Owners have filed 13 complaints
about the 2008 Volvo V70 with NHTSA between 2013 and 2024.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 10 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 6
Against the median year of the Volvo V70. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 79
15.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 21
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2008 Volvo V70
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
646.2%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 115,000 mi
Engine & Cooling
430.8%
Median failure at 78,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
17.7%
Tires
17.7%
Lights
17.7%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 132,000 mi
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
112.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
112.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
675.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2008 Volvo V70 4-DR. Wagon w/SAB
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—
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2013peak 2Aug 2024
Recalls on the 2008 Volvo V70
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202029824,089 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the flexible steel cable that attaches the seat belt to the outside of the front seats may weaken over time. As a result, the seat belt could detach. Safety Risk: A seat belt that detaches in a crash could create an increased risk of injury. Corrective Action: Volvo will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the front-outboard seat belt anchors.
Recall 201039687 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles, there is a possibility of overheating issues of batteries in the Garmin nüvi® 760 when certain batteries manufactured within a limited date code range are used in certain Garmin nüvi® 760 models with a specific printed circuit board (PCB) design. The interaction of these factors can, in some circumstances, increase the possibility of overheating, which may lead to a fire. Correction: Dealers will direct customers who have an affected unit to the Garmin Web site, which explains how to verify if their units are involved and includes procedures to follow for product exchange.
Recall 2009179309 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the engine cooling fan may stop working due to a software programming error in the Fan Control Module (FCM). Depending on conditions, the driver may experience reduced air conditioning performance and/or rapid increase in engine coolant temperature. This could result in a loss of cooling system function and engine break down. The driver may not have sufficient time to react to the warning light(s) or the text message in the instrument panel, increasing the risk of a crash causing personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the Fan Control Module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 132,000 milesEast Aurora, NYFire
EXTERIOR 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.
NHTSA complaint #11219631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesEast Aurora, NYFire
ELECTRICAL 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.
NHTSA complaint #11219631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Punta Gorda, FL
TIRES: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 condition occured as a result of substantial impact causing overdeflection of the tire and fracture of sidewall rubber and/or fabric plies and/or liner material". They will not pay. If we had hit something substantial we would not be here today. There were not warning light or messages prior to the blowout.
NHTSA complaint #11607598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
UNKNOWN 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.
NHTSA complaint #11507436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burlington, NC
ELECTRICAL 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 same recall issue is also effecting my car but, Volvo is not helping me.
NHTSA complaint #11463285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burlington, NC
ENGINE
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 same recall issue is also effecting my car but, Volvo is not helping me.
NHTSA complaint #11463285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesEast Aurora, NYFire
EXTERIOR 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.
NHTSA complaint #11219631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesEast Aurora, NYFire
ELECTRICAL 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.
NHTSA complaint #11219631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesNEW Albany, OH
ELECTRICAL 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
NHTSA complaint #11192573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesNEW Albany, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MIRROR ON PASSENGER SIDE FELL OFF MOUNT SEPT 2015 DRIVING 45 MPH ON 2 LANE ROAD
NHTSA complaint #11192575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesMarshfield, MA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11022958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
ENGINE
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..
NHTSA complaint #10983146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesFayetteville, NC
ELECTRICAL 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.
NHTSA complaint #10679647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesNorth Palm Beach, FL
ENGINE 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 12/02/14
NHTSA complaint #10648457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesClairmont, NH
ELECTRICAL 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.
NHTSA complaint #10526074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.