DecodedCars2009 Volvo S40
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2.4i 4dr Sedan FWD, T5 4dr Sedan FWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 5-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 20 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 176.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,230–3,318 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Volvo S40 is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 5-cyl and 2.5L 5-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 176 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,230 lb (2.4i 4dr Sedan FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (20 city / 31 highway), 8% better than the 2009 compact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 S40 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 S40 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4i 4dr Sedan FWD | 176.4 in | 69.7 in | 57.1 in | 103.9 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,230 lb | 61/39 |
| T5 4dr Sedan FWD | 176.4 in | 69.7 in | 57.1 in | 103.9 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,318 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S40 FWD | 2.4L 5-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 31 / 24 | +8% | $2,800 | 370 |
| S40 FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 23 | +4% | $2,900 | 386 |
| S40 FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 23 | +4% | $2,900 | 386 |
| S40 FWD | 2.4L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +4% | $2,900 | 386 |
| S40 AWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,200 | 423 |
| S40 AWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -10% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Volvo S40 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Volvo S40 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 BMW 3 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 Audi A4 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Audi A5 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Volvo S60 | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Seats · Nov 22, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V591000 · 7,420 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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 [email protected].
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) · Nov 8, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V566000 · 416 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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 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.
Not every 2009 Volvo S40 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Volvo S40 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 3 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Suspension — 1 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Volvo S40. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S40 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →