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2008 Volvo V70: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 11 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Volvo V70, and the cooling fan module shows up in both a recall and the complaints we read[1][2]. The EPA rates the car at 19 MPG combined[3].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 11 complaints for this model year[1]. One mentions a fire. None mention a crash, an injury or a death[1]. These are owner reports that nobody has verified, and one complaint can name more than one part.
- Electrical system. This is the largest group, with 6 complaints, 1 of them a fire[5]. The median mileage at failure is 115,000[5]. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe a corroded battery cable and an intermittent no-start with a key stuck in the ignition[5]. One owner describes a burnt wiring harness behind a headlight, and one describes overheating tied to the radiator fan[5].
- Engine. NHTSA lists 4 complaints, with no crashes, fires or injuries[6]. In the engine complaints we read, owners describe overheating, and three of the four name the engine cooling fan control module[6]. Two of them say the earlier recall repair did not last[6].
- Exterior lighting. There is 1 complaint, and it involves a fire[7]. The owner describes a burnt headlight wiring harness[7].
- Tires. There is 1 complaint[8]. The owner describes a rear tire failing on the highway[8].
- Unknown or other. There is 1 complaint[9].
Groups with 1 complaint each are too small to call a pattern[7][9][8].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year[4]. Newest first:
- Seat belt anchor cable (20V378). The steel cable that connects each front seat belt to the seat can wear out over time. A worn cable may not hold the occupant in a crash, which raises the risk of injury. Dealers replace the anchor cable on both front seats[10]. The recall began December 10, 2020, and it covers many Volvo models, including the V70[10].
- Garmin GPS battery (10V566). This covers certain vehicles with a Garmin 760 portable GPS unit[11]. The unit's battery can overheat, which could lead to a fire. Owners are told to stop using the unit and check with Garmin. The battery is replaced free of charge[11]. The recall involves 416 vehicles[11].
- Cooling fan module (09V218). A software error can make the engine cooling fan stop working. The result can be weaker air conditioning and a fast rise in coolant temperature. That can lead to engine failure, and the driver may not have time to react to the warning, which raises the crash risk. Dealers replace the fan control module free of charge[2]. The recall covers certain 2008 and 2009 V70, S80 and XC70 vehicles, 17,614 in all[2].
- Booster seat label (08V032). The labels on certain built-in rear booster seats were missing required warning text. Dealers install a new label. The recall involves 1,900 vehicles[12].
The fan module deserves a closer look. In the complaints we read, some owners say the module failed again after the recall repair, and one says a dealer told them their VIN is not covered[6].
Fuel economy
The EPA rates the V70 with the 3.2L 6-cylinder engine and automatic (S6), front-wheel drive[3], at 16 MPG city, 24 highway and 19 combined[3]. It takes premium fuel[3]. The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $4,350[3]. That cost uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA 5-star ratings for the 4 DR FWD version are listed as not rated[13].
Engine and size
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications, so US models can differ slightly. They are for the 4-door wagon, front-wheel drive, 3.2[14].
How 2008 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 193 | 5 |
| 1999 | 169 | 4 |
| 2000 | 93 | 5 |
| 2001 | 221 | 8 |
| 2002 | 76 | 6 |
| 2003 | 32 | 5 |
| 2004 | 83 | 5 |
| 2005 | 21 | 3 |
| 2006 | 21 | 3 |
| 2007 | 7 | 2 |
| 2008 | 11 | 4 |
| 2009 | 4 | 3 |
| 2010 | 4 | 3 |
NHTSA lists 11 complaints and 4 recalls for 2008[4]. That is more complaints than 2007 (7), 2009 (4) and 2010 (4)[4]. It is fewer than 2005 and 2006 (21 each) and fewer than every year from 1998 to 2004[4]. On recalls, 2008 has more than 2005 to 2007, 2009 and 2010 (2 or 3 each)[4]. It ties 1999 (4) and has fewer than 1998 and 2000 to 2004 (5 to 8)[4]. These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
Should you buy a used 2008 V70?
None of the 11 complaints mention a crash, an injury or a death[1]. The cooling fan module is the item to check, since it has a recall and some owners in our sample say the repair did not hold[2][6]. Ask for proof that the recall work was done. Electrical complaints are the largest group with 6, so look at the battery cables and wiring[5]. This page cannot speak to repair costs or overall reliability.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volvo V70?
- NHTSA lists 11 complaints[1]. Electrical system has the most with 6, and engine has 4[1][5][6]. In the engine complaints we read, owners describe overheating and the cooling fan control module[6].
- Does the 2008 Volvo V70 have any recalls?
- Yes, 4 recalls are on file: seat belt anchor cable, Garmin GPS battery, cooling fan module and booster seat label[10][11][2][12].
- How many MPG does a 2008 Volvo V70 get?
- The EPA rates the 3.2L automatic front-wheel drive at 16 city, 24 highway and 19 combined MPG[3].
- Is the 2008 Volvo V70 reliable?
- Our data covers complaints, not overall reliability. NHTSA lists 11 complaints for 2008, fewer than 2005 and 2006 at 21 each[1][4].
- Is 2008 a good year for the Volvo V70?
- By NHTSA counts, 2008 has 11 complaints and 4 recalls, compared with 4 complaints in both 2009 and 2010[4]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 11 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Volvo V70 (0 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 09V218, filed June 12, 2009: Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for V70 FWD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Volvo V70 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 6 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 115,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the tires component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 20V378, filed June 30, 2020: Seat Belts › Front. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V566, filed November 8, 2010: Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 08V032, filed January 28, 2008: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, V70 4DR WAGON FWD /3.2: length 190 in, width 73 in, height 61 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,902 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov