2008 Volvo S80 recalls and problems

The 2008 Volvo S80 has 7 safety recalls and 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.

Recalls
7
Complaints
26
Crashes / fires
4 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Volvo S80 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Volvo S80 recalls

Recall 20V-378: Seat Belts

Reported Jun 30, 2020 · 308,260 vehicles affected · Volvo Car USA LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 10V-566: Equipment

Reported Nov 8, 2010 · 416 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: 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.

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 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 10V-335: Tires

Reported Jul 22, 2010 · 3,635 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 .

Recall 09V-343: Electrical System

Reported Sep 1, 2009 · 11,993 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 09V-218: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jun 12, 2009 · 17,614 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 09V-139: Electrical System

Reported Apr 29, 2009 · 12,303 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 08V-206: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported May 6, 2008 · 102 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2008 Volvo S80 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Electrical System5
Unknown or Other4
Seat Belts4
Air Bags3
Visibility3
Structure3
Engine2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Tires1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module — 1
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 69,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Volvo S80 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 115,000 miles · reported Aug 20, 2026
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…
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jul 3, 2025
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…
Structure · reported Apr 14, 2022
Front subframe has multiple holes due to excessive engine heat. The front subframe rots prematurely and causes paint to flake off so rust forms.
Suspension · reported Oct 14, 2021
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.
Unknown or Other · reported Jul 9, 2021
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.

Other Volvo S80 years

Compare all Volvo S80 years · All Volvo models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Volvo S80 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2008 Volvo S80: 20V-378 (seat belts), 10V-566 (equipment), 10V-335 (tires), 09V-343 (electrical system), 09V-218 (engine and engine cooling) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (6 reports), followed by electrical system (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 69,500 miles.

Are Volvo recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volvo dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.