2008 Volvo XC90: common problems and reliability
One of the better XC90 years.
29 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 XC90?The 2008 Volvo XC90 has 29 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine.
Safety record for the 2008 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Volvo XC90 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other XC90 years only. How we score it
Is 2008 a good year for the XC90?
Across the 23 XC90 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2012) to 592 (2016). With 29 complaints, the 2008 XC90 sits below the model's median of 58.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2008 XC90
equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
Campaign 10V566000VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 08V206000VOLVO 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.
visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system
Campaign 07V563000ON 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on generation and powertrain.
Owner insights cover all generations of the XC90. See the full XC90 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used XC90 listings typically run $19,496–$39,767.
Other XC90 model years
Compare every XC90 year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.
Compare the XC90 against its rivals
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