2008 Volvo V50: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Volvo V50: 3 recalls, 0 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #08V197000 · 2008 · 7 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: When carrying roof cargo, the rails May come loose during heavy braking and/or sudden stops increasing the possibility of a crash.
The fix: Due to the limited number of vehicles involved, owners have been notified and will have the roof rail bolts replaced free of charge.
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
No owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Volvo V50 so far.
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 V50.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Volvo V50 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Volvo V50. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Volvo V50 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 V50 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.