no report yet
Electrical: navigational system(global positioning system)
Risk. AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
2008 Volvo S40Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 16 owner complaints about the 2008 Volvo S40, most often about the steering. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 6, 2022. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Volvo S40 has problems
16 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Steering1 crash/fire/injury
4Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
4Engine1 crash/fire/injury
3Visibility1 crash/fire/injury
3Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
2Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
2Suspension2 crash/fire/injury
1Tires
1Seats
22 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 4 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 1 |
| Engine | 4 | 1 |
| Visibility | 3 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 1 |
| Air bags | 2 | 2 |
| Suspension | 2 | 2 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2008 Volvo S40 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
Risk. 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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volvo.
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other S40 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the S40 median. How we score
'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Volvo S40 safety ratings
2008 Volvo S40 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What S40 owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER EXITING A STORE AND ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT…
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…
I WAS GETTING IN MY CAR WITH MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START (TURN STEERING WHEEL AND TRY TO START AGAIN). I TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT IT WOULD NOT START. AFTER 15 MINUTES, I DECIDED IT WAS TOO HOT WITH MY CHILDREN OUTSIDE SO I WENT INSIDE. I CHECKED AN HOUR LATER, THE CAR WOULD…
Own a 2008 S40?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.