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ProblemsByVinFile / 2011-VOLVO-S40NHTSA data synced 5 days ago
Volvo
2011 Volvo S40 problems
The 2011 Volvo S40 has 2 active recall campaigns on file and only 5 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.
The 2011 Volvo S40 has 5 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 4 complaints, typically surfacing around 139,125 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Limited NHTSA data — only 5 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 2 active recalls on file.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 S40?
Not enough data for a verdict
Only 5 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 2 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first.
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2011 Volvo S40 4 DR AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2011 S40· electrical
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…
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
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…
Had a problem with your 2011 Volvo S40?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
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Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2011 s40 passenger vehicles
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.
Volvo is recalling certain passenger vehicles equipped with power front passenger seats
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.
Common questions
Is the 2011 Volvo S40 reliable?
Limited NHTSA data. Only 5 owner complaints have been filed for the 2011 Volvo S40, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2011 Volvo S40?
Only 5 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 2 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2011 Volvo S40 without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2011 Volvo S40?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2011 Volvo S40 to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2011 Volvo S40 a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 5 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2011 Volvo S40?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 4 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 139,125 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 139,125 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Volvo S40 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Volvo S40?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 5 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Volvo/S40.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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