Model year guide

2008 Volvo S40

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Volvo S40 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 26 on record.

2008 Volvo S40 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Volvo S40 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints16
Typical price$5,314

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2008 Volvo S40 recalls 2

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections NHTSA Campaign #08V329000 · 23/07/2008

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.

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.

Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System) NHTSA Campaign #10V566000 · 08/11/2010

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

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 …

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2008 Volvo S40 common problems

Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2008 Volvo S40 safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2008 Volvo S40 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

What's a 2008 Volvo S40 worth?

Low
$1,300
Typical price
$5,314
High
$7,990

From 26 comparable 2008 Volvo S40 listings.

2008 Volvo S40 trims & engines on record

Trims
2.4i · T5
Engines
2.4L 5-cyl 168 hp · 2.4L 5-cyl 142 hp · 2.5L 5-cyl 227 hp

2008 Volvo S40 vehicles on record

2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40 2.4iYV1MS382182350833 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40 2.4iYV1MS390682402390 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40 2.4iYV1MS390982392227 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40 2.4iYV1MS390382365928 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40 2.4iYV1MS382582383625 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40 2.4iYV1MS390082367135 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40 T5YV1MS672X82359761 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40 2.4iYV1MS390182383036 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40 T5YV1MH672382365433 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40 2.4iYV1MS382582380093 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40 2.4iYV1MS382082395391 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40 2.4iYV1MS382882363076 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40 2.4iYV1MS382282375174 2008 Volvo S40 2.4iYV1MS382182375067 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40 2.4iYV1MS382482363429 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40 2.4iYV1MS390482392961 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40 2.4iYV1MS382682388333 2008 Volvo S40 2.4iYV1MS382X82389033 2008 Volvo S40YV1MS390482367851 2008 Volvo S40YV1MK672282073421 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40YV1MS382282384103 2008 Volvo S40YV1MH672782383269 2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S40YV1MS390482394306 2008 Volvo S40YV1MS390682363512

Other Volvo S40 model years

2011 2010 2009 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

2008 Volvo S40 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Volvo S40 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2008 Volvo S40. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volvo S40?

Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, steering.

What is the 2008 Volvo S40 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2008 Volvo S40 crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

How much is a 2008 Volvo S40 worth?

Comparable 2008 Volvo S40 listings run roughly $1,300–$7,990, typically around $5,314 (from 26 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.