2008 Volvo XC90 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 14%of 29 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Volvo XC90, 14% of the 29 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Loud clunking noises coming from front end of vehicle, vehicle diagnosed by a licensed mechanic to be drive axles warn out, with relatively low low miles I contacted Volvo dealer and would do nothing but charge for replacements and further diagnosis. Premature failure of drive axles can create an unstable driving incident. Which is why I am filing this complaint . It seems that all these parts are on backorder everywhere which makes me think there must be a serious issue with this.”
NHTSA complaint #10731685, filed 2015-07, 52,000 miles“My 2005 t6 has already had a transmission replaced at 25k miles (under warranty). The replacement transmission recently slipped gears with 32k miles and the dealer said that it was older version of the engine management software code which caused it to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #10218004, filed 2008-02, 25,848 miles“Excessive vibration/shaking in the drive train of a v8 engine XC90 during light/moderate acceleration (severe shaking during full throttle acceleration). According to a number of Volvo dealer service advisors, this vibration/shaking has been a 'major issue' caused by failing right side front axles (350.00) &/or failing transmission valve bodies ($3500.00). Given that this appears to be a major mechanical flaw according to Volvo dealer service, why hasn't these dangerous drive train issues been addressed as a mandatory recall??”
NHTSA complaint #10550270, filed 2013-10, 85,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Volvo XC90. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle made a shaking motion. The failure recurred numerous times intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was unable to be diagnosed and the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10763876, filed 2015-09, 69,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10037893May 25, 2012Volvo: there is a software update. *rm updated 4/11/2012. *kb updated 4/13/12. *pe updated 5/15/12. *pe updated 6/4/12.
- 10037899Jan 11, 2011Volvo: there is a bearing noise coming from the rear gear housing because of a faulty bearing.
- 10037896Jan 5, 2011Volvo: abs light on, four-wheel drive is not working. There is a software problem.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 13% |
| 2023 | 3 | 7% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 9% |
| 2019 | 3 | 7% |
| 2018 | 5 | 10% |
| 2017 | 5 | 6% |
| 2016 | 10 | 5% |
| 2011 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 4 | 14% |
| 2007 | 5 | 13% |
| 2006 | 3 | 6% |
| 2005 | 62 | 28% |
| 2004 | 145 | 31% |
| 2003 | 49 | 53% |
Other parts of the 2008 Volvo XC90
8 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Volvo XC90
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology