NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 39 owner complaints for the 2008 Volvo XC70. Most complaints involve fuel system, gasoline (9) and engine (4). The EPA rates it 17 mpg combined.
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.
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“FUEL GAUGE ERRATICALLY MOVES DOWNWARD INAPPROPRIATELY. SEEMS TO RESET WHEN CAR RESTARTED, BUT TOTALLY UNDEPENDABLE IN TERMS OF ACCURACY. AUTO IS 3.5 YEARS OLD BUT OUT OF WARRANTY AT 60K MI. DEALER RECOMMENDS NEW FUEL TANK (WHICH INCLUDES SENDING UNIT) AND FUEL PUMP. RECOMMENDED AGAINST USED PART AS "OLD PART HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED" IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS A DEFECT WHICH HAS NOT RESULTED IN A RECALL/CAMPAIGN. NOTE: REPAIR WITH PARTS AND LABOR IS $2100.00.”
“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.”
“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,”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC70 AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,550 | 523 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
8 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 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.
Owners filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel system, gasoline (9), engine (4), electrical system (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2008 Volvo XC70 at 17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).