2011 VOLVO S40 Problems

VIN Decoder

Premium Report

Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

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.

Nov 13, 2025

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.

Feb 21, 2016

Fire: 1

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

Jun 03, 2013

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

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

Apr 30, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS

1 complaint

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.

Feb 13, 2017

4.3/5.0

30 reviews

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 2011 VOLVO S40, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 2011 VOLVO S40 for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 2011 VOLVO S40 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

2011 VOLVO S40 VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 2011 VOLVO S40 Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 2011 VOLVO S40 dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your VOLVO dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2011 VOLVO S40 have?

The 2011 VOLVO S40 currently has 5 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2011 VOLVO S40?

The most common problems reported for the 2011 VOLVO S40 are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2011 VOLVO S40 problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2011 VOLVO S40 comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 2011 VOLVO S40?

You can report safety problems with your 2011 VOLVO S40 directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 2011 VOLVO S40 VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 2011 VOLVO S40 reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2011 VOLVO S40. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.