VOLVO V70 · model year

2008 VOLVO V70

13 NHTSA complaints, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2008VOLVOV70 carries 13 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2008 V70 is electrical system with 6 filings, followed by engine (3) and engine and engine cooling (1). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 28 investigation files overlapping the 2008 V70. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

13
Complaints
0
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

13 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
ENGINE3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
TIRES:TREAD/BELT1

Recalls (4)

20V37800030/06/2020

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

08V03200028/01/2008

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR INTEGRATED BOOSTER SEATS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE LABELING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 213, "CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS." LABELS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE MISSING WARNING INFORMATION INDICATING THAT 'DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR'

09V21800012/06/2009

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

10V56600008/11/2010

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.

Recent Complaints

20240809TIRES:TREAD/BELT

225/55R 95H On the highway in center lane going 70mph. Car was starting to shake and then heard loud noise coming from the back. Next thing the tire blew. Tread ripped off the bumper, side rear panel, taillight and trim under the door. We were lucky to be able to pull over to the shoulder. We had to get a flat bed tow back home. Took the tire to the Goodyear place where we had purchased the tires. There was 12000 mile on the tires. We purchased a new tire. Driving home there was the same shake. Went back to the tire place and they put the passenger rear tire on the front passenger side to see if it was truly the tire. Yes it was, so we purchased 3 new Goodyear tires, the same ones that was replaced from flat. The Goodyer guy told us to send the tire to Goodyear, because it felt it was defected. Maybe they would pay the over $5000.00 to repair our car. He told me that they have had a lot of problems with that tire. Goodyear sent a certified letter to us stating " Tire con

20230215UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sunroof exploded while mechanic was driving the vehicle. Fortunately, sunroof visor was closed, so only minor amount of glass entered the vehicle, and no injury from the explosion or glass. There was no inspection by manufacturer or police, as not needed, also no warning lights, etc.

20220503ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In mid summer of 2021, my car overheated randomly without any warning driving down the interstate. I pulled off immediately and cut the car off but, it was already done. The radiator cracked as a result of the engine overheating. I had the car towed to my mechanic and he replaced the radiator. Since then I’ve been having a lot of check engine codes. It’s now May of 2022, my car is still using and going through a lot of coolant. There are no leaks in the coolant. My mechanic recently said that the radiator fan is malfunctioning which is popping the check engine and also probably making the car overheat. I contacted Volvo dealership after seeing the recall on the radiator fan for my year make and model but, they informed me there is no recall on my car via the vin#. This week I’ve been watching not only the coolant level but also the fans…. My car has two fans on the front, one of which is not cutting on when it should be , the smaller one seems to be working fine. I think the

20220503ENGINE

In mid summer of 2021, my car overheated randomly without any warning driving down the interstate. I pulled off immediately and cut the car off but, it was already done. The radiator cracked as a result of the engine overheating. I had the car towed to my mechanic and he replaced the radiator. Since then I’ve been having a lot of check engine codes. It’s now May of 2022, my car is still using and going through a lot of coolant. There are no leaks in the coolant. My mechanic recently said that the radiator fan is malfunctioning which is popping the check engine and also probably making the car overheat. I contacted Volvo dealership after seeing the recall on the radiator fan for my year make and model but, they informed me there is no recall on my car via the vin#. This week I’ve been watching not only the coolant level but also the fans…. My car has two fans on the front, one of which is not cutting on when it should be , the smaller one seems to be working fine. I think the

20190612FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TODAY I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE THAT MY LOW BEAM WAS OUT. I STOPPED IN THE AUTO PARTS STORE AND BOUGHT THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM REPLACEMENT BULB. WHEN I WENT TO DISASSEMBLE IT I NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS BURNT. I'M GOING TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS BUT THIS IS VERY CONCERNING. IT'S NOT OLD AND JUST CORRODED IT IS ACTUALLY BURNT.

Mileage: 132,000

20190612FireEXTERIOR LIGHTING

TODAY I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE THAT MY LOW BEAM WAS OUT. I STOPPED IN THE AUTO PARTS STORE AND BOUGHT THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM REPLACEMENT BULB. WHEN I WENT TO DISASSEMBLE IT I NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS BURNT. I'M GOING TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS BUT THIS IS VERY CONCERNING. IT'S NOT OLD AND JUST CORRODED IT IS ACTUALLY BURNT.

Mileage: 132,000

20190330ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MIRRORS PASSENGER MIRROR FELL FROM THE MOUNT ON SEPT 2015 DRIVER MIRROR FELL FROM THE MOUNT MARCH 2019 BOTH INCIDENTS WERE WHILE DRIVING 2 LANE ROADS. FLAT AND SMOOTH

Mileage: 130,000

20190330ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MIRROR ON PASSENGER SIDE FELL OFF MOUNT SEPT 2015 DRIVING 45 MPH ON 2 LANE ROAD

Mileage: 115,000

20170913ENGINE

WHILE DRIVING THE WARNING FOR ENGINE OVERHEATING COMES ON AND ADVISES TO STOP SAFELY.VOLVO DEALER STATES IT IS THE FAN CONTROL MODULE THAT IS AT FAULT AND I BELIEVE THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE WITH SOME 2008-2009 V70 MODELS.THE VOLVO DEALER STATES THAT MY VIN IS EXEMPT FROM RECALL BUT CLEARLY IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. I WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY AND THE A/C WAS NOT FULLY FUNCTIONAL WINDOWS FOG UP AND THE ERROR MESSAGE DISPLAYS WITHOUT ANY PREDICTABILITY. THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED WHILE TRAVELLING ON THE HIGHWAY LEADING TO MORE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCE.

Mileage: 146,000

20170502ENGINE

TAKATA RECALL: A RECALL FAILURE OCCURRED MAY 1, 2017 ON A FAN CONTROL MODULE THAT WAS INSTALLED ON 7/22/2009-RCALL NUMBER 214. . THE RECALL WAS DONE BUT NOW THE RECALL PART HAS FAILED AGAIN. DEALERSHIP IS NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR IT AGAIN..

20150129ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY REMAINED STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

Mileage: 109,000

20141017ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO V70. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE OVERHEATING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND WAIT BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD RESUME NORMAL FUNCTION. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CONTROL AND MODULE HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR THE SAME FAILURE. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL REPAIR THAT WAS PERFORMED IN JULY 2009, FAILED. ON OCTOBER 16, 2014, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING, DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE FAN CONTROL MODULE AND COOLING FAN. SHE ALSO EXPERIENCED REDUCED AIR CONDITIONING PERFORMANCE AND AIR CONDITION FAILURE DURING SLOW TRAFFIC. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS COST $1200. UPDATED 12/

Mileage: 10,000

20130722ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT ALSO SMELLED SULFUR FUMES. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BATTERY WAS CORRODED. THE NEGATIVE CABLE OF THE BATTERY WAS SO CORRODED THAT IT WAS BARE AND TOUCHING METAL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSING A SHORT AND THE BATTERY TO OVERHEAT AND IT ALMOST CAME CLOSE TO COMBUSTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT BOTH THE BATTERY AND THE BATTERY CABLES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

Mileage: 72,000

Compare 2008VOLVOV70 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2008 VOLVO V70 have?
The 2008 VOLVO V70 has 13 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2008 VOLVO V70?
Yes, the 2008 VOLVO V70 has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEAT BELTS:FRONT. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 VOLVO V70?
The most-complained component for the 2008 VOLVO V70 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 6 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Is the 2008 VOLVO V70 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.