This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Volvo XC70 engine problems
severe 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 6 engine complaints filed for the 2008 Volvo XC70, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Engine Control Module (EMS) Software (MSW) Information â August 2022; Improvement List (Change Log) - US21+OBD22 (13L VGT, TC) And US17+OBD22 (11L) Emissions
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
The contact owns a 2008 Volvo XC70. The contact stated that while her husband was leaving a restaurant drive-thru, the vehicle lost motive power without warning while entering the main street. The driver was waiting for a tow truck to tow the vehicle from the scene. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the…
My Volvo's engine started to sputter then died and lost all power. This occurred in seconds and left my two young children and I in a very dangerous, potentially deadly traffic situation. My gas gauge read 150 miles worth of gas left in gas tank. The Volvo was towed to the dealership where it was found to have a faulty fuel pump and control module. Both were replaced. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Volvo xc70. The contact stated that hot air blew from the air vents when the air conditioning was activated. Also, the engine overheated warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the fan control module needed to be replaced. Prestige Volvo (285 east nj-10, east hanover, nj 07936, (973) 884-2400) was contacted and…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Volvo xc70. While driving various speeds, the air conditioner failed and several warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09v218000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
My 2008 volvos engine caught on fire while I was shopping , the engine is completely destroyed so it is totaled.
Had engine trouble with your 2008 Volvo XC70?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2008 Volvo XC70?
It's a meaningful issue. 6 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 103,692 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Volvo/XC70.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.