2008 Volvo S40
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2008
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2008: 16 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 122 |
| 2001 | 84 |
| 2002 | 27 |
| 2003 | 18 |
| 2004 | 48 |
| 2005 | 69 |
| 2006 | 58 |
| 2007 | 25 |
| 2008 | 16 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Steering
4 of 16 total reports mention: steering.
Engine
4 of 16 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-08-10
Also filed under Electrical system and suspension
Electrical system
4 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system.
Vehicle speed control
3 of 16 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-02-24
Visibility
3 of 16 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Volvo S40. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH during a snow storm, the windshield wipers failed impairing the contacts view of the roadway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-01-03
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2008-08-13Steering08V329000 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…
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.
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R
2010-11-18Equipment10V566000 Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (Gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Volvo S40 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 08V329000 · Steering
- Recall 10V566000 · Equipment
FAQ
- Is the 2008 Volvo S40 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volvo S40?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Volvo S40 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.