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.

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.
What owners describe
- Electrical (4): the most common themes are electrical failure (2), fire / smoke (2).
- Seats (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
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)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | Regular |
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.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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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.