DecodedCars2008 Volvo S40
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2.4i 4dr Sedan FWD, T5 4dr Sedan FWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 5-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 176.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,230–3,318 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Volvo S40 is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 5-cyl and 2.5L 5-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 176 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,230 lb (2.4i 4dr Sedan FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 5% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2008
- Lightest version 214 lb heavier
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 S40 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4i 4dr Sedan FWD | 176.4 in | 69.7 in | 57.1 in | 103.9 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,230 lb | 61/39 |
| T5 4dr Sedan FWD | 176.4 in | 69.7 in | 57.1 in | 103.9 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,318 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S40 FWD | 2.4L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +5% | $3,550 | 386 |
| S40 FWD | 2.4L 5-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +5% | $3,550 | 386 |
| S40 FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 23 | +5% | $3,550 | 386 |
| S40 FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | 0% | $3,750 | 404 |
| S40 AWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -4% | $3,900 | 423 |
| S40 AWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -9% | $4,100 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Volvo S40 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Volvo S40 (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 BMW 3 Series | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2008 Audi A4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Audi A5 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Volvo S60 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) · Nov 8, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V566000 · 416 vehicles
- 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.
Not every 2008 Volvo S40 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Volvo S40 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 4 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 79,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Volvo S40. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S40 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →