CarRecallDB

2008 Volvo XC90 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 29 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Volvo XC90.

3
recalls
29
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2008 Volvo XC90 recalls

Equipment: electrical, navigational system(global positioning system)

NHTSA campaign 10V566000 · reported November 8, 2010 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. · 416 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
The risk
An overheated battery could lead to a fire.
The 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.

Engine and engine cooling: engine

NHTSA campaign 08V206000 · reported May 6, 2008 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. · 102 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system

NHTSA campaign 07V563000 · reported December 12, 2007 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. · 37,000 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Feb 4, 2026 · Electrical system

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…

Mar 17, 2022 · Engine

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…

Aug 8, 2019 · Electronic stability control (ESC) · 188,000 miles

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…

Jul 29, 2019 · Fuel/propulsion system

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.

Jun 3, 2019 · Engine · 120,000 miles · fire reported

TL* 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…

XC90 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2005 622313
2006 35344
2007 23805
2008 32911
2009 1700
2010 31200
2011 11901

Across all years, the 2004 XC90 has the most complaints (462). All Volvo XC90 years →

Questions

Does the 2008 Volvo XC90 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Volvo XC90, the most recent reported on November 8, 2010 (Equipment: electrical, navigational system(global positioning system)). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volvo XC90?
Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (8 complaints), followed by engine (6).
How many 2008 Volvo XC90 complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 29 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 4, 2026.