Most common 2011 Volvo S40 problems
Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo S40 complaints by model year
Best S40 years: 2010, 2011, 2009. Years to avoid: 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2004. Compare all years →
2011 Volvo S40 recalls (2)
Structure › Frame and members
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.
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.
Seats
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.
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.
What 2011 Volvo S40 owners say
Electrical system
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.
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.
2011 Volvo S40 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 30 / 24 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Volvo S40 a good car?
Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 S40 rates better than average: 80% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S40 at the same age. It is one of the best S40 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Volvo S40?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 80% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument panel › speedometer/odometer. Next are the seats (1) and speed control & acceleration (1).
How many recalls does the 2011 Volvo S40 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2011 Volvo S40, the most recent from March 18, 2011 (frame and members). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volvo S40?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2011 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006 and 2004. See the full Volvo S40 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Volvo S40 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 130,000 miles; 25% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.