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Electrical systemPart report

2008 Volvo S80 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
19%of 26 total for the year
Median mileage
65,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Volvo S80, 19% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“1. In february 2017, while in motion on a city street, alternator failed, vehicle was towed to dealership, alternator was replaced 2. In august 2017, while in motion on city street, message displayed alerting on engine overheat -- slow down speed - then stop immediately. Vehicle was towed to dealership. On diagnostics, was established that only one fan was working on the cooling fan assembly causing overheat. 3. …”

NHTSA complaint #11018754, filed 2017-08, 104,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11758318, filed 2026-08, 115,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2008 Volvo S80. The contact stated that the windshield wiper activated independently before failing completely. The dealer inspected the vehicle and recommended replacing and reprogramming the battery. The battery was replaced but was not reprogrammed. The failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 09v139000 (electrical system: software) the vehicle was not repaired. …”

NHTSA complaint #10474236, filed 2012-09, 59,185 miles

“The contact owns a 2008 Volvo S80. The contact noticed that the engine cooling system warning indicator illuminated and the air conditioning performance reduced while at a traffic light. The failure occurred multiple times. The contact also stated that the vehicle would not start when the key was inserted into the ignition. When the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil and filter change, the mechanic replaced the fan control module according to NHTSA campaign number: 09v218000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact was unaware of this recall prior to the repair being performed. …”

NHTSA complaint #10621542, filed 2014-08, 65,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2016117%
2011240%
2010311%
2009213%
2008519%
2007417%
2006325%
2005427%
2004510%
2003415%
2002410%
20013924%
20005417%
19993518%

Other parts of the 2008 Volvo S80

Fuel system
7 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Volvo S80

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology