VehicleVerdict

2011 Volvo S40 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2011 Volvo S40 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

7

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other S40 years?

S40 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted166 complaints2000: 166 complaints2001: 112 complaints2002: 34 complaints2003: 23 complaints2004: 75 complaints2005: 91 complaints2006: 81 complaints2007: 36 complaints2008: 27 complaints2009: 14 complaints2010: 11 complaints2011: 7 complaints
S40 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S40 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Volvo S40 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System457%
Seats114%
Speed Control114%
Body & Structure114%

Does the 2011 Volvo S40 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V186000Body & StructureMarch 18, 2011 · 7 units

Defect

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 S40 PASSENGER VEHICLES. A CRACK ON THE TOP SIDE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE SUPPORT MEMBER IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY HAVE DEVELOPED DURING THE FORMING PROCESS IN COMPONENT PRODUCTION.

Consequence

THE CRACK COULD HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE FRONT STRUCTURE AND MAY REDUCE THE CRASH PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CRACKS ON THE TOP SIDE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE SUPPORT MEMBER IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IF NO CRACK IS FOUND, NO FURTHER ACTION IS NEEDED. IF THE INSPECTION REVEALS THAT A VEHICLE HAS A CRACK IN THE SIDE SUPPORT MEMBER, THE VEHICLE WILL IMMEDIATELY BE TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE. A NEW REPLACEMENT VEHICLE OF EQUAL SPECIFICATION WILL BE PROVIDED BY VOLVO. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE CENTER AT 1-800-458-1552, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 8:30 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. EST. OR E-MAIL AT CUSTOMERCARE@VOLVOFORLIFE.COM.

10V591000SeatsNovember 22, 2010 · 7,420 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“A COLD, WET, WINTERY MORNING; PULLED INTO COFFEE SHOP PARKING LOT, PARKED CAR, TURNED ENGINE OFF, REMOVED KEY, GOT OUT OF THE CAR, LOCKED DOORS, WENT INTO THE COFFEE SHOP. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY, NOTHING LEFT ON IN THE CAR. WHILE WAITING FOR COFFEE GLANCED OUT COFFEE SHOP WINDOW. SAW THAT THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 20, 2016 · fire

“DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH WHEN INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT COMPLETELY BLANK I HEARD A SIZZLING NOISE BEHIND THE DASH BOARD. I LOST THE SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE, LIGHT INDICATOR, BLINKER INDICATORS, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENTS YOU DEPEND ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SHUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 13, 2017

“DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH WHEN INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT COMPLETELY BLANK I HEARD A SIZZLING NOISE BEHIND THE DASH BOARD. I LOST THE SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE, LIGHT INDICATOR, BLINKER INDICATORS, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENTS YOU DEPEND ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SHUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · February 13, 2017

“Windshield bonding has failed on the top edge of the windshield. It leaks and I can move the glass easily. I am worried that the windshield will fall out in a crash and reduce the airbag performance ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 30, 2023

2011 Volvo S40 — common questions

Is the 2011 Volvo S40 reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2011 Volvo S40 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Volvo S40. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo S40 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S40 years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2004. The cleanest record among S40 years belongs to 2011.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.