Model year guide

2008 Volvo XC90

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Volvo XC90 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 96 on record.

2008 Volvo XC90 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Volvo XC90 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints29
Combined16 mpg
Typical price$9,328

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Volvo XC90 recalls 3

Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System) NHTSA Campaign #10V566000 · 08/11/2010

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

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 …

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #08V206000 · 06/05/2008

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.

Fix: 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. ALL OWNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED AND ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES.

Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System NHTSA Campaign #07V563000 · 12/12/2007

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.

Fix: THE ECM SOFTWARE WILL BE UPGRADED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Volvo XC90 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2008 Volvo XC90 MPG & running costs

Combined16 mpg
City14 mpg
Highway20 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,850

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Volvo XC90 worth?

Low
$4,995
Typical price
$9,328
High
$13,300

From 96 comparable 2008 Volvo XC90 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Volvo XC90 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$24,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$6,750
Total$31,000
Per mile$0.41

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($9,328) with the same model 5 model-years older ($2,594), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Volvo XC90 trims & engines on record

Trims
3.2 · 3.2 Special Edition · V8 · V8 Sport
Engines
3.2L 6-cyl 235 hp · 4.4L 8-cyl 311 hp

2008 Volvo XC90 vehicles on record

Other Volvo XC90 model years

2008 Volvo XC90 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Volvo XC90 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2008 Volvo XC90. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volvo XC90?

Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Volvo XC90 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Volvo XC90 at about 16 mpg combined (14 city / 20 highway).

How much is a 2008 Volvo XC90 worth?

Comparable 2008 Volvo XC90 listings run roughly $4,995–$13,300, typically around $9,328 (from 96 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.