2008 Volvo S40: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Volvo S40: 2 recalls, 16 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #08V329000 · 2008 · 1,020 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Equipment Vehicle recall #10V566000 · 2010 · 416 vehicles
What's wrong:
Why it matters: 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (4): the most common themes are door / lock issues (2).
- Engine (4): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), warning light on (2).
- Steering (4): the most common themes are steering problems (4), warning light on (2).
- Speed control / throttle (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2008 Volvo S40 has 16 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 12 S40 model years for complaints (well below the 41 average). Complaints peaked in 2015 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 75,265 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (25 complaints, 2 recalls), 2009 (10 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Premium |
| 2.4 L 5-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 5-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 23 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 5-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Volvo S40.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2008 Volvo S40 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Volvo S40. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 Volvo S40 problems?
Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (4), engine (4), steering (4).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Volvo S40 get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Volvo S40 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.