Before you buy
This 2009 Volvo S40 has 10 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2009 Volvo S40 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2009 Volvo S40 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2009 Volvo S40 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated11.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
11.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Volvo S40 has 10 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Volvo
- Model
- S40
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 10
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2009 Volvo S40 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2009 Volvo S40?
This VOLVO S40 year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2009 Volvo S40
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Volvo S40, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The VOLVO S40 has 10 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 10 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 3 federal recall campaigns
- No crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2009 Volvo S40 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Volvo S40. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | — | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | 1 | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Volvo S40. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 …
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 VEHI…
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 …
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.
BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITHIN 1 YEAR OF EACH OTHER. VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEN OVER ROUGH TERRAIN OR POT HOLES.
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 …
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 A…
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…
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…
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
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Volvo S40.
Safety recalls
2009 Volvo S40 recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Volvo S40. 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
SEATS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2009 Volvo S40 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Volvo S40 reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 10 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. This VOLVO S40 year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volvo S40?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (3 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (2 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (2 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Volvo S40?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Volvo S40?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Volvo S40, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 10 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Volvo S40 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Volvo S40. A major recall area is STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS. 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Volvo S40?▾
This VOLVO S40 year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Volvo S40 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Volvo S40 based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.