2008 Volvo S40: common problems and reliability
An average S40 year.
16 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 S40?The 2008 Volvo S40 has 16 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine.
Safety record for the 2008 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Volvo S40 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other S40 years only. How we score it
Is 2008 a good year for the S40?
Across the 12 S40 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 5 (2011) to 134 (2000). With 16 complaints, the 2008 S40 sits below the model's median of 30.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2008 S40
steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Campaign 08V329000VOLVO 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.
equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
Campaign 10V566000VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on the specific model year, engine, and maintenance history.
Owner insights cover all generations of the S40. See the full S40 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used S40 listings typically run $4,999–$6,999 across 2001 to 2011 model years.
Other S40 model years
Compare every S40 year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.
Compare the S40 against its rivals
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