Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2008 Volvo S80: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2008 Volvo S80, most recently filed June 2020. Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Caution Fewer than 50 complaints filed. With this few reports, patterns may not be meaningful.
Recalls 7campaigns 3 electrical · 2 engine · 1 seat belt Source: NHTSA Complaints 26filed Owner reports, 2004–2013 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 19mpg combined $3,437/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 3.2 L 6-cyl· 6-speed automatic 4 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (7)

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2008 Volvo S80. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2008 Volvo S80. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V378000 Filed Jun 30, 2020

Seat Belts May Not Restrain Occupant

Seat belts · front
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
75.5% repairedof 308,260 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V378000
Listed for 2008 Volvo S80. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 10V566000 Filed Nov 8, 2010

760 PORTABLE AUTOMOTIVE GPS UNITS/GARMIN

Equipment · electrical · navigational system(global positioning system)
Official NHTSA text
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.
Repair progress not yet reported416 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 10V566000
Listed for 2008 Volvo S80. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 10V335000 Filed Jul 22, 2010

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM SOFTWARE/FMVSS 110

Tires · pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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 CUSTOMERCARE@VOLVOFORLIFE.COM .
Repair progress not yet reported3,635 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 10V335000
Listed for 2008 Volvo S80. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 09V343000 Filed Sep 1, 2009

CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE SOFTWARE

Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Repair progress not yet reported11,993 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V343000
Listed for 2008 Volvo S80. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 09V218000 Filed Jun 12, 2009

ENGINE COOLING FAN MODULE/JOHNSON ELECTRIC

Engine and engine cooling · cooling system · fan
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Repair progress not yet reported17,614 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V218000
Listed for 2008 Volvo S80. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 09V139000 Filed Apr 29, 2009

CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE SOFTWARE

Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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 CUSTOMERCARE@VOLVOFORLIFE.COM.
Repair progress not yet reported12,303 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V139000
Listed for 2008 Volvo S80. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 08V206000 Filed May 6, 2008

ENGINE MOUNT BOLTS

Engine and engine cooling · engine
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Repair progress not yet reported102 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 08V206000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which S80 years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Volvo S80All model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (26)

26 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The fuel/propulsion system is mentioned most often.

4involved a crash
0involved a fire
3injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Volvo S80, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 26.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2008 compares with other S80 years

Best and worst S80 years →
50 15 12 24 26 16 27 5 8 8
2004200520062007200820092010201120122013
This year (2008)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 19 mpg combined

19
mpg combined
16
city
24
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$4,350
CO₂ tailpipe
468 g/mi
EPA class
Midsize Cars

What it costs you to run

$3,437per year
$286per month
789gallons a year

Miles ÷ 19 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2008 Volvo S80 configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
3.2 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19$4,350468
3.2 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19$4,350468
3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 18$4,550494
4.4 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 18$4,550494

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2008 S80 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All S80 years

Where to next

Which S80 years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2009 Volvo S80 report16 complaints · 5 campaigns →2007 Volvo S80 report24 complaints · 5 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2008 Volvo S80 FAQ

How many recalls does the 2008 Volvo S80 have?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns: 20V378000 (seat belt), 10V566000 (electrical), 10V335000 (tire), 09V343000 (electrical), 09V218000 (engine), 09V139000 (electrical), 08V206000 (engine). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2008 Volvo S80 problems?

Owners filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. Fuel/propulsion system (6), Electrical system (5), Seat belts (4) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2008 Volvo S80 get?

EPA rates the 3.2 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic version at 16 city, 24 highway and 19 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 2008 S80 compare with other years?

Among the 2004–2013 Volvo S80 model years at least five years old, the 2011 drew the fewest complaints (5) and the 2004 the most (50). The 2008 drew 26. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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