Before you buy
This 2008 Volvo S40 has 16 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2008 Volvo S40 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2008 Volvo S40 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2008 Volvo S40 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated11.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
11.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2008 Volvo S40 has 16 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Volvo
- Model
- S40
- Model year
- 2008
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 16
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 28
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2008 Volvo S40 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Steering Defects. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2008 Volvo S40?
This VOLVO S40 year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2008 Volvo S40
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2008 Volvo S40, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The VOLVO S40 has 16 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. 5 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 16 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 2 federal recall campaigns
- 5 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2008 Volvo S40 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Volvo S40. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Volvo S40. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
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 contacte…
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…
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 AIR PUMP HAS A FAULTY SWITCH, STARTED RINGING WHEN I TURN THE ENGINE OFF. THE MECHANIC SAYS THE SWITCH ISN'T SHUTTING OFF CORRECTLY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40 EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL EXTREMECONTACT DWS TIRES, SIZE: 205/50/17 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A SIDEWALL BLOW OUT AFTER DRIVING OVER GRAVEL IN THE ROAD. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE VEHICL…
2008 S40, CAR WAS PLACED IN PARK AND TURNED OFF WHILE RUNNING ERRANDS, NO PROBLEMS. CAME OUT OF THE STORE AND PLACED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND RECEIVED THIS ERROR MESSAGE, "TURN STEERING, TRY START AGAIN." PRIOR TO THIS, THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY OPERABLE. REMOVED THE KEY AND I…
I WAS GETTING IN MY CAR WITH MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START (TURN STEERING WHEEL AND TRY TO START AGAIN). I TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT IT WOULD NOT START. AFTER 15 MINUTES, I DECIDED IT WAS TOO HOT WITH MY CHILDREN OUTSIDE SO I WENT INSIDE. I CHECKED AN HOUR …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS LEAKING WATER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS A WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT W…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL TRAP AND VENTILATION HOSE WERE DAMAGED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE, AND THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAK…
I WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN ROUTE AT NIGHT AROUND 730 AND A CAR WAS TRYING TO GET IN MY LINE AND I ASSUME THEY DID NOT SEE ME. I TRIED TO MOVE TO THE LEFT TO GET OUT OF THE WAY BUT MY STEERING WHEEL WAS SO TIGHT I COULD NOT VEER AWAY FROM THE CURB. DUE TO THIS I HAVE NUMEROUS REPAIR…
I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 VOLVO S40 STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WHEN I WAS IN MAJOR/SEVERE REAR END COLLISION. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT (70+ MPH) PUSHED ME INTO A VEHICLE AHEAD WHICH CAUSED SEVERE FRONTAL DAMAGE THAT WENT ALL THE WAY PAST MY RADIATOR. PROPERTY DAMAGES OVER $17K AND AIRBAGS FAI…
MY SERPENTINE BELT BROKE ON 6/6/2014 AND WAS REPLACED. ON 6/20/2014 I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60MPH ON THE INTERSTATE IN CHICAGO, IL WHEN MY VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED. THIS NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE, BUT I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE LEFT SHOUL…
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I SET CRUISE CONTROL TO 65. WITHIN SECONDS I FELT AS IF I WERE GOING VERY FAST AND I HAD ACCELERATED TO NEAR 90 MPH. I TURNED CRUISE CONTROL OFF, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND WHEN I LET OFF THE BRAKE THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. AFTER THE SECOND TIM…
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. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE OFF THE ROADWAY AND THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT UNTIL THE SNOW STOPPED. THE VEHICLE W…
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. SHE SUFFERED CHEST INJURIES. A POLICE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Volvo S40.
Safety recalls
2008 Volvo S40 recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Volvo S40. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2008 Volvo S40 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2008 Volvo S40 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 16 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. This VOLVO S40 year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volvo S40?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (4 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (4 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Volvo S40?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Volvo S40?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Volvo S40, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 16 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Volvo S40 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Volvo S40. A major recall area is STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2008 Volvo S40?▾
This VOLVO S40 year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Volvo S40 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.