Problems · NHTSA complaints
2008 Volvo S-Class problems
Owners filed 52 complaints about the 2008 Volvo S-Class with NHTSA between Mar 2008 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (10).
Complaints
52
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
13
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
7
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system10
- Vehicle speed control9
- Engine8
- Fuel/propulsion system7
- Air bags6
- Visibility6
- Seat belts4
- Steering4
- Structure3
- Suspension3
- Tires2
- Visibility/wiper2
- Power train2
- Electronic stability control (esc)1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
1
4
1
4
4
6
9
2
3
5
0
2
5
3
0
0
1
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
10 reports2 crashes2 related recalls
“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.”
Vehicle speed control
9 reports5 crashes
“WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE FROM THE LANE OF A PARKING LOT, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, MY VOLVO S80 ACCELERATED SO POWERFULLY IT COULD BE HEARD YARDS AWAY. I APPLIED THE BRAKE HARDER BUT THE CAR WOULDN'T STOP AND SURGED OVER A WHEEL STOP, IT WAS STILL SURGING SO I STARTED PUMPING THE BRAKE, THE CAR FINALLY CRASHED INTO A PIPE BOLLARD BRINGING IT TO A STOP, THE CAR WOULDN'T TURN OFF, THE ELECTRICAL WAS GOING HAYWIRE AND I COULD NOT GET THE CAR INTO PARK TO REMOVE THE KEY. UPON IMPACT THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD MY MOTHER INTO PLACE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS 2008 VOLVO S80 AWD WITH 58K MILES ON IT IN PRISTINE CONDITION. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS IN THE PAST WITH THE COOLING FAN MODULE, ENGINE RUNNING HOT, THE SCU MODULE, MAP SENSOR, A FAULTY FUEL SENSOR, FAULTY SCHRAEDER VALVES, FAULTY ALTERNATOR AND VOLTAGE REGULATOR, FAULTY AC COMPRESSOR BUT NEVER A POWER SURGE TO THIS EXTREME.”
Engine
8 reports1 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 recommended to be replaced when the dealer had it serviced but they declined, causing all the electrical and cooling issues. I called the dealer and they said they had the alarm disconnected also which was why the computer system wasn't working. The alarm system doesn't work and I have had to replace the key fob 3 times. I took it to another repair shop who diagnosed the following as permanent failure codes: 6 CEM codes, 1 ECM code, 6 SRS codes, 2 DIM codes, 11 CEM-HS codes, passenger and driver door codes, 4 climate control codes, 1EPS code, 4 SWM codes, DD11, all of which are safety hazards.”
Fuel/propulsion system
7 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Air bags
6 reports5 crashes1 related recall
“My air bags malfunctioned when I was in a motor vehicle accident in this vehicle. We were hit in the front left side and both the drivers side and passenger airbags tried to deploy, but never deployed releasing a form of mist instead. This vehicle was totaled and towed away after the accident, but both me and the other person in the vehicles safety were put at risk due to this. We both flew forwards towards the dashboard/ into the steering wheel which could have resulted in much more severe injuries after the impact. The problem was not further looked into after the accident, but I just got this vehicle 2 years ago through a dealership. There were no warning lamps or symptoms of the failures before this collision occurred.”
Visibility
6 reports1 crash
“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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.