2008 Volvo S40 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2008 Volvo S40 has a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 4th worst out of 7 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 16 complaints, 2 recalls, and 5 crash reports for this year, with Engine issues the top problem area at 38%.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #4 of 7 S40 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 16
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22.5
- 19 city / 27.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2008 Volvo S40 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine6 (38%)
- Electrical System4 (25%)
- Steering4 (25%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (25%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (19%)
- Airbags2 (13%)
- Brakes1 (6%)
- Other1 (6%)
- Structure & Body1 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report unintended forward movement at low speed while parking with a foot on the brake, in one case leading to a crash into a storefront.
- Engine oil trap and ventilation hose damage triggered check engine lights, abnormal noises, and oil leaks around 77,800 miles.
- Cruise control has been described as causing sudden unwanted acceleration toward high speeds on the highway, requiring the brake to disengage it.
- Steering has been reported to lock up during ignition attempts, with messages telling drivers to turn the steering wheel before the car would start.
- Windshield wipers reportedly failed during a snowstorm at 53,000 miles due to a fractured wiper arm, reducing visibility.
- Sunroofs have been reported to leak water into the cabin, with one owner noting it may have affected airbag deployment during a collision.
2008 Volvo S40 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V566000Nov 8, 2010Other416 vehicles
Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 08V329000Jul 23, 2008Steering1,020 vehicles
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
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.
Risk: 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.
2008 Volvo S40 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 27.5 MPG
- Combined
- 22.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,550
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other S40 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Volvo S40 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2008 S40 a Complaint Index of 50, ranking it 4th worst among the 7 model years with data, with a Caution verdict relative to other S40 years.
- What problems does the 2008 Volvo S40 have?
- NHTSA complaints point to Engine issues as the top problem area (38% of complaints), followed by Electrical System and Steering issues, each at 25%.
- Does the 2008 Volvo S40 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 S40: one for a power steering return line hose that was not properly vulcanized, and one involving Garmin GPS unit batteries that could overheat.
- What year Volvo S40 should I avoid?
- Among the 7 model years with data, 2005 and 2007 have Avoid verdicts with Complaint Index scores of 83 and 100. The 2008 model falls into the Caution category with a score of 50.
- How many complaints does the 2008 Volvo S40 have?
- NHTSA lists 16 complaints for the 2008 S40, including 5 crash reports and 2 injuries, with a median mileage at failure of 75,265 miles.