Most common 2008 Volvo XC90 problems
Share of the 29 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo XC90 complaints by model year
Best XC90 years: 2010, 2013, 2011. Years to avoid: 2016, 2025, 2023, 2017, 2024. Compare all years →
2008 Volvo XC90 recalls (3)
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system)
Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (GPS) units because the batteries on those units May overheat.
Remedy: 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.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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.
Remedy: 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.
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system
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.
Remedy: The ECM software will be upgraded. The recall began on January 28, 2008. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
What 2008 Volvo XC90 owners say
Engine & cooling
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 fob 1or more locks won't lock/unlock including the fuel door lock, as well as child saftey locks coming on randomly. …
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
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 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 fob 1or more locks won't lock/unlock including the fuel door lock, as well as child saftey locks coming on randomly. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Volvo XC90. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the battery warning indicator remained illuminated. A few moments later, other unknown warning indicators began to illuminate. The vehicle was maneuvered to a safe location. The front driver and passenger side power window switches failed to operate when activated. The engine was turned off and failed to restart. Roadside assistance inspected the vehicle and jumpstarted the battery. The vehicle resumed normal operation. The contact mentioned that the SRS warning indicator illuminated for two years and continued. The rear passenger door ajar message displayed even though the doors were closed in a secured position. In addition, the child lock fault message illuminated. The failures recurred and persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. …
Transmission & drivetrain
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Volvo XC90. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle made a shaking motion. The failure recurred numerous times intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was unable to be diagnosed and the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.
Loud clunking noises coming from front end of vehicle, vehicle diagnosed by a licensed mechanic to be drive axles warn out, with relatively low low miles I contacted Volvo dealer and would do nothing but charge for replacements and further diagnosis. Premature failure of drive axles can create an unstable driving incident. Which is why I am filing this complaint . It seems that all these parts are on backorder everywhere which makes me think there must be a serious issue with this.
2008 Volvo XC90 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Volvo XC90 a good car?
Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 XC90 rates average: 36% fewer complaints than a typical year of the XC90 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Volvo XC90?
The engine & cooling — 8 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the electrical system (8) and transmission & drivetrain (4).
How many recalls does the 2008 Volvo XC90 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2008 Volvo XC90, the most recent from November 8, 2010 (navigational system(global positioning system)). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volvo XC90?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2013 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016, 2025, 2023, 2017 and 2024. See the full Volvo XC90 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Volvo XC90 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 52,000 miles; 48% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.