Check a VIN

2008 Volvo S80 problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Volvo S80 is fuel and propulsion system, typically around 58,421 miles. It has 1.6 times the complaints of a typical S80 model year.

Typical year1.6x the typical complaints
Year score
46/100
Owner complaints
26
Recalls
7
Service bulletins
243
Worst area
Fuel system
Fuel economy
18-19mpg

The worst 2008 Volvo S80 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Fuel system
    7
  • Electrical
    5
  • Seat belts
    4
  • Visibility
    4
  • Body
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Fuel system
    7
  • Electrical
    5
  • Seat belts
    4
  • Visibility
    4
  • Body
    3
  • Engine
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Airbags
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 7

Seat belts: frontReported June 30, 2020 · 308,260 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.
Risk
An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1‑800‑458‑1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.

Recall number 20V378000 · Recall details

Equipment: electrical: navigational system(global positioning system)Reported November 8, 2010 · 416 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (GPS) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.
Risk
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.

Recall number 10V566000 · Recall details

Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systemsReported July 22, 2010 · 3,635 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 s80 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." the tire and loading information label and a page in the owner's manual contain incorrect maximum permissible inflation pressure and the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) software has an incorrect trigger level.
Risk
These vehicles do not meet the required safety standards.
Remedy
Dealers will update the vehicles with a new tire and loading information label, owner's manual label and TPMS software. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about august 27, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552 or [email protected] .

Recall number 10V335000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported September 1, 2009 · 11,993 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling my 2008-2010 s80, model year 2009-2010 xc70 and model year 2010 xc60 vehicles. Under certain conditions the software within the central electronic module (cem) may not send a signal to the fuel pump electronic module (pem). This missing signal to the pem inhibits the start of the fuel pump. The driver may be able to start the engine in spite of the fuel pump not being activated due to residual pressure in the fuel system. In some cases, the driver may be able to drive the vehicle a short distance at idle but then the engine may stall.
Risk
If the vehicle stalls in certain conditions, a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will download software to the vehicles' cem free of charge. The recall began on september 30, 2009. Vehicles in dealer's inventory will be repaired prior to delivery. Owners may contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 09V343000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fanReported June 12, 2009 · 17,614 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling 17,614 my 2008-2009 s80, v70, and xc70 vehicles. The engine cooling fan may stop working due to a software programming error in the fan control module (fcm). Depending on driving conditions, the customer may experience reduced air conditioning performance, and/or rapid increase in engine coolant temperature.
Risk
This situation may result in loss of cooling system function and engine failure. The driver may not have sufficient time to react to the warning light(s) or the text message in the instrument panel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fan control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during july 2009. Owners may contact volvo customer care center at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 09V218000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported April 29, 2009 · 12,303 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling 12,303 my 2007-2008 s80 and v70 vehicles. The diagnostic software in the central electronic module (cem) may cause a malfunction of the windshield wiper functionality. If this condition occurs, the windshield wipers may not operate when activated; or in certain cases the windshield wipers may activate when not switched on.
Risk
Operating a motor vehicle during inclement weather conditions without functioning windshield wipers can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the cem and upgrade the software free of charge. The recall began on may 15, 2009. Owners may contact volvo customer care center at 1‑800‑458‑1552, or [email protected].

Recall number 09V139000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported May 6, 2008 · 102 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volvo is recalling 102 my 2008 xc90 and s80 vehicles equipped with v8 engines. These vehicles may have been built with incorrect bolts to the engine mount.
Risk
The aluminum bracket for the engine mount could break due to lack of adequate clamping force. This could cause the engine to come in contact with the sub-frame, ultimately resulting in a reduced engine torque or stalling of the engine without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the engine mount bolts for specific markings. If any of the bolts contain the incorrect markings, the bracket and bolts will be replaced. All owners have been contacted and arrangements have been made to repair these vehicles.

