FaultScore

FaultScore report

2009 Volvo S40 problems

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2009 Volvo S40 with NHTSA between 2009 and 2021. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 11 worst.

C

FaultScore 46/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Volvo S40.

How this is worked out

The numbers

14

Complaints

0

Crashes reported

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

67,200 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

30%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 11 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 51 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 11
Against the median year of the Volvo S40. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 51
30% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2009 compares with every other Volvo S40

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2009 Volvo S40

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Transmission & Drivetrain 3 21.4%

Median failure at 69,400 miles

Other & Unspecified 2 14.3%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

Engine & Cooling 2 14.3%

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 60,000 mi

Wheels 1 7.1%

Median failure at 30,000 miles

Tires 1 7.1%

Median failure at 30,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 1 7.1%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

Lights 1 7.1%
Suspension 1 7.1%

Median failure at 95,000 miles

Brakes 1 7.1%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 320 mi

Electrical System 1 7.1%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 1 10.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 2 20.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 3 30.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 4 40.0%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Nov 2009 peak 3 Oct 2021

Recalls on the 2009 Volvo S40

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2010423 1,319 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles equipped with power front passenger seats, the "end stops" on the seat frame rails may be missing. If the end stops are missing, the maximum allowable seat travel may be exceeded, resulting in an increased injury risk for out of position occupants in the event of a frontal collision. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front seat rails for the presence of an "end stop", and install one if necessary.

Recall 2010396 87 units in Canada

Accessories

On certain vehicles, there is a possibility of overheating issues of batteries in the Garmin nüvi® 760 when certain batteries manufactured within a limited date code range are used in certain Garmin nüvi® 760 models with a specific printed circuit board (PCB) design. The interaction of these factors can, in some circumstances, increase the possibility of overheating, which may lead to a fire. Correction: Dealers will direct customers who have an affected unit to the Garmin Web site, which explains how to verify if their units are involved and includes procedures to follow for product exchange.

Recall 2008260 264 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles, an improperly manufactured power steering return hose may suddenly rupture, causing a fluid leak. An unexpected loss of steering power assist may result in a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the power steering return line assembly.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Miramar, FL Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 TOOK THE KEY OFF OF THE IGNITION AND THE ENGINE KEPT RUNNING. SHE CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHILE A NEIGHBOR HELPED AND OPENED THE HOOD. IMMEDIATELY SMOKE STARTED BILLOWING AND THEY OBSERVED FIRE IN THE ENGINE.TWO FIRE ENGINES SHOWED UP AND CONTAINED THE FIRE BEFORE DOING ANY FURTHER DAMAGE. MOST OF THE VISIBLE DAMAGE IS BETWEEN THE AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE AIR FILTER HOUSING. ON THAT DRIVE NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THE CAR RADIO WAS WORKING MY WIFE SAID IT WAS UNEVENTFUL UNTIL THE SHE NOTICED THE SMOKE. MY WIFE WAS SCARED AND STRESSED BEYOND FROM WHAT SHE HAD TO GO THROUGH. THE CARS WARNING SYSTEM DID NOT WORK, THERE WAS SEVERE FAILURE FOR THIS TO HAPPEN ON A 4 YR OLD CAR. I CALLED THE LOCAL VOLVO DEALER AND THE REP I SPOKE WITH WAS TOTALLY UNHELPFUL AND DID NOT OFFER ANYTHING. I CONTACTED THE VOLVO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SO FAR I HAVE GOTTEN A COUPLE OF EMAILS .

NHTSA complaint #10567209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Miramar, FL Fire

ENGINE

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 TOOK THE KEY OFF OF THE IGNITION AND THE ENGINE KEPT RUNNING. SHE CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHILE A NEIGHBOR HELPED AND OPENED THE HOOD. IMMEDIATELY SMOKE STARTED BILLOWING AND THEY OBSERVED FIRE IN THE ENGINE.TWO FIRE ENGINES SHOWED UP AND CONTAINED THE FIRE BEFORE DOING ANY FURTHER DAMAGE. MOST OF THE VISIBLE DAMAGE IS BETWEEN THE AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE AIR FILTER HOUSING. ON THAT DRIVE NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THE CAR RADIO WAS WORKING MY WIFE SAID IT WAS UNEVENTFUL UNTIL THE SHE NOTICED THE SMOKE. MY WIFE WAS SCARED AND STRESSED BEYOND ANYTHING FROM WHAT SHE HAD TO GO THROUGH. THE CARS WARNING SYSTEM DID NOT WORK, THERE WAS SEVERE FAILURE FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. A 4 YR OLD CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED THIS WAY. I CALLED THE LOCAL VOLVO DEALER AND THE REP I SPOKE WITH WAS TOTALLY UNHELPFUL AND DID NOT OFFER ANYTHING. I CONTACTED THE VOLVO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SO FAR I HAVE GOTTEN A COUPLE OF EMAILS .

NHTSA complaint #10549809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 320 miles Columbia, MD Fire

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

NHTSA complaint #10291072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Ridgefield, WA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 the dealership disclosed to me that the vehicle is in perfect condition. As of 10/21 I went to a Mechanic Shop called Pegoraro and ran a full auto diagnostic on the vehicle. With repairs on the vehicle costing $12,433.03 which involve fixes to the Timing Belt, Cooling System Fluid Exchange, Drive Belt Tensioner/Idle Assembly, Automatic Transmission Assembly, Remove and Install, Brake Fluid Exchange, and Lastly Disc Brake Pads, Rotors and Calipers (Rear). Obviously the vehicle isn't in "perfect condition". After getting this diagnostic I was informed that the vehicles Odometer has been tampered with as well as a bunch of other codes have been turned off before I purchased this vehicle. I just want a refund for this vehicle and to take my business elsewhere.

NHTSA complaint #11437843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 69,400 miles Sylacauga, AL

POWER TRAIN

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 WOULD HAVE BEEN COMPROMISED IF THEY HAD FAILED AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO MY ENGINE. I TRAVEL 1 HOUR ONE DAILY TO WORK. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT IF IT HADN'T BEEN DIAGNOSED IN TIME. IT HAS BEEN SINCE THEN REPAIRED.

NHTSA complaint #11156048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sylacauga, AL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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 MY DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA complaint #11156046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sylacauga, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 MY DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA complaint #11156046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles SAN Diego, CA

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #10984381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles SAN Diego, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #10984381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles SAN Diego, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10984381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,000 miles Potsdam, NY

SUSPENSION

BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITHIN 1 YEAR OF EACH OTHER. VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEN OVER ROUGH TERRAIN OR POT HOLES.

NHTSA complaint #10918075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Edison, NJ

POWER TRAIN

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 FRACTURED. THE TRANSMISSION FUEL LINE AND THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #10788898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,000 miles APO, AE

WHEELS

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 ABLE TO BARELY KEEP CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND BRING IT SAFELY TO A STOP; TIRE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED - NOTHING BUT THE WHEEL RIM WAS LEFT. MECHANIC / RECOVERY PERSONNEL WITH TOW TRUCK SAID IT WAS A MINOR MIRACLE THAT AN ACCIDENT/ CRASH WAS AVOIDED. WHEN REPORTED TO VOLVO, NO SUPPORT OR ACTION TAKEN ON THEIR PART. THEN EXPERIENCED A SECOND TPMS FAILURE APPROXIMATELY 7 MONTHS LATER, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 30 MPH ON THE WAY HOME; TIRE WAS FLAT AND MECHANIC SAID TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS IT WAS DRIVEN WHILE DEFLATED. AGAIN REPORTED FAILURE TO VOLVO DEALER, AND THIS TIME THEY DID LISTEN TO MY COMPLAINT AS ANOTHER OWNER REPORTED SAME PROBLEM. VOLVO DETERMINED THAT THE TPMS AIR STEM WAS UNABLE TO WITHSTAND NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, AND BECOMING BRITTLE AND BREAKING, AND SUBSEQUENTLY CAUSING RAPID LOSS OF AIR IN THE TIRE, AND DANGEROUS SITUATION IF FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. VOLVO REPLACED ALL FOUR TPMS ON VEHICLE AND REIMBURSED ME FOR THE TIRES THAT WERE DESTROYED BECAUSE OF THE TPMS FAILURES. VOLVO DEALER SENT OUT EMAIL NOTIFYING OWNERS OF ALL US SPEC VOLVO MODEL YEARS 2004 THROUGH MODEL YEAR 2011 (PRODUCTION WEEK 40 CALENDAR YEAR 2010), EXCEPT THE XC90 MODEL, ABOUT THE TPMS PROBLEM AND RECOMMENDED THEY BE CHECKED. I AM SURPRISED AND DISAPPOINTED WITH VOLVO, BECAUSE A TPMS FAILURE AT HIGH SPEED IS VERY LIKELY TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND DEATH. A SAFETY RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE BY NOW.

NHTSA complaint #10573317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,000 miles APO, AE

TIRES

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 ABLE TO BARELY KEEP CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND BRING IT SAFELY TO A STOP; TIRE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED - NOTHING BUT THE WHEEL RIM WAS LEFT. MECHANIC / RECOVERY PERSONNEL WITH TOW TRUCK SAID IT WAS A MINOR MIRACLE THAT AN ACCIDENT/ CRASH WAS AVOIDED. WHEN REPORTED TO VOLVO, NO SUPPORT OR ACTION TAKEN ON THEIR PART. THEN EXPERIENCED A SECOND TPMS FAILURE APPROXIMATELY 7 MONTHS LATER, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 30 MPH ON THE WAY HOME; TIRE WAS FLAT AND MECHANIC SAID TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS IT WAS DRIVEN WHILE DEFLATED. AGAIN REPORTED FAILURE TO VOLVO DEALER, AND THIS TIME THEY DID LISTEN TO MY COMPLAINT AS ANOTHER OWNER REPORTED SAME PROBLEM. VOLVO DETERMINED THAT THE TPMS AIR STEM WAS UNABLE TO WITHSTAND NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, AND BECOMING BRITTLE AND BREAKING, AND SUBSEQUENTLY CAUSING RAPID LOSS OF AIR IN THE TIRE, AND DANGEROUS SITUATION IF FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. VOLVO REPLACED ALL FOUR TPMS ON VEHICLE AND REIMBURSED ME FOR THE TIRES THAT WERE DESTROYED BECAUSE OF THE TPMS FAILURES. VOLVO DEALER SENT OUT EMAIL NOTIFYING OWNERS OF ALL US SPEC VOLVO MODEL YEARS 2004 THROUGH MODEL YEAR 2011 (PRODUCTION WEEK 40 CALENDAR YEAR 2010), EXCEPT THE XC90 MODEL, ABOUT THE TPMS PROBLEM AND RECOMMENDED THEY BE CHECKED. I AM SURPRISED AND DISAPPOINTED WITH VOLVO, BECAUSE A TPMS FAILURE AT HIGH SPEED IS VERY LIKELY TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND DEATH. A SAFETY RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE BY NOW.

NHTSA complaint #10573317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Miramar, FL Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 TOOK THE KEY OFF OF THE IGNITION AND THE ENGINE KEPT RUNNING. SHE CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHILE A NEIGHBOR HELPED AND OPENED THE HOOD. IMMEDIATELY SMOKE STARTED BILLOWING AND THEY OBSERVED FIRE IN THE ENGINE.TWO FIRE ENGINES SHOWED UP AND CONTAINED THE FIRE BEFORE DOING ANY FURTHER DAMAGE. MOST OF THE VISIBLE DAMAGE IS BETWEEN THE AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE AIR FILTER HOUSING. ON THAT DRIVE NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THE CAR RADIO WAS WORKING MY WIFE SAID IT WAS UNEVENTFUL UNTIL THE SHE NOTICED THE SMOKE. MY WIFE WAS SCARED AND STRESSED BEYOND FROM WHAT SHE HAD TO GO THROUGH. THE CARS WARNING SYSTEM DID NOT WORK, THERE WAS SEVERE FAILURE FOR THIS TO HAPPEN ON A 4 YR OLD CAR. I CALLED THE LOCAL VOLVO DEALER AND THE REP I SPOKE WITH WAS TOTALLY UNHELPFUL AND DID NOT OFFER ANYTHING. I CONTACTED THE VOLVO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SO FAR I HAVE GOTTEN A COUPLE OF EMAILS .

NHTSA complaint #10567209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Miramar, FL Fire

ENGINE

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 TOOK THE KEY OFF OF THE IGNITION AND THE ENGINE KEPT RUNNING. SHE CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHILE A NEIGHBOR HELPED AND OPENED THE HOOD. IMMEDIATELY SMOKE STARTED BILLOWING AND THEY OBSERVED FIRE IN THE ENGINE.TWO FIRE ENGINES SHOWED UP AND CONTAINED THE FIRE BEFORE DOING ANY FURTHER DAMAGE. MOST OF THE VISIBLE DAMAGE IS BETWEEN THE AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE AIR FILTER HOUSING. ON THAT DRIVE NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THE CAR RADIO WAS WORKING MY WIFE SAID IT WAS UNEVENTFUL UNTIL THE SHE NOTICED THE SMOKE. MY WIFE WAS SCARED AND STRESSED BEYOND ANYTHING FROM WHAT SHE HAD TO GO THROUGH. THE CARS WARNING SYSTEM DID NOT WORK, THERE WAS SEVERE FAILURE FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. A 4 YR OLD CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED THIS WAY. I CALLED THE LOCAL VOLVO DEALER AND THE REP I SPOKE WITH WAS TOTALLY UNHELPFUL AND DID NOT OFFER ANYTHING. I CONTACTED THE VOLVO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SO FAR I HAVE GOTTEN A COUPLE OF EMAILS .

NHTSA complaint #10549809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 320 miles Columbia, MD Fire

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

NHTSA complaint #10291072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.