Volvo V50 complaints by model year
Best V50 years: 2004, 2008, 2010. Years to avoid: 2005. Compare all years →
2008 Volvo V50 recalls (3)
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.
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
Volvo is recalling 7 my 2008 v50 passenger vehicles equipped with roof rails. Bolts have been found to be out of specification. This has caused less tread length on the bolts which in turn has lead to insufficient clamping force in the joint due to the washer getting stuck when tightening the bolts.
Remedy: Due to the limited number of vehicles involved, owners have been notified and will have the roof rail bolts replaced free of charge. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
2008 Volvo V50 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: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Volvo V50 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2008 Volvo V50, 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 V50?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2008 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005. See the full Volvo V50 years comparison.
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.