Model year guide

2009 Volvo S40

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2009 Volvo S40 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.

2009 Volvo S40 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2009 Volvo S40 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints10
Typical price$6,274

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2009 Volvo S40 recalls 3

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections NHTSA Campaign #08V329000 · 23/07/2008

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.

Fix: 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.

Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System) NHTSA Campaign #10V566000 · 08/11/2010

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

Fix: 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 …

Seats NHTSA Campaign #10V591000 · 22/11/2010

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2009 Volvo S40 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

2009 Volvo S40 safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2009 Volvo S40 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

What's a 2009 Volvo S40 worth?

Low
$2,700
Typical price
$6,274
High
$11,000

From 17 comparable 2009 Volvo S40 listings.

2009 Volvo S40 trims & engines on record

Trims
2.4i · T5 R-Design
Engines
2.4L 5-cyl 168 hp · 2.4L 5-cyl 142 hp · 2.5L 5-cyl 227 hp

2009 Volvo S40 vehicles on record

Other Volvo S40 model years

2009 Volvo S40 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Volvo S40 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2009 Volvo S40. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volvo S40?

Across all 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, electrical system, exterior lighting.

What is the 2009 Volvo S40 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2009 Volvo S40 crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

How much is a 2009 Volvo S40 worth?

Comparable 2009 Volvo S40 listings run roughly $2,700–$11,000, typically around $6,274 (from 17 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.