014SuspensionODI 10575267
All 2008 C-Class problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Volvo C-Class as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 2789Vehicle 2790
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

2008 C-Class questions

How many recalls does the 2008 Volvo C-Class have?

3 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2008 Volvo C-Class problems?

Owners filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (10), steering (4), suspension (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026