2008 Volvo XC90 recalls and problems

The 2008 Volvo XC90 has 3 safety recalls and 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
29
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Volvo XC90 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Volvo XC90 recalls

Recall 10V-566: Equipment

Reported Nov 8, 2010 · 416 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (Gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.

Risk: An overheated battery could lead to a fire.

Fix: Volvo advises owners to please stop using the garmin portable GPS device immediately, and visit the garmin website to determine if their unit is affected. The unit's battery will be replaced with a new battery and a spacer will be inserted on top of the battery next to the pcb. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 18, 2010. Owners may contact garmin at 866-957-1981 or visit garmin's website at www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.

Recall 08V-206: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported May 6, 2008 · 102 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: The aluminum bracket for the engine mount could break due to lack of adequate clamping force. This could cause the engine to come in contact with the sub-frame, ultimately resulting in a reduced engine torque or stalling of the engine without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine mount bolts for specific markings. If any of the bolts contain the incorrect markings, the bracket and bolts will be replaced. All owners have been contacted and arrangements have been made to repair these vehicles.

Recall 07V-563: Visibility

Reported Dec 12, 2007 · 37,000 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Inoperative defrosters under inclement weather conditions could cause impaired visibility which has the potential to result in personal injury and/or vehicle and property damage.

Fix: The ECM software will be upgraded. The recall began on january 28, 2008. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

2008 Volvo XC90 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System8
Engine6
Power Train4
Seat Belts4
Unknown or Other3
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Seats1
Parking Brake1
Equipment1
Tires1

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 52,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Volvo XC90 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Feb 4, 2026
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…
Engine · reported Mar 17, 2022
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
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 188,000 miles · reported Aug 8, 2019
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…
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jul 29, 2019
The transmission shifting rough 1-2 gear and 5 to 6 gear. The downshift from 3-2 and 2-1 is really rough. I have seen so many people with this transmission with the same problem. It should be addressed, even on these older volvo's.
Engine · at 120,000 miles · reported Jun 3, 2019
The contact owned a 2008 volvo xc90. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle seized without any warning light illuminated. The driver attempted to depress the accelerator pedal which failed to respond. The driver veered off to the shoulder of the road. No warning lights came onto dash prior to or after vehicle lost power. Noticed under the hood was smoking. The driver got out the vehicle and called for help, within minutes the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was contacted and a report was filed. The fire department extinguished the…

Other Volvo XC90 years

Compare all Volvo XC90 years · All Volvo models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Volvo XC90: 10V-566 (equipment), 08V-206 (engine and engine cooling), 07V-563 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Volvo XC90?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (8 reports), followed by engine (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 52,000 miles.

Are Volvo recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volvo dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.