- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- The crack could have an effect on the front structure and may reduce the crash performance of the vehicle.
- The fix
- 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].
Vehicle safety record
2011 Volvo S40 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2011 Volvo S40 with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (4) and the seats & seat belts (1). Those complaints describe 1 fire. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in March 2011 for the frame and members. For comparison, the 2010 has 9.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical S40 year, for its age
#229 most complained-about 2011 vehicle
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2011 Volvo S40 problems
Share of all 5 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2011 Volvo S40 recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The 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.
- The risk
- Positioning of the seat beyond the intended maximum can cause increased risk of injury to the passenger in the event of a crash.
- The 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].
What owners say
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5 complaints about the 2011 Volvo S40
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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.
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
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...
Read the full complaint
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.
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...
Read the full complaint
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.
Battery dead and car would not start; car had not been used for only 1 week or less. *Tr
Volvo S40: every year compared
All S40 years2011 Volvo S40 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Volvo S40 | 5 | 2 | A | |
| 2011 Volvo C30 | 14 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 2011 Volvo C70 | 14 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2011 Volvo S80 | 5 | 4 | B | Compare |
| 2011 Volvo S60 | 5 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2011 Volvo V50 | 2 | 1 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2011 Volvo S40
Does the 2011 Volvo S40 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Volvo S40: frame and members (March 2011); seats (November 2010). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volvo S40?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (4), seats & seat belts (1), body, doors & structure (1).
How many complaints has the 2011 Volvo S40 had?
5 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 3, 2013 and the latest on November 13, 2025. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2011 Volvo S40 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 88 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Volvo S40 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Volvo S40 years have the most complaints?
2000 (122), 2001 (84), 2005 (81). See every Volvo S40 year compared.
What should I do if my 2011 Volvo S40 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data