Model year
2008 Volvo S40
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 16 complaints for the 2008 Volvo S40 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4), ENGINE (4), STEERING (4). NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 20–23 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,550–$4,100, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 122 complaints
- 2001 84 complaints
- 2002 27 complaints
- 2003 18 complaints
- 2004 48 complaints
- 2005 69 complaints
- 2006 58 complaints
- 2007 25 complaints
- 2008 16 complaints
- 2009 10 complaints
- 2010 9 complaints
- 2011 5 complaints
Recalls
10V566000 · Nov 8, 2010
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
08V329000 · Jul 23, 2008
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
VOLVO IS RECALLING MY 2008-2009 VEHICLES. 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.
Complaints
16 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 5, fire flag on 0, injury field 2, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S40 AWD · 2.5L · Manual 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 25 | 20 | — | — | $4,100 |
| S40 AWD · 2.5L · Automatic (S5) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 18 | 26 | 21 | — | — | $3,900 |
| S40 FWD · 2.4L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 20 | 28 | 23 | — | — | $3,550 |
| S40 FWD · 2.4L · Automatic (S5) · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 20 | 28 | 23 | — | — | $3,550 |
| S40 FWD · 2.5L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 19 | 28 | 23 | — | — | $3,550 |
| S40 FWD · 2.5L · Automatic (S5) · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 19 | 27 | 22 | — | — | $3,750 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2008 Volvo S40 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.