no report yet
Electrical: navigational system(global positioning system)
Risk. AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
2008 Volvo XC90Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 29 owner complaints about the 2008 Volvo XC90, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: OSX, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Volvo XC90 has problems
29 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Electrical system
6Engine1 crash/fire/injury
4Seat belts
4Power train
3Electronic stability control (ESC)
3Fuel/propulsion system
2Engine and engine cooling
1Tires
1Vehicle speed control
99 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 8 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 4 | 0 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 9 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2008 Volvo XC90 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. THE ALUMINUM BRACKET FOR THE ENGINE MOUNT COULD BREAK DUE TO LACK OF ADEQUATE CLAMPING FORCE.
no report yet
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system
Risk. INOPERATIVE DEFROSTERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE IMPAIRED VISIBILITY WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volvo.
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other XC90 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the XC90 median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Volvo XC90 safety ratings
2008 Volvo XC90 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What XC90 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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,…
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…
FAN CONTROL MODULE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. LOSS OF COOLING SYSTEM FUNCTION AND ENGINE OVERHEATS. AIR CONDITIONER DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. MECHANIC HAS CONFIRMED IT IS THE FAN CONTROL MODULE THAT IS FAILING. SAME YEAR DIFFERENT VEHICLES HAVE SAME ISSUES IN CASE # NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V218000…
Own a 2008 XC90?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.