2008 Volvo S40 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. 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.
What could happen: 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 S40.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 08V329000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-458-1552.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STEERING RETURN LINE HOSE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
Notes: VOLVO RECALL NO. 201. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires.
What could happen: 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 PERFORMED FREE OF…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2008 S40.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 10V566000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
Summary: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
Consequence: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy: 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 PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
Notes: VOLVO SAFETY RECALL NO. R231. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 2008 Volvo S40 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (4), Engine (4), Steering (4), Visibility (wipers / glass) (3), Vehicle Speed Control (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
06/06/2022 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
The contact owns a 2008 Volvo S40. The contact stated while his spouse was driving 70 MPH, the moon roof exploded. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.
08/10/2021 · Suspension · crash
After buying the vehicle on 7/9/21, the car started having problems with the cooling system. I took it to a repair shop and they said the cooling system was overfilled. The air problem continued. I took it back to the dealership who said they fixed it but it continued. I contacted the prior Manufactuer service center who informed me the computer chip was re…
02/20/2020 · Steering
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 PANEL STATED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND TRY AGAIN. THE V…
08/08/2018 · Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 191,…
03/02/2017 · Electrical system
THE AIR PUMP HAS A FAULTY SWITCH, STARTED RINGING WHEN I TURN THE ENGINE OFF. THE MECHANIC SAYS THE SWITCH ISN'T SHUTTING OFF CORRECTLY.
10/24/2016 · Wheels / tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO S40 EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL EXTREMECONTACT DWS TIRES, SIZE: 205/50/17 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A SIDEWALL BLOW OUT AFTER DRIVING OVER GRAVEL IN THE ROAD. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION, BUMPER, AND ROCKER PANEL. THE CAUSE OF TH…
09/06/2015 · Steering
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 IGNITION AGAIN AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I NOTICED THE FOLLOWI…
08/07/2015 · Steering
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 NOT START. MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR HOURS LAT…