DecodedCars2010 Volvo S40
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2.4i 4dr Sedan FWD, T5 4dr Sedan FWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 5-cyl turbo, 2.4L 5-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 176.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,234–3,441 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints9 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 27 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 Volvo S40 is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 5-cyl turbo and 2.4L 5-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 176 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,234 lb (2.4i 4dr Sedan FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 31 highway), 2% better than the 2010 compact car average of 23.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2010
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 S40 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 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 | 3,234 lb | 61/39 |
| T5 4dr Sedan FWD | 176.4 in | 69.7 in | 57.1 in | 103.9 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,441 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 | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | +2% | $2,800 | 370 |
| S40 FWD | 2.4L 5-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 31 / 24 | +2% | $2,800 | 370 |
| S40 FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +2% | $2,800 | 370 |
| S40 FWD | 2.4L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +2% | $2,800 | 370 |
| S40 AWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -7% | $3,050 | 404 |
| S40 AWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | -7% | $3,050 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Volvo S40 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Volvo S40 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2010 BMW 3 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2010 Audi A4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Audi A5 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (3)
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.
Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector · Jun 8, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V255000 · 536 vehicles
- Problem
- VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 C30, MODEL YEAR 2010 S40 AND V50 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE GEARSHIFT LEVER STUD ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION DURING ASSEMBLY. IF THE GEARSHIFT LEVER CABLE OR STUD ASSEMBLY BECOMES LOOSE, IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO ENGAGE, DISENGAGE OR SHIFT GEARS.
- Risk
- THIS CONDITION CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL TORQUE THE GEARSHIFT LEVER STUD ASSEMBLY TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATION FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR [email protected] .
Not every 2010 Volvo S40 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Volvo S40 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure › Body — 2 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Visibility/Wiper — 2 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 78,000 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 2010 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 →