MotorDeets

2011 Volvo S40: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2011 Volvo S40: 2 recalls, 5 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
5owner complaints
0mention a crash
24best combined mpg
2011 Volvo S40
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Seats Vehicle recall #10V591000 · 2010 · 7,420 vehicles

What's wrong: The front seat rail's detection system was manufactured incorrectly and May permit the passenger to forward the seat beyond the intended maximum.

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

The 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.

Body & structure Vehicle recall #11V186000 · 2011 · 7 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: The crack could have an effect on the front structure and May reduce the crash performance of the vehicle.

The 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…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical4
Seats1
Speed control / throttle1
Body & structure1

What owners describe

The 2011 Volvo S40 has 5 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 12 S40 model years for complaints (well below the 41 average). Complaints peaked in 2013 (1 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 99,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (9 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.5 L 5-cyl turboAutomatic (S5)Front-Wheel Drive213024Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Volvo S40.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2011 Volvo S40 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2011 Volvo S40 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2011 Volvo S40 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2011 Volvo S40 manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2011 Volvo S40 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Volvo S40. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2011 Volvo S40 problems?

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (4), seats (1), speed control / throttle (1).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Volvo S40 get?

EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (S5)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2011 Volvo S40 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other S40 years

200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011