VehicleVerdict

2008 Volvo S40 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 27 complaints on file for the 2008 Volvo S40 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

27

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other S40 years?

S40 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted166 complaints2000: 166 complaints2001: 112 complaints2002: 34 complaints2003: 23 complaints2004: 75 complaints2005: 91 complaints2006: 81 complaints2007: 36 complaints2008: 27 complaints2009: 14 complaints2010: 11 complaints2011: 7 complaints
S40 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S40 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Volvo S40 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System519%
Steering415%
Engine415%
Visibility & Wipers311%
Speed Control311%
Airbags27%
Suspension27%
Tires & Wheels27%
Other14%
Seats14%

Does the 2008 Volvo S40 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V566000Electrical SystemNovember 8, 2010 · 416 units

Defect

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

Consequence

AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy

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 BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.

08V329000SteeringJuly 23, 2008 · 1,020 units

Defect

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 OF THE HOSE CAN OCCUR.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN A RAPID DRAINAGE OF THE POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE SYSTEM AND A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSISTANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“After buying the vehicle on 7/9/21, the car started having problems with the cooling system. I took it to a repair shop and they said the cooling system was overfilled. The air problem continued. I took it back to the dealership who said they fixed it but it continued. I contacted the prior…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 3, 2021 · crash

“After buying the vehicle on 7/9/21, the car started having problems with the cooling system. I took it to a repair shop and they said the cooling system was overfilled. The air problem continued. I took it back to the dealership who said they fixed it but it continued. I contacted the prior…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 3, 2021 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN ROUTE AT NIGHT AROUND 730 AND A CAR WAS TRYING TO GET IN MY LINE AND I ASSUME THEY DID NOT SEE ME. I TRIED TO MOVE TO THE LEFT TO GET OUT OF THE WAY BUT MY STEERING WHEEL WAS SO TIGHT I COULD NOT VEER AWAY FROM THE CURB. DUE TO THIS I HAVE NUMEROUS REPAIRS THAT NEED TO BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 9, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS LEAKING WATER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS A WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT WATER MAY HAVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 29, 2014 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40. SHE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH AND PARKING THE VEHICLE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND CRASHED INTO A STORE WINDOW. THERE WERE FRONTAL DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. SHE SUFFERED CHEST INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 20, 2010 · crash

2008 Volvo S40 — common questions

Is the 2008 Volvo S40 reliable?

The record is thin — 27 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2008 S40 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (5 complaints), engine (4 complaints), steering (4 complaints).

Does the 2008 Volvo S40 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Volvo S40. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo S40 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S40 years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2004. The cleanest record among S40 years belongs to 2011.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.