2008 Volvo S80: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Volvo S80: 7 recalls, 26 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #08V206000 · 2008 · 102 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles May have been built with incorrect bolts to the engine mount.
Why it matters: The aluminum bracket for the engine mount could break due to lack of adequate clamping force. This could cause the engine to come in contact with the sub-frame, ultimately resulting in a reduced engine torque or stalling of the engine without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine mount bolts for specific markings. If any of the bolts contain the incorrect markings, the bracket and bolts will be replaced. All owners have been contacted and arrangements have been made to repair these vehicles.
Electrical Vehicle recall #09V139000 · 2009 · 12,303 vehicles
What's wrong: The diagnostic software in the central electronic module (cem) May cause a malfunction of the windshield wiper functionality. If this condition occurs, the windshield wipers May not operate when activated; or in certain cases the windshield wipers May activate when not switched on.
Why it matters: Operating a motor vehicle during inclement weather conditions without functioning windshield wipers can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the cem and upgrade the software free of charge. The recall began on May 15, 2009.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #09V218000 · 2009 · 17,614 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine cooling fan May stop working due to a software programming error in the fan control module (fcm). Depending on driving conditions, the customer May experience reduced air conditioning performance, and/or rapid increase in engine coolant temperature.
Why it matters: This situation May result in loss of cooling system function and engine failure. The driver May not have sufficient time to react to the warning light(s) or the text message in the instrument panel, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fan control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2009.
Electrical Vehicle recall #09V343000 · 2009 · 11,993 vehicles
What's wrong: Under certain conditions the software within the central electronic module (cem) May not send a signal to the fuel pump electronic module (pem). This missing signal to the pem inhibits the start of the fuel pump. The driver May be able to start the engine in spite of the fuel pump not being activated due to residual pressure in the fuel system. In some cases, the driver May be able to drive the vehicle a short…
Why it matters: If the vehicle stalls in certain conditions, a crash could occur.
The fix: Dealers will download software to the vehicles' cem free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2009. Vehicles in dealer's inventory will be repaired prior to delivery.
Tires Vehicle recall #10V335000 · 2010 · 3,635 vehicles
What's wrong: 110, "tire selection and rims." the tire and loading information label and a page in the owner's manual contain incorrect maximum permissible inflation pressure and the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) software has an incorrect trigger level.
Why it matters: These vehicles do not meet the required safety standards.
The fix: Dealers will update the vehicles with a new tire and loading information label, owner's manual label and TPMS software. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about August 27, 2010.
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…
Seat belts Vehicle recall #20V378000 · 2020 · 308,260 vehicles
What's wrong: Volvo cars of n.a., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 v70 and xc70, 2007-2016 s80, 2011-2018 s60 and v60, 2016-2018 s60 cross country, 2014-2020 s60l, 2009-2015 s80l, 2009-2016 xc60 and 2015-2018 v60 cross country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions May fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a…
Why it matters: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel & propulsion (6): the most common themes are electrical failure (3).
- Electrical (5): the most common themes are electrical failure (2), warning light on (2).
- Other / unknown (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seat belts (4): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
The 2008 Volvo S80 has 26 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 18 S80 model years for complaints (well below the 53 average). Complaints peaked in 2018 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 67,250 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (24 complaints, 5 recalls), 2009 (16 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | Premium |
| 4.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | 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 S80.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Volvo S80 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Volvo S80. 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 S80 problems?
Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel & propulsion (6), electrical (5), other / unknown (4).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Volvo S80 get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.2 L, Automatic (S6)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Volvo S80 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.