Recall number 08V206000 · Recall details

See all 7 recalls for the 2008 Volvo S80

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Volvo S80 243

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 243 bulletins for the 2008 Volvo S80

2008 Volvo S80 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.2L 6‑cyl4WD162419
3.2L 6‑cylFWD162419
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD152318
4.4L 8‑cyl4WD152318

What 2008 Volvo S80 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Electrical · 115,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2008 Volvo S80. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed Central Electronic Module (CEM). The contact was informed that the CEM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Filed Jul 3, 2025 · Airbags, Fuel system · IL

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 bag sign, and Low tire air sign. All signs are showing in my dashboard and stays as long as car is on. So, I am scared to death to drive this car, car itself in a mint condition and it's got only 131K miles. Still there's is more life left on this car. I am also senior citizen and retired person. So, I need help to get these fixed asap please.

Filed Apr 14, 2022 · Body · NH

Front subframe has multiple holes due to excessive engine heat. The front subframe rots prematurely and causes paint to flake off so rust forms.

Filed Mar 1, 2022 · Body · IN

Sub frame cracking due to rust.

Filed Oct 14, 2021 · Suspension · FL

The subframe is rotting prematurely and this issue is only present on the v8 equipped models. Cars in very good shape but the subframe is almost rotted totally through above the exhaust. Due to the poor layout of the exhaust which causes the paint on the welds to flake off and then the subframe begins to rust from the inside out.

Filed Jul 9, 2021 · NJ

The front windshield is leaking, such that the driver's side front and rear floors flood, even with a light rain. Enough water comes in that the padding, carpet, floor mat and rubber floors mat are all under water. When it rains, we see water droplets and water trails on the inside of the windshield. The windshield is original and has never been replaced. We've never had a car that leaked like this and don't expect that cars should turn into small swimming pools inside when it rains.

Filed Oct 23, 2020 · 91,689 miles · CO

Driving on highway and closed sunroof shattered. No debris came from vehicles ahead. The vehicles were more than 500 feet ahead, and I was looking ahead on the highway when it shattered. Cause unknown.

Filed Jun 5, 2018 · Seat belts · 69,500 miles · NC

After starting my car I tried to put on my seat belt but it would not extend out so I could not put it on. This happened last night and the problem still persists today.

Filed Jan 16, 2018 · Fuel system · DC

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 indicated to check the fuel system due to a strong odor of fuel. The independent mechanic advised that the vehicle be serviced by a dealer. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v483000 (fuel system, gasoline), but the contact did not receive a notification. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jan 14, 2018 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 58,421 miles · TX · crash

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. I applied more pressure to the brake but the car would not stop and went over a wheel stop so I then started pumping the brake. The car finally stopped moving once it hit a pipe bollard but the engine would not turn off, my electrical went haywire and I could not get the car in park to remove the key. Upon impact the passenger seat belt did not hold my mother in place and the air bags didn't deploy. I am the original owner of this car which was in pristine condition but now wrecked. I have all the service records for this car and have had problems in the past with the following items; faulty cooling fan module, engine running hot, faulty battery cell, faulty scu module, faulty starter, faulty map sensor, faulty oil level sensor, faulty power steering rack,faulty fuel pressure sensor, failing lamp socket, faulty schraeder valves, faulty alternator and voltage regulator, and a faulty AC compressor.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2008 Volvo S80 before you buy

Compare the 2008 Volvo S80

Other model years

199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016

Questions about the 2008 Volvo S80

Is the 2008 Volvo S80 reliable?

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 2008 Volvo S80, 1.6 times a typical S80 model year.

What is the 2008 Volvo S80 year score?

The 2008 Volvo S80 scores 46 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volvo S80: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Volvo S80?

Fuel and propulsion system, with 7 complaints, typically around 58,421 miles. Next is electrical (5).

How many recalls does the 2008 Volvo S80 have?

7 recalls, covering seat belts, equipment and tires.

What year does the Volvo S80 have the most fuel system problems?

The Volvo S80 model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2000 (41 complaints), 1999 (29 complaints) and 2001 (17 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Volvo S80 get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Volvo S80 range from 18 to 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 16 city and 24 highway.

Share your experience with the 2008 Volvo S80

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2008 Volvo S80?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN