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.
Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2008 Volvo XC90Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 29 owner complaints for the 2008 Volvo XC90. Most complaints involve electrical system (8) and engine (6). The EPA rates it 15–16 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
15–16mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Nov 2010
Owner complaints
29
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$5,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Free remedy
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.
Visibility: defroster
Free remedy
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.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
29 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2008 – Feb 2026
- Electrical system8
- Engine6
- Seat belts4
- Power train4
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Electronic stability control (esc)3
- Engine and engine cooling2
- Exterior lighting1
- Steering1
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 XC90 model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 96 |
| 2004 | 462 |
| 2005 | 223 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 38 |
| 2008 | 29 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2011 | 19 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2016 | 197 |
| 2017 | 81 |
| 2018 | 52 |
| 2019 | 42 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2021 | 17 |
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
8 reports
“All seatbelts in vehicle sticks and/or catches have to use seriously more pressure on release button,or seatbelt/latch it’s self or both. My wife and children have had me have to come get it because it wouldn’t release. Engine motor mount bolt had to be replaced, I noticed when alternator went out, vehicle wouldn’t respond from throttle acted like it was missing then threw dash lights then no lights all of a sudden it happened within 1-2mins vehicle wouldn’t respond while running stopped in middle of road. Didn’t give any warning was even going out. Locks not working right with key fob 1or more locks won’t lock/unlock including the fuel door lock, as well as child saftey locks coming on randomly. Steering locked in full turn left/right have to manually turn wheel because it will continue in direction wheel is associated in while moving instead of returning towards middle on its own momentum. Climate control fan not working properly not enough blowing force and ambient temperature sensor for climate control not regulating temperature/doesn’t read correctly.”
Engine
6 reports1 fire
“Well I was at a red light waiting for the light to train green when I stepped on the Excelerator pedal I heard something snapped and the car would not move anymore I try to switch gears and the car would not move at all it would just accelerate the engine will sound like Like if I had the car on Neutral. In any gear I try to shift there was no warning in the vehicle no light turned on the only light that it was turned on was the one with the check engine because of the Cadillac converter but other than that no other lights were coming out or flashing”
Seat belts
4 reports
“2008 VOLVO XC90 V8 HAS BEEN TOWED 3X IN THE PAST MONTH. THE BATTERY HAS COMPLETELY AND INCONSISTENTLY DRAINED. THEY CHECKED RELAY SWITCHES, FUSES, ALTERNATOR, STARTER, BATTERY CONNECTIONS, ETC. 3X IN THE SHOP! SO FED UP. CAR IS NOW IN SHOP AND I'VE READ THAT VOLVO IS IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR BATTERY DRAIN FROM SIRIUS RADIO EVEN IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE SUBSCRIPTION. THEY ARE CHARGING ME $135 TO DIAGNOSE AT VOLVO RIGHT NOW. IT HASN'T BEEN DIAGNOSED AS THAT IS THE PROBLEM YET, BUT THE SERVICE MANAGER IS INCLINED TO THINK THAT'S WHAT IT IS. CLEARLY THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. ALSO GOT STUCK COMPLETELY IN DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT AND THEN IT WOULDN'T WORK AT ALL. HAVING DOOR OPENING PROBLEMS ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND I'M JUST SUPER FRUSTRATED. THIS HAS AFFECTED MY BUSINESS AND SEEING CUSTOMERS, ETC.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Engines
- 3.2L 6-cyl · 4.4L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC90 AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,000 | 555 |
| XC90 FWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,000 | 555 |
| XC90 AWD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | $5,300 | 592 |
- 16mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
- 15mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Volvo XC90 as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 2797
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- 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.
2008 XC90 questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Volvo XC90 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 XC90 problems?
Owners filed 29 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (8), engine (6), seat belts (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2008 Volvo XC90 get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Volvo XC90 at 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026