Does the 2008 Volvo S40 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Volvo S40, the most recent reported on November 8, 2010 (Equipment: electrical, navigational system(global positioning system)). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volvo S40?

Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (4 complaints), followed by engine (4).

How many 2008 Volvo S40 complaints mention a crash or fire?

5 of 16 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2008 Volvo S40 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 16 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Volvo S40.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2008 Volvo S40 recalls

Equipment: electrical, navigational system(global positioning system)

NHTSA campaign 10V566000 · reported November 8, 2010 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. · 416 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
The risk: An overheated battery could lead to a fire.
The fix: 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.

Steering: hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connections

NHTSA campaign 08V329000 · reported July 23, 2008 · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. · 1,020 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The 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.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Electrical system4
Engine4
Steering4
Vehicle speed control3
Visibility3
Air bags2
Suspension2
Electronic stability control (ESC)1
Seats1
Tires1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 6, 2022 · Visibility · 133,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Volvo S40. The contact stated while his spouse was driving 70 MPH, the moon roof exploded. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.

Aug 10, 2021 · Electrical system · crash reported
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 Manufactuer service center…

Feb 20, 2020 · Steering · 100,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER EXITING A STORE AND ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STATED TO TURN…

Aug 8, 2018 · Engine · 191,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF…

Mar 2, 2017 · Electrical system · 75,265 miles
THE AIR PUMP HAS A FAULTY SWITCH, STARTED RINGING WHEN I TURN THE ENGINE OFF. THE MECHANIC SAYS THE SWITCH ISN'T SHUTTING OFF CORRECTLY.

S40 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2005	3	69	2	0
2006	3	58	1	0
2007	2	25	4	1
2008	2	16	5	0
2009	3	10	0	3
2010	2	9	1	0
2011	2	5	0	1

Across all years, the 2000 S40 has the most complaints (122). All Volvo S40 years →

Questions

Does the 2008 Volvo S40 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Volvo S40, the most recent reported on November 8, 2010 (Equipment: electrical, navigational system(global positioning system)). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volvo S40?: Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (4 complaints), followed by engine (4).
How many 2008 Volvo S40 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 5 of 16 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 6, 2022.