Most common 2009 Volvo S40 problems
Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo S40 complaints by model year
Best S40 years: 2010, 2011, 2009. Years to avoid: 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2004. Compare all years →
2009 Volvo S40 recalls (3)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What 2009 Volvo S40 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
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.
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.
2009 Volvo S40 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 31 / 24 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Volvo S40 a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 S40 rates better than average: 64% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S40 at the same age. It is one of the best S40 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Volvo S40?
The transmission & drivetrain — 3 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (2) and brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2009 Volvo S40 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2009 Volvo S40, the most recent from November 22, 2010 (seats). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volvo S40?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2011 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006 and 2004. See the full Volvo S40 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Volvo S40 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 29% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.