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Vehicle safety record

2008 Volvo C70 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2008 Volvo C70 with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (11) and the steering (4). Those complaints describe 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in October 2011 for the labels. For comparison, the 2007 has 17 and the 2009 has 10.

NHTSA data checked

DMore problems than a typical C70 year, for its age

#212 most complained-about 2008 vehicle

Complaints
22
Recalls
3
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Most common 2008 Volvo C70 problems

Share of all 22 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2008 Volvo C70 recalls 3

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Equipment: labels

11V50800020,611 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A misprinted label could lead to improper tire inflation which could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Equipment: navigational system(global positioning system)

10V566000416 vehicles 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.

Steering: hose, piping, and connections

08V3290001,020 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

What owners say

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22 complaints about the 2008 Volvo C70

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Body, doors & structure

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...

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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 Incident Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 11705738
BrakesFire

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 Incident Unknown or other · Service brakesNHTSA 11702864
Body, doors & structure

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 Incident StructureNHTSA 11599226
Body, doors & structure

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 Incident StructureNHTSA 11456410
Body, doors & structure

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 Incident StructureNHTSA 11433691
Body, doors & structure

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

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11433525
Body, doors & structure

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 Incident StructureNHTSA 11343962
Body, doors & structure

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 Incident StructureNHTSA 11337150
Other & unknown

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 Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11319728
Body, doors & structure

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

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11210100
Airbags

While driving at approximately 30 miles an hour over the rail road tracks at the crescent cutoff highway, my right front wheel entered a pot hole causing the right front air bag warning light to turn on, the check engine light to turn on and the message to appear "srs service needed urgent." At the dealer in bend, or they estimate the cost of repair at $1,464. "Needs right front airbag". From a pot hole at a railroad crossing? This can't be as the car has less than 18,000 miles on it. Will this happen again? Can I have confidence in the left front airbag?

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11110143
Other & unknown

The passenger door randomly opens sometimes when the car is being driven. This seems to occur every couple of weeks, sometimes at highway speeds, sometimes at speeds around 30mph

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10980158
Body, doors & structure

Doors unlock & randomly pop open during highway driving. Only "safety latch" keeps them from actually swinging out free and clear. Very alarming and disconcerting.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10913762
Steering

Driving down the highway, power steering went out all of a sudden making it very difficult to steer. Hard to make turns. Had it inspected next day- and the power steering line had ruptured. I now have to have the entire line replaced.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10889001
Body, doors & structure

On multiple occasions over several months , the passenger side door would pop open while driving at highway speeds or even at slower speeds when taking a turn. Was randomly occurring and not necessarily related to driving over any bumps. Dealer kept for several weeks stating door latch was in spec and that manufacturer would not reimburse dealer if not defective part. First dealer attempted to put in metal splints wedged into the front door panel frame. Problem still occurred. Finally dealer replaced door latch and problem has not reoccurred in 8 months since. Have seen similar reports online from other car owners. *Tr

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10497674
SteeringWheels & tiresCrash

The rear camber arms of the volvo c 70 are failing at an alarming rate. Not only are tires wearing unevenly at owners expense, the failure of the arms causes the car to become totally uncontrollable. Volvo in a recent publication acknowledged the problem with their original equipment but yet fails to issue a recall and replace order. *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · WheelsNHTSA 10497633
Body, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 volvo c70. The contact stated that the driver's side door and the rear trunk would sporadically become unlatched while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that she would have to stop and exit the vehicle to close the trunk and the door before proceeding. The contact stated that the vehicle would be taken to the dealer for inspection of the failure. The manufacturer was notified who offered no assistance. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 75,000.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10481021
Equipment & accessories

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 volvo c70. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer to be repaired under the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v508000 (equipment:other:labels). The contact was then informed that the vehicle was not equipped with a spare tire. The contact expressed concern because she felt that all vehicles should be equipped with spare tires. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,016. Updated 7/20/12 *cn updated 07/26/12

Filed Incident EquipmentNHTSA 10459623
Suspension

There is excessive wear on my 2008 volvo c70. The rear tires were scalloped and feather-edged to the point of replacement at 15,000. The front tires were moved to the rear with new tires installed in the front. Rear tires gained the same symptoms at 19,800 miles with additional symptoms of low rumble. New tires were put on the front and previous front tires put on rear axle. Wheel alignment was done both at 15,000 and 19,800 miles, both times severely out of specs. Only the toe adjustment can actually be done on...

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the rear axle, however, when it is done, the camber becomes out of alignment, hence the very premature tire wear. The proper correction is to replace the rear control arm, volvo refused saying that the premature tire wear is due to driving habits. I suggest that the original rear control arms are of insufficient strength to properly hold the alignment, hence they could break and become a real safety issue. *Tt

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10413076
SteeringCrash1 injury

2008 Volvo c70. Consumer states power steering failure *tgw the consumer stated when the power steering failed without warning, it caused him to swerve off the road. As a result, the consumer sustained various bodily injuries and auto body damage. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer and it was determined the power steering was defective. Volvo stated they would repair the consumers vehicle, if he signed a form that would release them from any future liability, which the consumer ultimately refused to sign....

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The consumer stated a recall regarding the power steering was reported in july 2008 and he purchased the vehicle in october 2009, so obviously the vehicle was not properly inspected. *Jb

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10409874
Steering

This vehicle was being operated at a speed in excess of 40 miles per hours on 9/12/2010 on the new jersey turnpike, on 9/13/2010 on the bruckner expressway and on 9/13/2010 on the triborough bridge. In three separate instances the power steering failed on the vehicle which veered erratically to the right to avoid on coming traffic. The panel lights on the car indicated steering failure, brake failure and low tire pressure and the car became inoperable. Fortunately traffic was avoided and there was no collision...

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wit other vehicles. The vehicle was returned to the volvo dealer on 9/14/2010 who confirmed that the power steering and computer system had failed on the car. After 72 hours the volvo dealer, big dee volvo, elmsford, ny returned the vehicle "repaired" to us after they claimed they had repaired and test driven the vehicle but could not assure us with any certainty that they knew what was wrong. This vehicle is a safety hazard to me, my children, and the public and the driving public. *Tr

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10356080
Wheels & tires

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 volvo c70. The contact discovered that he had a flat tire and would frequently inflate it with air. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that both front rims were cracked. They refused to make the repairs under warranty and stated that the failure would be considered "wear and tear." The rims were replaced at the estimated cost of $1,000. The failure mileage was 5,000 and current mileage was 7,000.

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 10244668

Volvo C70: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
201223100Body, doors & structureD
201114120Body, doors & structureF
20104201Body, doors & structureB
200910300Body, doors & structureC
200822321Body, doors & structureD
200717400Body, doors & structureD
20069200Wheels & tiresC
200416010Electrical systemC
All C70 years

2008 Volvo C70 vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2008 Volvo C70

Does the 2008 Volvo C70 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Volvo C70: labels (October 2011); navigational system(global positioning system) (November 2010); hose, piping, and connections (July 2008). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volvo C70?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (11), steering (4), wheels & tires (2).

How many complaints has the 2008 Volvo C70 had?

22 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 7, 2008 and the latest on December 17, 2025. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.

Is the 2008 Volvo C70 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 25 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Volvo C70 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Volvo C70 years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2008 Volvo C70 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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