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2009 Volvo S40 problems

The most common problem on the 2009 Volvo S40 is transmission and drivetrain. It has fewer complaints than a typical S40 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
84/100
Owner complaints
10
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
154
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
20-24mpg

The worst 2009 Volvo S40 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Transmission
    3
  • Engine
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    3
  • Engine
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 3

SeatsReported November 22, 2010 · 7,420 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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].

Recall number 10V591000 · Recall details

Equipment: electrical: navigational system(global positioning system)Reported November 8, 2010 · 416 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 10V566000 · Recall details

Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connectionsReported July 23, 2008 · 1,020 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 08V329000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2009 Volvo S40

Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Volvo S40 154

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 154 bulletins for the 2009 Volvo S40

2009 Volvo S40 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 5‑cylFWD2028-3123-24
2.5L 5‑cylFWD192823
2.5L 5‑cyl4WD17-1825-2620-21

What 2009 Volvo S40 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 22, 2021 · WA

I purchased the 2009 Volvo on 10/5 at M&M Auto Sales LLC and on 10/9 at 6:20 am my vehicles check engine light turned on and a transmission service urgent light turned on. On 10/11 I went to AAMCO and they informed me that the transmission needed repairs costing up to 4k. When I purchased the car the dealership disclosed to me that the vehicle is in perfect condition. As of 10/21 I went to a Mechanic Shop called Pegoraro and ran a full auto diagnostic on the vehicle. With repairs on the vehicle costing $12,433.03 which involve fixes to the Timing Belt, Cooling System Fluid Exchange, Drive Belt Tensioner/Idle Assembly, Automatic Transmission Assembly, Remove and Install, Brake Fluid Exchange, and Lastly Disc Brake Pads, Rotors and Calipers (Rear). Obviously the vehicle isn't in "perfect condition". After getting this diagnostic I was informed that the vehicles Odometer has been tampered with as well as a bunch of other codes have been turned off before I purchased this vehicle. I just want a refund for this vehicle and to take my business elsewhere.

Filed Dec 4, 2018 · Transmission · 69,400 miles · AL

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.

Filed Dec 4, 2018 · Electrical, Lights · AL

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.

Filed May 8, 2017 · Fuel system, Transmission · 80,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Oct 22, 2016 · Suspension · 95,000 miles · NY

Both front wheel bearings needed to be replaced within 1 year of each other. Vehicle is not driven over rough terrain or pot holes.

Filed Nov 6, 2015 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · NJ

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.

Filed Mar 19, 2014 · Tires, Wheels · 30,000 miles · AE

Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) failure which almost resulted in a crash at high speed. Tpms air stem broke while driving. The TPMS then fell into the tire, leaving the air stem hole wide open, which resulted in rapid deflation of the tire. Operator of the vehicle was able to barely keep control of the vehicle and bring it safely to a stop; tire was completely destroyed - nothing but the wheel rim was left. Mechanic / recovery personnel with tow truck said it was a minor miracle that an accident/ crash was avoided. When reported to volvo, no support or action taken on their part. Then experienced a second TPMS failure approximately 7 months later, while driving the vehicle at 30 MPH on the way home; tire was flat and mechanic said tire needed to be replaced as it was driven while deflated. Again reported failure to volvo dealer, and this time they did listen to my complaint as another owner reported same problem. Volvo determined that the TPMS air stem was unable to withstand normal driving conditions, and becoming brittle and breaking, and subsequently causing rapid loss of air in the tire, and dangerous situation if failure occurred while driving the vehicle. Volvo replaced all four TPMS on vehicle and reimbursed me for the tires that were destroyed because of the TPMS failures. Volvo dealer sent out email notifying owners of all us spec volvo model years 2004 through model year 2011 (production week 40 calendar year 2010), except the xc90 model, about the TPMS problem and recommended they be checked. I am surprised and disappointed with volvo, because a TPMS failure at high speed is very likely to cause an accident and death. A safety recall should have been done by now.

Filed Feb 27, 2014 · Engine · FL · fire

My wife was driving home from a grocery store 3 miles away. A quarter mile from the house she noticed a burning smell. She thought it was from the outside since brush fires are common around south fl. She parked onto our driveway and noticed smoke rising from around the hood. She took the key off of the ignition and the engine kept running. She called the fire department while a neighbor helped and opened the hood. Immediately smoke started billowing and they observed fire in the engine.two fire engines showed up and contained the fire before doing any further damage. Most of the visible damage is between the air intake manifold and the air filter housing. On that drive no warning lights came on, the car radio was working my wife said it was uneventful until the she noticed the smoke. My wife was scared and stressed beyond from what she had to go through. The cars warning system did not work, there was severe failure for this to happen on a 4 yr old car. I called the local volvo dealer and the rep I spoke with was totally unhelpful and did not offer anything. I contacted the volvo customer service and so far I have gotten a couple of emails .

Filed Oct 28, 2013 · Engine · 60,000 miles · FL · fire

My wife was driving home from a grocery store 3 miles away. A quarter mile from the house she noticed a burning smell. She thought it was from the outside since brush fires are common around south fl. She parked onto our driveway and noticed smoke rising from around the hood. She took the key off of the ignition and the engine kept running. She called the fire department while a neighbor helped and opened the hood. Immediately smoke started billowing and they observed fire in the engine.two fire engines showed up and contained the fire before doing any further damage. Most of the visible damage is between the air intake manifold and the air filter housing. On that drive no warning lights came on, the car radio was working my wife said it was uneventful until the she noticed the smoke. My wife was scared and stressed beyond anything from what she had to go through. The cars warning system did not work, there was severe failure for this to happen. A 4 yr old car should not have failed this way. I called the local volvo dealer and the rep I spoke with was totally unhelpful and did not offer anything. I contacted the volvo customer service and so far I have gotten a couple of emails .

Filed Nov 5, 2009 · Brakes · 320 miles · MD · fire

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.

Compare the 2009 Volvo S40

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Questions about the 2009 Volvo S40

Is the 2009 Volvo S40 reliable?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 2009 Volvo S40, fewer than a typical S40 model year.

What is the 2009 Volvo S40 year score?

The 2009 Volvo S40 scores 84 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volvo S40: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Volvo S40?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 3 complaints. Next is engine (2).

How many recalls does the 2009 Volvo S40 have?

3 recalls, covering seats, equipment and steering.

What gas mileage does the 2009 Volvo S40 get?

Official estimates for the 2009 Volvo S40 range from 20 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 5-cyl, FWD) gets 20 city and 28-31 highway.

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