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2008 Volvo C70 problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Volvo C70 is body and structure, typically around 75,000 miles. It has 2.0 times the complaints of a typical C70 model year.

Typical year2.0x the typical complaints
Year score
46/100
Owner complaints
22
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
194
Worst area
Body
Fuel economy
21mpg

The worst 2008 Volvo C70 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Body
    10
  • Steering
    4
  • Airbags
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Locks
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Body
    10
  • Steering
    4
  • Airbags
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 3

Equipment: other: labelsReported October 18, 2011 · 20,611 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 c70 vehicles manufactured from november 15, 2005, through july 31, 2011, and model year 2011-2012 s60 vehicles manufactured from july 14, 2010, through april 16, 2011, that were equipped with optional accessory spare tire kit. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles do not contain the correct information for vehicles equipped with the optional accessory spare tire and wheel kit.
Risk
A misprinted label could lead to improper tire inflation which could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo will notify owners and dealers will inspect the vehicle and install the label as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on february 23, 2012. Owners may contact volvo at 1‑201‑768‑7300.

Recall number 11V508000 · Recall details

Equipment: electrical: navigational system(global positioning system)Reported November 8, 2010 · 416 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (GPS) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
Risk
An overheated battery could lead to a fire.
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. 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.

Recall number 10V566000 · Recall details

Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connectionsReported July 23, 2008 · 1,020 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling my 2008-2009 vehicles. A section of the power steering return line hose was not properly vulcanized (cured) and does not meet specifications. If the power steering return hose fails, a sudden rupture of the hose can occur.
Risk
This can result in a rapid drainage of the power steering fluid in the system and a complete loss of power assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering return line hose assembly free of charge. The recall began on august 13, 2008. Owners may contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 08V329000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2008 Volvo C70

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Volvo C70 194

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 194 bulletins for the 2008 Volvo C70

2008 Volvo C70 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 5‑cylFWD1826-2721

What 2008 Volvo C70 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 17, 2025 · Locks · WI

On multiple occasions while driving this vehicle at various speeds various road conditions the doors will become unlocked and partially open you have to open the door and re-close it in order for the inside lights to go off because they come on when this happens. It also appears in the driver's safety alert that the doors are unlocked this is a very uncomfortable feeling I have spoke to Volvo dealership on several locations concerning this problem which they have taken responsibility for none of it. I just don't understand how this could not be a manufacturer's problem there have been several complaints by others about this specific problem and Volvo seems to have no answer for it. I would think this would be considered a severe safety issue

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Brakes · FL · fire

I believe the brake line are running along the firewall caught on fire I'm not sure if it was a brake line but it was a fire and it is at the dealer now I have not heard back from them

Filed Jul 5, 2024 · Body · IN

This vehicle is the C70 convertible. When driving and hitting a speed bump or a pothole, both the driver and passenger doors pop open from a fully closed state to a partially open state. The doors do NOT fully disengage but in the partially closed state the doors rattle and shake. When this happens, the "door open" warning light appears on the dashboard, and you need to fully open the door and then re-close it. On a standard trip of 25 miles, this occurs no less than 6 times. So this is an ongoing everyday situation. It is a bit disconcerting to be in the car and hear that first door pop and feel the door shake and rattle.

Filed Mar 12, 2022 · Body · WI

VEHICLE 2008 VOLVO C70 HARDTOP CONVERTIBLE. Doors randomly unlatch/open while the vehicle is in motion. This occurs on both the drivers side and passengers side doors during vehicle operation in drive. It has occurred numerous times while driving on straight flat non bump roads and in roundabouts, while cornering. It is a serious safety issue. It occurs when the top is up and when the top is down.

Filed Sep 20, 2021 · Body · NJ

The "passenger side door open" indicator suddenly showed on the dash while driving approximately 50MPH. As I slowed down , I asked my wife that was in the passenger seat to make sure her door was properly shut. The door opened right up without unlatching, she then promptly shut it and made sure it was secure. About 45 minutes later the same thing happened again. After investigating, I found this is a common issue with certain Volvo models. recalled for some models, not recalled for my model.

Filed Sep 19, 2021 · Body · PA

Passenger door keeps opening whether top up or down, mainly on highway driving. Very unsafe!

Filed Aug 7, 2020 · Body · 159,000 miles · VT

Right front door unlatches when I go around a corner while driving intermittently. It has not opened all the way yet but I am certain it was fully closed and latched before the car was in motion. I have heard of other people experiencing the same thing.

Filed Jul 2, 2020 · Body · NJ

The passenger door has, on at least ten occasions, partially opened while the car was moving . It opened in the first phase like it is when not fully closed. My mechanic says the latch is bad and will at some point open all the way. Volvo does. Or seem anxious to address the problem. When the volvo dealership repair was told of the problem on at least two,occasions, they said there was no problem.

Filed Mar 30, 2020 · 70,000 miles · MA

My 2008 volvoc70 passenger door opens while driving on highways. Was operating at 65 MPH. Purchased car used september 1999. Happened once before, but thought I didnt lock this is definitely a safety issue.

Filed May 26, 2019 · Body · 104,000 miles · MI

The "door open" warning and interior lights come on and the door slumps slightly ajar (even the window drops like when you open the door). This happens only with the top down, driving at highway speeds. Can be either driver or passenger side. Locked or unlocked. Doors are securely closed beforehand

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Compare the 2008 Volvo C70

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Questions about the 2008 Volvo C70

Is the 2008 Volvo C70 reliable?

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2008 Volvo C70, 2.0 times a typical C70 model year.

What is the 2008 Volvo C70 year score?

The 2008 Volvo C70 scores 46 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volvo C70: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Volvo C70?

Body and structure, with 10 complaints, typically around 75,000 miles. Next is steering (4).

How many recalls does the 2008 Volvo C70 have?

3 recalls, covering equipment and steering.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Volvo C70 get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Volvo C70 range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 5-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 26-27 highway.

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