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2008 Volvo S80Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 26 owner complaints about the 2008 Volvo S80, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-378 the manufacturer reports only 65% of affected cars repaired.

2008 Volvo S80
59
CarFlaw IndexSolid year31% below the S80 median · #6 of 12 years by complaints
Safety recalls7Lowest repair rate 65%Owner complaints266 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage58kFuel/propulsion system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 20, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: LuvsMG481, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2008 Volvo S80 has problems

26 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Fuel/propulsion system62
Electrical system50
Seat belts42
Structure30
Visibility30
Air bags21
Vehicle speed control22
Engine20
Visibility/wiper10
5 other systems51

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

7 recalls

2008 Volvo S80 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.

65%repaired · 2022 Q3

Seat belts: front

Recall 20V-378 · Jun 30, 2020 · 308,260 vehicles · 199,654 repaired

Risk. An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 3 more recalls
–no report yet

Electrical system: software

Recall 09V-139 · Apr 29, 2009 · 12,303 vehicles

Risk. OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS WITHOUT FUNCTIONING WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 08V-206 · May 6, 2008 · 102 vehicles

Risk. THE ALUMINUM BRACKET FOR THE ENGINE MOUNT COULD BREAK DUE TO LACK OF ADEQUATE CLAMPING FORCE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 S80 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 S80 median. How we score

'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2008 Volvo S80 safety ratings

2008 Volvo S80 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What S80 owners report

Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I bought this car from elderly people. After I bought it and drove, there's lots of thing not according to safety standard? I asked them (seller) but they don't have any answer, due to their age. So, since last Tuesday, I am driving as it is. Hardly I put 250 miles so far. There's belt sign, Air…
Complaint 11671194 · Jul 3, 2025
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S80. WHILE FUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN EXTREMELY STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTING INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INSPECTION STATION AND PASSED THE INSPECTION, BUT THE MECHANIC ALSO…
Complaint 11063128 · Jan 16, 2018
WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE FROM THE DRIVING LANE OF A PARKING LOT, MY VOLVO HAD A SURGE OF POWER THAT COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED/STOPPED BY APPLYING THE BRAKES. I WAS BARELY IN MOTION WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN WE (MY MOTHER, SISTER, AND I) HEARD THE ENGINE ROAR AND THE CAR SURGED FORWARD.…
Complaint 11062721 · Jan 14, 2018 · 58,421 miles

Own a 2008 S80?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.