2008 Volvo V50 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2008 Volvo V50 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other V50 years?

V50 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all V50 years to avoid →

Does the 2008 Volvo V50 have recalls?

3 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.

08V197000Body & StructureApril 28, 2008 · 7 units

Defect

VOLVO IS RECALLING 7 MY 2008 V50 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ROOF RAILS. BOLTS HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE OUT OF SPECIFICATION. THIS HAS CAUSED LESS TREAD LENGTH ON THE BOLTS WHICH IN TURN HAS LEAD TO INSUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE IN THE JOINT DUE TO THE WASHER GETTING STUCK WHEN TIGHTENING THE BOLTS.

Consequence

WHEN CARRYING ROOF CARGO, THE RAILS MAY COME LOOSE DURING HEAVY BRAKING AND/OR SUDDEN STOPS INCREASING THE POSSIBILITY OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DUE TO THE LIMITED NUMBER OF VEHICLES INVOLVED, OWNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND WILL HAVE THE ROOF RAIL BOLTS REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

2008 Volvo V50 — common questions

Is the 2008 Volvo V50 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2008 Volvo V50 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Volvo V50. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2008 compare to other V50 years?

Does the 2008 Volvo V50 have recalls?

2008 Volvo V50 — common questions

Is the 2008 Volvo V50 reliable?

Does the 2008 Volvo V50 have recalls?

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