2009 Volvo S40 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2009 Volvo S40 has a complaint index of 33, ranking 5th out of 7 model years, and earns a "Good" verdict relative to other S40 years. NHTSA lists 10 complaints, 3 fires, and 3 recall campaigns for this year, with transmission and powertrain issues the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 33/100
- #5 of 7 S40 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 10
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 19 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2009 Volvo S40 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (30%)
- Engine2 (20%)
- Other2 (20%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (20%)
- Brakes1 (10%)
- Electrical System1 (10%)
- Fuel System1 (10%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle failing to accelerate at around 25 mph, with the transmission fuel line found fractured and needing replacement.
- Some describe a burning smell followed by smoke rising from under the hood while parked, tied to engine fires.
- Front wheel bearings were reported failing on both sides within about a year of each other, even without rough-road driving.
- One owner reported CV joint leakage discovered during service, with a technician noting it was unusual at the reported mileage.
- A brake fire was reported between the brake pad and rotor in the rear passenger wheel well shortly after purchase.
- Headlight wiring insulation was reported crumbling when attempting a bulb change, exposing wiring and raising fire concerns.
2009 Volvo S40 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V591000Nov 22, 2010Structure & Body7,420 vehicles
Seats
Volvo is recalling certain passenger vehicles equipped with power front passenger seats. The front seat rail's detection system was manufactured incorrectly and may permit the passenger to forward the seat beyond the intended maximum.
Risk: Positioning of the seat beyond the intended maximum can cause increased risk of injury to the passenger in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front power seat stops for both front seats for the presence of an "end stop" and repair the vehicles as necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on december 23, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552 or at [email protected].
- NHTSA 10V566000Nov 8, 2010Other416 vehicles
Equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system)
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.
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 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.
- NHTSA 08V329000Jul 23, 2008Steering1,020 vehicles
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Volvo is recalling my 2008-2009 vehicles. A section of the power steering return line hose was not properly vulcanized (cured) and does not meet specifications. If the power steering return hose fails, a sudden rupture of the hose can occur.
Risk: This can result in a rapid drainage of the power steering fluid in the system and a complete loss of power assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering return line hose assembly free of charge. The recall began on august 13, 2008. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
2009 Volvo S40 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other S40 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Volvo S40 reliable?
- Compared with other S40 model years, the 2009 has a complaint index of 33 and ranks 5th out of 7 years, earning a "Good" verdict. NHTSA lists 10 complaints and 3 recalls for this year.
- What problems does the 2009 Volvo S40 have?
- NHTSA complaints point to transmission and powertrain issues as the top problem area, accounting for 30% of complaints, followed by engine issues at 20% and suspension issues at 20%. Median mileage at failure for transmission complaints was 69,400 miles.
- Does the 2009 Volvo S40 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2009 S40, covering a front power seat stop issue, overheating batteries in Garmin 760 GPS units, and a power steering return hose that could rupture.
- How does the 2009 S40 compare to other years?
- The 2009 S40 (complaint index 33) ranks better than the 2005 (83, Avoid), 2006 (67, Caution), 2007 (100, Avoid), and 2008 (50, Caution), but ranks worse than the 2010 (17, Best) and 2011 (0, Best).