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2011 Volvo S40 problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Volvo S40 is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical S40 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
93/100
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
158
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
24mpg

The worst 2011 Volvo S40 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    4
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Seats
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    4
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Seats
    1

Recalls 2

Structure: frame and membersReported March 18, 2011 · 7 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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 [email protected].

Recall number 11V186000 · Recall details

SeatsReported November 22, 2010 · 7,420 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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 [email protected].

Recall number 10V591000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2011 Volvo S40

Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Volvo S40 158

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 158 bulletins for the 2011 Volvo S40

2011 Volvo S40 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 5‑cylFWD213024

What 2011 Volvo S40 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 13, 2025 · Electrical · 350,000 miles · CA

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Volvo S40. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 115,314. The contact stated that at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 350,000 on VIN History USA.

Filed Apr 30, 2023 · Body · CA

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

Filed Feb 13, 2017 · Acceleration, Electrical · 69,000 miles · TN

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 the car off, it continued sizzling sounding like it was burning. After a few minutes I started the car and nothing on the instrument panel works, I turned on the flasher and limped to a local mechanic, as an elderly female this was very nerve racking as I did not know if my flashers were working nor what speed I was traveling. The mechanic told me that he knew exactly what it was something called the dim had went bad and that only a volvo dealer could replace which will cost over $1800. He said I should feel lucky that the car had not caught fire as that was usually what happened in these situations and volvo had ignored this problem for years so they would not have to spend money on a recall. This part is not something that is a wear and tear item it is faulty from the manufacturer yet they continue to charge people outrageous amounts to replace them. I now have to drive an unsafe car as I cant even tell if I have a working blinker over 40 miles to the nearest volvo dealer, I am not sure what will happen after that as I do not have the money (social security) to fix something that volvo should be repairing for free. I do not understand why this problem has not been recalled as I have researched and see this has been an issue with volvo for many makes and model year cars not just 2011.

Filed Feb 21, 2016 · Electrical · 130,000 miles · KS · fire

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 was filled with smoke. A panic rush to car found a fire was burning behind dash. Coffee shop had a fire extinguisher; the fire was put out. The car, inoperative, was towed to a dealer. An opinion is that a manufacturing defect involving the car's cem (central electronic module) under the dash, on the passenger's side, was likely the cause and source of the fire. Dealer report; engine & dash wiring, cem, heater housing, airbag, inner glove box to replace.

Filed Jun 3, 2013 · Electrical · 7,500 miles · NJ

Battery dead and car would not start; car had not been used for only 1 week or less.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2011 Volvo S40 before you buy

Compare the 2011 Volvo S40

Other model years

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Questions about the 2011 Volvo S40

Is the 2011 Volvo S40 reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2011 Volvo S40, fewer than a typical S40 model year.

What is the 2011 Volvo S40 year score?

The 2011 Volvo S40 scores 93 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volvo S40: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Volvo S40?

Electrical system, with 4 complaints. Next is acceleration (1).

How many recalls does the 2011 Volvo S40 have?

2 recalls, covering structure and seats.

What year does the Volvo S40 have the most electrical problems?

The Volvo S40 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2006 (24 complaints), 2005 (19 complaints) and 2000 (13 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Volvo S40 get?

Official estimates for the 2011 Volvo S40 range from 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 5-cyl, FWD) gets 21 city and 30 highway.

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