VolvoC702008Overview/volvo/c70/2008/base/

2008 Volvo C70

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2008 C70.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S5)

The 2008 Volvo C70 is a passenger‑car coupe that pairs an automatic S5 transmission with a power‑train requiring 6.1 qt of oil—available in 0W‑30, 0W‑40 or 5W‑30 viscosities—and delivers EPA fuel‑economy figures of 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. While the model’s overall reliability record shows 22 owner complaints, the most frequent issue centers on structural concerns and three recalls have been issued for the year. Situated between the model‑line’s peak complaint year of 2000 (26 complaints) and its low point in 2010 (four complaints), the 2008 C70 reflects a mid‑cycle reliability phase where problems are moderate but have begun to trend downward.

Model year20132012201120102009200820072006

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.1 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-30 / 0W-40 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque81 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy18/26/21 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 91 · 590 CCA battery, OE oil filter 8692305. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 91 · 590 CCAOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter8692305
Engine air filter30757155
Fuel filter31271607 alt 31273741
Battery30772221 alt 30772226
Front wiper blades32341315
Thermostat31319608
Cabin air filter30780377 alt 30780376

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S5)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length180.3 in
Overall width71.7 in
Overall height55.5 in
Wheelbase103.9 in
Curb weight3772 lb
Track (front / rear)61 / 60.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)56/44

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined18 / 26 / 21 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the C70 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.2–8.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.20 sec — 1998 Coupe
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2007T5 Convertible 2.5L Turbo I-57.30 sec15.70 sec218 hpFWD
2007T5 Convertible 2.5L Turbo I-57.70 sec15.90 sec218 hpFWD
2006T5 Convertible 2.5L Turbo I-57.50 sec15.70 sec218 hpFWD
2006T5 Convertible 2.5L Turbo I-57.60 sec15.90 sec218 hpFWD
1999Convertible 2.4L Turbo I-58.00 sec16.10 sec190 hpFWD
1998Coupe 2.3L Turbo I-56.20 sec14.70 sec236 hpFWD
1998Coupe 2.3L Turbo I-56.20 sec14.10 sec236 hpFWD
1998Coupe 2.3L Turbo I-56.40 sec14.90 sec236 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.1 qt of 0W-30 / 0W-40 / 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 81 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-4-5-3.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.2
Brake FluidDOT 4
Engine Oil0W-30 · 0W-40 · API · 5W-30 · 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity6.1 qt
Manual Transmission FluidVolvo part number 31280771
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity4.0-4.4
Power Steering FluidSYNTHETIC

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts133 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs84 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts81 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub26 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-4-5-3
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)720 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.20-1.30 lbs
Oil TypeVolvo part number 87085817 or equivalent
Oil Capacity6.00-6.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number91
Standard BCI Cranking Performance590 cca
Optional BCI Group Number94R
Optional BCI Cranking Performance700 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test22 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief22 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature194 °F
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum58 psi
Injector Primary Resistance12 ohms

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket22 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle89 ft-lbs / 52 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.003 in / 0.0016 in
Rotor Minimum Machining0.937 in / 0.385 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.905 in / 0.354 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18 ft. lbs., Step 3: 10011 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
133 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5033 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 75,000 mi.

Every 7,500 miBrake Linings (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 15,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Underbody (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
Every 37,500 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
At 60,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
Every 75,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miDrive Belt (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2008 Volvo C70 sits within a generation that saw complaint counts fluctuate, peaking at 23 in 2012 and 22 in 2008, while recalls were highest in 2007 (4) and then declined to zero by 2013. The target year’s 22 complaints and 3 recalls place it near the upper end of the generation’s range, contrasting with lower figures in 2010 (4 complaints, 2 recalls) and 2013 (11 complaints, 0 recalls). Notably, structure-related issues dominate the 2008 complaints at 10, alongside 2 crash and 1 fire complaint, though the data does not specify root causes. This pattern suggests that 2008 models may carry more reported problems than later years in the same generation. A buyer should be cautious: opting for a 2010 or newer C70 could offer a more reliable experience based on the federal record.

3
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
194
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
22
Owner complaints
2 involved a crash · 1 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 22 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Structure10
Steering3
Unknown Or Other2
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes1
Air Bags1
Steering,Wheels1
Equipment1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

11V508000Equipment:Other:LabelsReported 18/10/2011

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… 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…

08V329000Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And ConnectionsReported 23/07/2008

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… 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.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 194 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
37809.1.12026-04-07Unknown Or OtherThis is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to…
192452025-12-06Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.
85012025-04-10Exterior LightingThis is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a…
S103032025-02-21Unknown Or OtherVolvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has…
S103032025-02-13Unknown Or OtherVolvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific C70. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2008 C70 take?

6.1 qt of BELOW 104 degrees F,: 0W-30 OR 0W-40 API SL, -22 degrees F TO 104 degrees F: 5W-30 API SL, -13 degrees F TO 104 degrees F: 5W-40 API SL, per the factory manual.

Does the 2008 C70 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the C70 get?

EPA figures are 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined mpg.