2011 Volvo S40 Problems
- Complaints
- 5filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 99,500miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.5L 5-cyl FWD · 21 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 Volvo S40 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 2011 Volvo S40. The part named most often is electrical system, with 4 complaints (80% of the total), followed by seats (1) and body and structure (1). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 99,500 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 158 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 55 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Seats complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system4 80%
- Seats1 20%
- Body and structure1 20%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10954356, filed 2017-02, 69,000 milesBody and structure: “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”
NHTSA complaint #11519692, filed 2023-04Mileage when problems were reported
25% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 69,000 and 130,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Volvo S40. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S40 · sedan AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 11.1% risk |
| S40 · sedan FWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 11.1% risk |
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2011 Volvo S40 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S40 FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 11V186000Mar 18, 2011Structure › Frame and membersCovers: Volvo S40 2011
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.
- 10V591000Nov 22, 2010SeatsCovers: Volvo S40 2009–2011, V50 2009–2011, XC60 2010–2011 +1 more
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.
Recall details for the 2011 Volvo S40 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 158 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11032678Apr 23, 2026Engine. This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle…
- 11032671Apr 7, 2026Other or unknown. This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added…
- 11027173Dec 6, 2025Other or unknown. This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.
- 11020437Apr 10, 2025Exterior lighting. This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated…
- 11016002Feb 21, 2025Other or unknown. Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations…
- 11015994Feb 13, 2025Other or unknown. Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles. Volvo Car Investigations…
- 11014113Jan 16, 2025Other or unknown. This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factory
- 11014112Jan 16, 2025Exterior lighting. This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session: •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated…
- 11007925Aug 14, 2024Electrical system. Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service
- 10249191Jan 12, 2024Electrical system. This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method
Other model years of the Volvo S40
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 5 | 99,500 | 2 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 9 | 76,000 | 2 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 10 | 65,000 | 3 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 16 | 75,265 | 2 | — | 23 | — | Falling |
| 2007 | 25 | 57,500 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 58 | 75,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 69 | 76,500 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 48 | 64,000 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 18 | 85,106 | 2 | — | 22 | — | Falling |
| 2002 | 27 | 45,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 84 | 67,000 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 122 | 73,458 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Volvo S40 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 Volvo S40 have?
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 2011 Volvo S40 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2011 Volvo S40 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 4 complaints (80% of the total), followed by seats with 1.
Has the 2011 Volvo S40 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Volvo S40 get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Volvo S40 (S40 FWD, 2.5L 5-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 21 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2011 Volvo S40 reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 99,500 miles and the middle half falls between 69,000 and 130,000 miles; 25% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.