2011 Volvo S40
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2011
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2011: 5 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 122 |
| 2001 | 84 |
| 2002 | 27 |
| 2003 | 18 |
| 2004 | 48 |
| 2005 | 69 |
| 2006 | 58 |
| 2007 | 25 |
| 2008 | 16 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
4 of 5 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-02-21
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-11-13
Driving down the highway at 55 MPH when instrument panel went completely blank I heard a sizzling noise behind the dash board.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-02-13
Vehicle speed control
1 of 5 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Structure
1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
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…
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-04-30
Seats
1 of 5 total reports mentions: seats.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2010-12-23Seats10V591000 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…
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…
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2011-04-15Structure11V186000 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…
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. If the inspection reveals that a…
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Volvo S40 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 10V591000 · Seats
- Recall 11V186000 · Structure
FAQ
- Is the 2011 Volvo S40 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volvo S40?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 80% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Volvo S40 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.