Volvo V70, XC70 Recall R/2008/075: Side Airbag May Not Work As Intended, Who Is Affected And What To Do

DVSA reference R/2008/075, campaign code R88029. Data updated daily from DVSA.

Urgent
How serious
7 May 2008
Launched
4,875
vehicles in the UK
R88029
Manufacturer’s campaign code

Volvo recalled V70, XC70 vehicles. The subject vehicles may have a software error within the side impact protection system (SIPS) As a result the inflatable side curtains may not operate as intended. The dealer will upgrade the SIPS system ECU software. You won't usually pay for it.1

What’s Wrong

The subject vehicles may have a software error within the side impact protection system (SIPS) As a result the inflatable side curtains may not operate as intended.

DVSA's Original Wording

Concern: SIDE AIRBAG MAY NOT WORK AS INTENDED Defect: It has been identified that the subject vehicles may have a software error within the side impact protection system (SIPS) As a result the inflatable side curtains may not operate as intended. Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the SIPS system ECU software upgraded.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

The Risk

The recall notice describes the concern as: side airbag may not work as intended.

The Fix

The dealer will upgrade the SIPS system ECU software. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.

Are You Affected?

V70, XC70 may be included. Volvo estimates 4,875 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Volvo, because not every car in the date range may be included.

What To Do Now

  1. Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Volvo.
  2. Book with any franchised Volvo dealer, quoting the campaign code R88029 or the DVSA reference R/2008/075. See how to get a Volvo recall fixed.
  3. Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
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This is one of 175 Volvo recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volvo recall launched before it was R/2008/066 on 25 Apr 2008, for rear wheels may loosen. The one launched after it was R/2008/074 on 8 May 2008, for vehicle may stall. You can also see every Volvo recall, all recalls launched in 2008 and airbag recalls across every make.


Source: DVSA recall R/2008/075, launched 7 May 2008. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.

Sources

  1. The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.