2009 Volvo S40: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Headlight wiring- made an attempt to change light bulbs for headlamps. Covering around electrical wiring harness which connect to headlight crumbled in my hands and electrical wiring is exposed. Worries that this may be potential fire hazard to my vehicle and myself. My vehicle was stationary in my driveway.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2018
“Replacement of cv joints- october 2018 my vehicle was diagnosed with leakage from the cv joints which splattered all underneath my vehicle. My vehicle only had 69,000 miles. The technician stated that they should not have been a problems with so few miles. He stated that my vehicle's steering would have been compromised if they had failed and cause damage to my engine. I travel 1 hour one daily to work. It could have caused a potential accident if it hadn't been diagnosed in time. It has been since then repaired.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2018
“Improper draining route which in result causes mold and damage to floor mats and seat cushions in rainy weather. Transmission fluid has higher acidity levels. Coolant regularly falls below minimum level required.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2017
Show 3 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 volvo s40. While driving approximately 25 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle independently decelerated and stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission fuel line was fractured. The transmission fuel line and the transmission fluid were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2015
“Both front wheel bearings needed to be replaced within 1 year of each other. Vehicle is not driven over rough terrain or pot holes.”Owner report · Suspension · May 2014
“New 2009 volvo s40 sedan brake fire 1. Vehicle was driven 3 miles from a high school parking lot to the owner's home. 2. There was a fire between the brake pad and the rotor in the rear passenger side wheel well. 3. The rotor, brake caliper and brake pads were replaced. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2009
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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 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.
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.
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 CUSTOMERCARE@VOLVOFORLIFE.COM.
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2009 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact S40 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Volvo S40 reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 Volvo S40. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2009 Volvo S40 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment:electrical:navigational system(global positioning system). Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.