Most common 2008 Volvo S40 problems
Share of the 16 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo S40 complaints by model year
Best S40 years: 2010, 2011, 2009. Years to avoid: 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2004. Compare all years →
2008 Volvo S40 recalls (2)
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.
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.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
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.
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.
What 2008 Volvo S40 owners say
Electrical system
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 who informed me the computer chip was recommended to be replaced when the dealer had it serviced but they declined, causing all the electrical and cooling issues. I called the dealer and they said they had the alarm disconnected also which was why the computer system wasn't working. The alarm system doesn't work and I have had to replace the key fob 3 times. …
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 inserted key into the ignition again and nothing happened. I noticed the following: when the key is turned to 1 and 2, all dash light and headlights come on. At three, the headlights go off, the arm rest buttons go off and only check engine stays on. Once the key is released, all indicators and headlights come back on. OBD shows no codes. Turned the wheel all the way left and right, message persists. This has never happened before and I had a minor child with me in the scorching heat. …
Engine & cooling
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 who informed me the computer chip was recommended to be replaced when the dealer had it serviced but they declined, causing all the electrical and cooling issues. I called the dealer and they said they had the alarm disconnected also which was why the computer system wasn't working. The alarm system doesn't work and I have had to replace the key fob 3 times. …
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 taken to an independent mechanic and it was confirmed the failure was in the oil trap and ventilation hose in the engine that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. There was a technical service bulletin rtj-19745 (engine and engine cooling), which extended the warranty for affected vehicles; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 77,800.
Steering
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 repairs that need to be paid and my power steering was tight for several weeks, it was almost hard for a strong man to turn the wheel. I tried power steering fluid when I started to notice the problem and it did not help.
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 inserted key into the ignition again and nothing happened. I noticed the following: when the key is turned to 1 and 2, all dash light and headlights come on. At three, the headlights go off, the arm rest buttons go off and only check engine stays on. Once the key is released, all indicators and headlights come back on. OBD shows no codes. Turned the wheel all the way left and right, message persists. This has never happened before and I had a minor child with me in the scorching heat. …
2008 Volvo S40 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Volvo S40 a good car?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 S40 rates better than average: 44% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S40 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Volvo S40?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and steering (4).
How many recalls does the 2008 Volvo S40 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 Volvo S40, the most recent from November 8, 2010 (navigational system(global positioning system)). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volvo S40?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2011 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006 and 2004. See the full Volvo S40 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Volvo S40 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 75,000 miles; 8% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.