2011 Volvo S40 recalls and problems

The 2011 Volvo S40 has 2 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Volvo S40 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 Volvo S40 recalls

Recall 11V-186: Structure

Reported Mar 18, 2011 · 7 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

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.

Risk: The crack could have an effect on the front structure and may reduce the crash performance of the vehicle.

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 customercare@volvoforlife.com.

Recall 10V-591: Seats

Reported Nov 22, 2010 · 7,420 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

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.

Risk: Positioning of the seat beyond the intended maximum can cause increased risk of injury to the passenger in the event of a crash.

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 customercare@volvoforlife.com.

2011 Volvo S40 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	4
Seats	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Structure	1

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 1
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 130,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2011 Volvo S40 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 350,000 miles · reported Nov 13, 2025

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.

Structure · reported Apr 30, 2023

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

Electrical System · at 69,000 miles · reported Feb 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 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…

Electrical System · at 130,000 miles · reported Feb 21, 2016

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…

Other Volvo S40 years

20112010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Volvo S40 years · All Volvo models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Volvo S40 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Volvo S40: 11V-186 (structure), 10V-591 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report electrical system problems most often (4 reports), followed by seats (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 130,000 miles.

Are Volvo recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volvo dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.