2008 Volvo XC70 petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Volvo XC70 first registered in 2008 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 162 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 162 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2008 Volvo XC70 petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2008 Volvo XC70 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension20% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics19% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres19% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes14% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Steering3% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
Known faults on the 2008 Volvo XC70 petrol
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Many recalls (34)
34 recalls, the most Auto Express had seen for one model, covering airbags, short circuits that could cause a fire, engine power loss, jamming gearboxes and wheels working loose.
At the viewing: Ask a Volvo dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Source: Auto Express: used Volvo V70 (Mk3, 2007-2016) review
- Diesel and 2.5T
Snapped timing belts (4WD D5)
The four-wheel-drive D5 can snap its timing and auxiliary belts, wrecking the engine. Diesels and the 2.5T need a cambelt every 10 years or 108,000–150,000 miles.
At the viewing: Ask for an invoice showing the belts were changed on time.
Source: Auto Express: used Volvo V70 (Mk3, 2007-2016) review
- All engines
Alarm sensor faults and fast tyre wear
The alarm sensors can play up, and it wears tyres quickly.
At the viewing: Check the alarm and the tyre tread.
Source: Auto Express: used Volvo V70 (Mk3, 2007-2016) review
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Volvo XC70 petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have all the recalls been done? Can a Volvo dealer confirm from the VIN?
- When were the timing and auxiliary belts last changed?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Volvo XC70?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Volvo XC70 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2017 | – | Too few tests |
| 2016 | 3,042 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 4,791 | Tyres 25% |
| 2014 | 5,186 | Tyres 27% |
| 2013 | 4,685 | Tyres 27% |
| 2012 | 3,959 | Suspension 29% |
| 2011 | 5,423 | Suspension 32% |
| 2010 | 4,180 | Suspension 31% |
| 2009 | 3,015 | Suspension 35% |
| 2007 | 3,767 | Suspension 51% |
| 2006 | 3,443 | Suspension 53% |
| 2005 | 3,719 | Suspension 54% |
| 2004 | 2,161 | Suspension 57% |
| 2003 | 1,334 | Suspension 57% |
| 2002 | 260 | Suspension 52% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Volvo XC70 cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score