2008 Volvo S80 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 Volvo S80 ranks worst (1st) among 12 model years, with a complaint index of 100, 26 complaints, 7 recalls, and 4 crashes. Fuel system issues dominate at 27% of complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other S80 years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 12 S80 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 26
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18.5
- 15.5 city / 23.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2008 Volvo S80 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System7 (27%)
- Electrical System5 (19%)
- Engine5 (19%)
- Other4 (15%)
- Seat Belts4 (15%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (15%)
- Structure & Body3 (12%)
- Airbags2 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (8%)
- Brakes1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report sudden, uncontrollable engine surges while braking at low speed in parking lots, sometimes ending in a collision.
- The engine has reportedly died completely while driving with no warning and no surrounding traffic.
- The fuel gauge is described as chronically inaccurate, with owners unable to trust the reading of remaining fuel.
- Windshield wipers have activated on their own before failing completely, tied to central electronic module software.
- The instrument cluster has reportedly gone dark, hiding speed, blinker status, and fuel level.
- The auto-darkening rearview mirror developed permanent dark lines that owners say reduced visibility at night.
2008 Volvo S80 recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V378000Jun 30, 2020Seat Belts308,260 vehicles
Seat belts:front
Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.
Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
- 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 10V335000Jul 22, 2010Suspension, Wheels & Tires3,635 vehicles
Tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 s80 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." the tire and loading information label and a page in the owner's manual contain incorrect maximum permissible inflation pressure and the tire pressure monitoring system (tpms) software has an incorrect trigger level.
Risk: These vehicles do not meet the required safety standards.
Remedy: Dealers will update the vehicles with a new tire and loading information label, owner's manual label and tpms software. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about august 27, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552 or [email protected] .
2008 Volvo S80 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15.5 MPG
- Highway
- 23.5 MPG
- Combined
- 18.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,325
- 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 S80 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Volvo S80 reliable?
- Compared with other S80 years, the 2008 model ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 (the highest of the 12 model years tracked) and 26 NHTSA complaints.
- What is the top problem area for the 2008 Volvo S80?
- Fuel System complaints lead, accounting for 7 of 26 complaints (27%), with a median failure mileage of 58,421 and 3 associated crashes.
- Does the 2008 Volvo S80 have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2008 S80, covering seat belts, electrical system software, engine cooling fan control, engine mount bolts, and windshield wiper software.
- How does the 2008 S80 compare to other years?
- The 2008 S80 has the highest complaint index (100) of all 12 tracked model years, worse than 2010 (91) and 2013 (82), both also rated Avoid, while 2016 is rated Best with an index of 9.