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2008 Volvo S60

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2008 S60.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S5)

The 2008 Volvo S60 is a passenger car built on Volvo's mid-size platform and equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission, consuming fuel at EPA-estimated rates of 18 city, 26 highway, and 21 combined mpg while requiring 5.8 quarts of 5W-30 API-grade oil for service intervals. This model year entered production during a notably stable period in the S60's complaint history, with owner-reported issues totaling just 10 across the entire model run from 2000 to 2018—a range where complaints peaked at 238 in 2001 and reached their lowest point of just 1 in 2000. The top complaint area for this generation centered on air bags, and the vehicle carries two associated recalls that prospective owners should verify have been addressed. Compared to earlier S60 model years that generated significantly higher complaint volumes, the 2008 iteration represents one of the more reliable configurations within this generation, though any pre-purchase inspection should confirm resolution of outstanding recall items.

Model year202520242023202220212020201920182008

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.8 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque103 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy18/26/21 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 · 600 CCA battery, OE oil filter 1275810. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 48 · 600 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnTAILOEM · verified
Tire size205-55R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5-J inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter1275810
Engine air filter8649788 alt 9454647
Fuel filter30620512
Battery30772211 alt 30772221
Front wiper blades32341320
Thermostat31293698
Cabin air filter30630752 alt 30630754

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S5)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length181.1 in
Overall width70.9 in
Overall height56.3 in
Wheelbase107.1 in
Curb weight3208 lb
Track (front / rear)61 / 61 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)59/41

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined18 / 26 / 21 mpg
Drivetrain4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume91 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the S60 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.2–7.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.20 sec — 2012 T6 R-Design
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2006R 2.5L Turbo I-56.10 sec14.40 sec300 hpAWD
2005R 2.5L Turbo I-56.40 sec14.60 sec300 hpAWD
2011T6 3.0L Turbo I-65.50 sec14.10 sec300 hpAWD
2004R 2.5L Turbo I-55.50 sec14.00 sec300 hpAWD
2004R 2.5L Turbo I-55.80 sec14.40 sec300 hpAWD
2012T6 R-Design 3.0L Turbo I-65.20 sec13.60 sec325 hpAWD
2012T6 R-Design 3.0L Turbo I-65.30 sec13.90 sec325 hpAWD
2012T6 3.0L Turbo I-65.50 sec14.00 sec300 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.8 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 103 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-4-5-3. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.6
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.8 qt
Power Steering FluidSYNTHETIC

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts133 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts133 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs84 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs84 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts103 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug27.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug27.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub26 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-4-5-3
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)720 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)720 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity2.20 lbs
Oil TypeVolvo part No. 1161 627-3
Oil Capacity2.37 oz
Standard BCI Group Number48
Standard BCI Cranking Performance600 cca
Optional BCI Group Number49
Optional BCI Cranking Performance800 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test22 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief22 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature194 °F
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum68 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum70 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum58 psi
Injector Primary Resistance12 ohms

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket22 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle73 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0016 in / 0.002 in
Rotor Minimum Machining0.937 in / 0.385 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.905 in / 0.354 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
115 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
244 ft. lbs.44 ft. lbs
3130 degrees.130 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
115 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
244 ft. lbs.44 ft. lbs
3130 degrees.130 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
133 ft. lbs, Step 2: 6533 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
133 ft. lbs., Step 2: 6533 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi.

Every 7,500 miBrake Linings (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 15,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Final Drive (inspect fluid level) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Underbody (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
Every 37,500 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
At 60,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
Every 60,000 miDriveshaft (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Fuel Filter (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2008 Volvo S60 sits at the low-point of the first generation's federal complaint arc, with just 10 complaints and two recalls against a backdrop that peaked at 238 complaints and nine recalls in 2001 before declining steadily through 2009. Technical Service Bulletins remained consistent at 177, in line with the 169–178 range seen from 2005 onward, indicating sustained dealer-level attention without a corresponding rise in owner-reported issues. The complaint profile is narrow — two air-bag reports and one each for visibility/wiper, engine, and fuel/propulsion — and the data does not specify root causes for any category. Four crash-related complaints appear in the record with zero fire reports. Compared to the turbulent 2001–2004 window and the subsequent 2011+ generation spike (121 complaints in 2012), the 2008 model year represents the most federally quiet stretch of this platform. For a used buyer prioritizing minimal federal safety actions and low complaint volume, the 2008 is a strong candidate within this generation.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
177
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
10
Owner complaints
4 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 10 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags2
Visibility/Wiper1
Engine1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Power Train1
Vehicle Speed Control,Engine1
Power Train,Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control1
Vehicle Speed Control1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V766000Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator ModuleReported 30/09/2021

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2001-2006 S80 and 2001-2009 S60 vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure… Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at…

10V566000Equipment:Electrical:Navigational System(Global Positioning System)Reported 08/11/2010

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT. 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 177 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
35526.1.82026-04-23EngineThis is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform…
37809.1.12026-04-07Unknown Or OtherThis is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to…
192452025-12-06Unknown Or OtherThis is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.
85012025-04-10Exterior LightingThis is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a…
S103032025-02-21Unknown Or OtherVolvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific S60. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 48 batteryVehicles taking 5.8 qtEngine oil filter 1275810Engine air filter 8649788Fuel filter 30620512Battery 30772211

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2008 S60 take?

5.8 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2008 S60 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the S60 get?

EPA figures are 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined mpg.