The 2009 Volvo S40 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 8,856 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the power train. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
SEATS10V5910002010-11-227,420 affected
Defect
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.
Consequence
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 CUSTOMERCARE@VOLVOFORLIFE.COM.
EQUIPMENT10V5660002010-11-08416 affected
Defect
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
Consequence
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…
STEERING08V3290002008-07-231,020 affected
Defect
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.
Consequence
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.
Complaints by component
POWER TRAIN
3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1
ENGINE
1
1fires
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1
1fires
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1
1fires
SUSPENSION
1
TIRES
1
Total complaints14
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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…”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2009 Volvo S40 as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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