Model year

2011 Volvo S40

Sedan, gasoline, FWD/Front-Wheel Drive, built in Belgium. Owner complaints on file from Jun 3, 2013 to Nov 13, 2025.

Recall campaigns covering this model year27,427 vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints5Below the median 2011 sedan
Severity index20.02011 sedans average 7.9
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2011 Volvo S40 peaked in 2013, with 1 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.250.50.75120131201520172019202120232026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

80% of complaints about the 2011 Volvo S40 name electrical system

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Electrical system
4
Seats
1
Structure
1
Speed control
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

2 recall campaigns cover the 2011 Volvo S40

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2011 Volvo S40
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
11V-186Mar 18, 2011Crack on the top side of the passenger side support member in the engine compartment may have developed during the forming process in component…Structure7Part replacement
10V-591Nov 22, 2010Front seat rail's detection system was manufactured incorrectly and may permit the passenger to forward the seat beyond the intended maximumSeats7,420Repair or modification
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2011 Volvo S40

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

5 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Nov 13, 2025Failure Nov 11, 2025350,000 milesDublin, CASpeedometer/odometer

    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 mileage was 350,000 on VIN History USA.

    NHTSA complaint 11699264
  2. Filed Apr 30, 2023Failure Apr 30, 2023Mountain view, CABody

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11519692
  3. Filed Feb 13, 2017Failure Feb 13, 201769,000 milesLafollette, TNElectrical system, Seats, Vehicle speed control

    DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH WHEN INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT COMPLETELY BLANK I HEARD A SIZZLING NOISE BEHIND THE DASH BOARD. I LOST THE SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE, LIGHT INDICATOR, BLINKER INDICATORS, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENTS YOU DEPEND ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF, IT CONTINUED SIZZLING SOUNDING LIKE IT WAS BURNING. AFTER A FEW MINUTES I STARTED THE CAR AND NOTHING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WORKS, I TURNED ON THE FLASHER AND LIMPED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, AS AN ELDERLY FEMALE THIS WAS VERY NERVE RACKING AS I DID NOT KNOW IF MY FLASHERS WERE WORKING NOR WHAT SPEED I WAS TRAVELING. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE KNEW EXACTLY WHAT IT WAS SOMETHING CALLED THE DIM HAD WENT BAD AND THAT ONLY A VOLVO DEALER COULD REPLACE WHICH WILL COST OVER $1800. HE SAID I SHOULD FEEL LUCKY THAT THE CAR HAD NOT CAUGHT FIRE AS THAT WAS USUALLY WHAT HAPPENED IN THESE SITUATIONS AND VOLVO HAD IGNORED THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS SO THEY WOULD NOT HAVE TO SPEND MONEY ON A RECALL. THIS PART IS NOT SOMETHING THAT IS A WEAR AND TEAR ITEM IT IS FAULTY FROM THE MANUFACTURER YET THEY CONTINUE TO CHARGE PEOPLE OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNTS TO REPLACE THEM. I NOW HAVE TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE CAR AS I CANT EVEN TELL IF I HAVE A WORKING BLINKER OVER 40 MILES TO THE NEAREST VOLVO DEALER, I AM NOT SURE WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER THAT AS I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY (SOCIAL SECURITY) TO FIX SOMETHING THAT VOLVO SHOULD BE REPAIRING FOR FREE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED AS I HAVE RESEARCHED AND SEE THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH VOLVO FOR MANY MAKES AND MODEL YEAR CARS NOT JUST 2011.

    NHTSA complaint 10954356
  4. Filed Feb 21, 2016Failure Jan 20, 2016130,000 milesOsawatomie, KSElectrical systemFire

    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 WINDOW. SAW THAT THE CAR WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE. A PANIC RUSH TO CAR FOUND A FIRE WAS BURNING BEHIND DASH. COFFEE SHOP HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER; THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT. THE CAR, INOPERATIVE, WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. AN OPINION IS THAT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT INVOLVING THE CAR'S CEM (CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE) UNDER THE DASH, ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE, WAS LIKELY THE CAUSE AND SOURCE OF THE FIRE. DEALER REPORT; ENGINE & DASH WIRING, CEM, HEATER HOUSING, AIRBAG, INNER GLOVE BOX TO REPLACE.

    NHTSA complaint 10837392
  5. Filed Jun 3, 2013Failure Jun 3, 20137,500 milesWall, NJElectrical system

    BATTERY DEAD AND CAR WOULD NOT START; CAR HAD NOT BEEN USED FOR ONLY 1 WEEK OR LESS. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10514924
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

158 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • 35526.1.8 Apr 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure
 Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.
  • 37809.1.1 Apr 7, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval.
 Current items under pri…
  • 19245 Dec 6, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal. Vehicle type and platform identification.
  • 8501 Apr 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session:
 •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V.
 •Connect to the v…
  • S10303 Feb 21, 2025 · Service Campaign
    Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key…
  • S10303 Feb 13, 2025 · Service Campaign
    Volvo Cars USA LLC and Volvo Car Canada LTD on behalf of the Volvo Car Corporation has decided to launch Service Action S10303 on certain model year 2025 EX90 vehicles.
 Volvo Car Investigations have identified that there is a pairing issue with the key…
  • 37175 Jan 16, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle/Connectivity report checklist. To provide timely and high-quality feedback to the appropriate department or factory
  • 8501 Jan 16, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: Remote connection, BOMGAR application. Before joining a remote session:
 •Connect a suitable battery maintainer/charger and verify that the battery voltage indicated in VIDA is between 12.5V and 14.9V.
 •Connect to the v…
  • TJ27536.21.1-2024-08-07 Aug 14, 2024 · Other
    Information about valid Software partnumbers to order and download Software for "PDS" Pre-Delivery Service
  • 26745.13.14 Jan 12, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: 12V Battery Testing Method
  • C00009 Jul 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE C00009 DESCRIPTION.
  • TJ3656330 Jun 12, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Rubber cushion
  • TJ3658411 Mar 24, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Left front LED flickers after turning car off
  • TJ29871 Apr 17, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Customer may experience ?Low oil pressure light? coming on. No external leakage. High engine oil consumption may occur. Follow the instructions under ?Service?.
  • TJ31535 Sep 11, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SiriusXM Tuner Replacement Process
  • CBR-2201 Aug 29, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine Control Module (EMS) Software (MSW) Information – August 2022; Improvement List (Change Log) - US21+OBD22 (13L VGT, TC) And US17+OBD22 (11L) Emissions
  • KC-145 Aug 29, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Part information for AMT input shaft repair kits and the shim kit that is required for repair.
  • Special Tools Bu May 12, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve.
  • Service Manager May 6, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations
  • Service Manager Jun 23, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Battery Charger/maintainer requirement
  • Service Manager Feb 3, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)
  • 356EN01 Feb 9, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App
  • STB215 Mar 24, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    News Letter 69
  • KC-99 Oct 18, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Volvo Chassis 2008 And Up LED Headlight Conversion Programming Procedure
  • SMB00-288-2021-0 Feb 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Volvo?s Warranty Department tracks Retailer warranty spending by utilizing the Warranty Retailer Counseling Process (WRCP). The WRCP is used to gauge individual retailer performance on objective measures over time. By setting clear performance expectations …
  • TJ26753.4.0-2020 Oct 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: It has been noticed on requested materials that PAS sensors are analyzed without finding any fault on the parts. As a help to the troubleshooting on parking assistance system, we have developed some points of possible actions in…
  • ST-001-2020-09-1 Sep 18, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a time…
  • SMB00-006-2020-0 Aug 5, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
  • SMB31-001-2020-0 Jul 3, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Volvo Lithium-ion Hybrid Battery Packs shipping and handling to Volvo Reman
  • SMB31-001-2020-0 Jul 14, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Volvo Lithium-ion Hybrid Battery Packs shipping and handling to Volvo Reman
  • ST-001-2020-06-2 Jul 2, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a time…
  • SMB00-013-2020-0 Jun 17, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Manager Bulletin: Vehicle Type and Platform Information
  • SMB00-006-2020-0 Mar 31, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
  • SJ1000167-2020-0 Feb 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Service Journal: Coolant Filling Equipment Tool
  • ST-001-2020-01-2 Jan 30, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a time…
  • SMB00-325-2019-1 Dec 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVI…
  • TJ31946.1.2-2019 Nov 19, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in …
  • TJ31946.1.1-2019 Nov 14, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in …
  • SMB00-006-2019-1 Nov 9, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Software Installation Policy changes.
  • SMB00-438-2019-1 Nov 9, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Technician Skillset Requirments
  • TJ31543.9.0-2019 Nov 6, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: This Journal is a guide for performing Software Downloads. Service: *See guide updated Oct. 12, 2016 for relevant P5/SPA Software Download information: P5_SPA_SW_Guide.pdf See VIDA Software tab for all other vehicles.The attache…
  • ST-001-2019-10-1 Oct 17, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a time…
  • TJ21965.7.0-2019 Oct 16, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: Oil in cooling system. New cleaning method developed.
  • TJ20803.14.0-201 Oct 19, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: In case of complaint of Noise, some "tools" have been created to help you to do a better and more precise fault tracing
  • SMB00-325-2017-1 Oct 18, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVI…
  • SMB00-337-2016-1 Nov 29, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    VOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Workshop Systems Requirements and Guidelines VIDA in 2015 , Peer - to - Peer Infrastructure GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States and Canada 00 337 REFERENCE BULLE…
  • TJ20803.12.0-201 Nov 22, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: In case of complaint of Noise, some "tools" have been created to help you to do a better and more precise fault tracing
  • SMB00-006-2017-0 May 11, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Software Installation Policy changes.
  • SMB00-071-2017-0 May 10, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Descripition of Goodwill Policy and Guidelines.
  • SPJ32587.2.0-201 Apr 13, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Service Product Journal: VIDA will not support Windows 8.1 after June 30th 2017
  • TJ32564.1.1-2017 Mar 24, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: Replacing CEM or Recommunicating with a 'sleeping' vehicle
  • TJ31543.4.3-2017 Feb 24, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: This Journal is a guide for performing Software Downloads. Service: *See guide updated Oct. 12, 2016 for relevant P5/SPA Software Download information: P5_SPA_SW_Guide.pdf See VIDA Software tab for all other vehicles.The attache…
  • TJ20402.3.4-2017 Feb 15, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Technical Journal TITLE : The Error Frame Finder (EFF) can be an aid in fault tracing intermittent CAN network problems by providing a visible indication of error frames that are being transmitted on the network when the fault becomes active. The advantage …
  • TJ26188.1.10-201 Feb 8, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Technical Journal TITLE : Prior Approval for RDAR Replacement ( Satellite Radio Tuner ) , Battery Drain REF NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States TJ 26188 Technical Service PARTNER : ISSUE DATE : 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars North America YEAR MONTH …
  • SMB00-003-2017-0 Feb 3, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service Scheduling system enhancements. Improving Service Action/Recall scheduling.
  • SMB00-199-2017-0 Jan 14, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Service Manager Bulletin: The online bookstore, www.volvotechinfo.com, serves Volvo Retailers, employees, Independent Repairers and customers throughout the United States and Canada by providing easy order-access to service, parts and owners? lite…
  • TJ25252.7.0-2016 Dec 3, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: "BLIS service required" may be displayed in DIM(Drivers Information Module) intermittently during start, without any corresponding DTC's set. This may occur if the BLIS camera heating element is broken due to a hot spot, or if t…
  • TJ28941.1.0-2016 Dec 3, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: When sensitive information, like vehicle speed, brake usage, etc. (customer behavoiur information) of a car is required from Volvo Car Corporation from external sources, either of these two documents should be filled in and atta…
  • SMB00-424-2016-1 Dec 8, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    While performing repairs, on vehicles covered by Volvo's New Vehicle Warranty, the Technical Help Desk may support the dealer by providing a specific diagnostic labor operation. This will aid the Warranty Administrator when claiming reimbursement for diagno…
  • TJ25153.7.1-2016 Dec 15, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a Technical Journal: Washer system layout for identifying leakage points REF NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States and Canada TJ 25153 Technical Service PARTNER : ISSUE DATE : STATUS DATE : 3 US 7510 Volvo Car USA 2016 - 03 - 17 2016 …
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.