2011 Volvo S40 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2011 Volvo S40 ranks best among the 7 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 0 and just 5 complaints on file. It has 2 recalls, both for structural issues, and no crashes, injuries, or deaths reported.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #7 of 7 S40 years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 30 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2011 Volvo S40 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System4 (80%)
- Structure & Body2 (40%)
- Engine1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners reported a fire burning behind the dashboard while the car was parked and turned off, discovered by smoke filling the cabin.
- One owner described a dead battery and a no-start condition after the car sat unused for a short time.
- Windshield bonding failed along the top edge, allowing the glass to move and raising concern about airbag performance in a crash.
- One owner reported an odometer discrepancy discovered after a dealer sale, with the actual mileage far higher than stated at purchase.
2011 Volvo S40 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V186000Mar 18, 2011Structure & Body7 vehicles
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.
Risk: The crack could have an effect on the front structure and may reduce the crash performance of the vehicle.
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 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 [email protected].
- NHTSA 10V591000Nov 22, 2010Structure & Body7,420 vehicles
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.
Risk: Positioning of the seat beyond the intended maximum can cause increased risk of injury to the passenger in the event of a crash.
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. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552 or at [email protected].
2011 Volvo S40 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,700
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other S40 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Volvo S40 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 S40 is the best-ranked year among the 7 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 0 and only 5 complaints filed.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volvo S40?
- Electrical System complaints make up 80% of the total, including one fire, followed by Structure & Body issues at 40% and Engine at 20%.
- Does the 2011 Volvo S40 have any recalls?
- Yes, it has 2 recalls, both related to Structure & Body: one for a possible crack in an engine compartment support member and one for a front power seat stop defect. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- What year Volvo S40 should I avoid?
- Among S40 years tracked, 2005 and 2007 rank worst, with complaint indexes of 83 and 100 and Avoid verdicts, while 2011 and 2010 rank best.
- How is the 2011 Volvo S40's fuel economy?
- EPA rates the 2011 S40 at 24 mpg combined (21 city / 30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700.