2011 Volvo S40 problems
The Volvo S40 is a series of subcompact executive cars marketed and produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1995 to 2012, offered as a more mainstream alternative to the compact executive Volvo S60 to compete in a lower pricing bracket. The S40 was more or less positioned against premium-leaning small family cars like the Volkswagen Jetta as well as some mass-market large family cars.
The first generation (1995–2004) was introduced in 1995 with the S40 (S from saloon) and V40 (V from versatility, estate) cars.
The second generation (2004–2012) was released in 2004, and the estate variant's name changed to V50.
The range was replaced by the Volvo V40 five door hatchback in 2012.
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Common 2011 Volvo S40 problems
The Volvo S40, produced between 2005 and 2012, is known for its reliability and safety. However, like any vehicle, it has common problems that owners may encounter. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Failure: The fuel rail pressure sensor measures the fuel pressure inside the fuel lines. A faulty sensor can lead to lower engine power, engine stalling, increased fuel consumption, and a check engine light. To diagnose this issue, you can test the sensor under idle, acceleration, and load with a scanner that can graph the fuel pressure. If the fuel pressure is fine but the check engine light is still on, there is a problem with the sensor, and you'll need to replace it.
- Worn Motor Mounts: Motor mounts support the engine and keep it from being directly bolted to the car's body. Worn motor mounts can cause vibrations in the passenger compartment and clunking noises from behind the dashboard or firewall. To fix this issue, you may need to replace the engine mounts.
- Headliner Problems: The headliner in the Volvo S40 may sag or come loose, causing a cosmetic issue. This problem is more prevalent in higher mileage vehicles. To fix this issue, you may need to replace the headliner or use a headliner repair kit.
- Rear Caliper Failure: The rear calipers in the Volvo S40 can fail, causing the brakes to drag and overheat. This issue can lead to decreased braking performance and increased wear on the brake pads and rotors. To diagnose this issue, you can check for excessive heat buildup in the affected brake caliper. If the caliper is faulty, you'll need to replace it.
- Front Axle Problems: The front axles in the Volvo S40 can develop problems, such as clicking sounds that amplify when turning or accelerating. This issue can be caused by damaged CV joint boots, which can let debris in and cause binding. To fix this issue, you may need to replace the entire axle or the damaged CV joint boot. Remember to get a four-wheel alignment after finishing this repair.
Other common problems with the Volvo S40 include oil leaks, a car that smells of rotten eggs (indicating a catalytic converter failure), long brake distances, leaking sunroofs, creaking seats, a wobbly key, instrument panel failure, poor starting or loss of power, and bumpy driving.
It's important to note that while these issues are common, they may not affect all Volvo S40 vehicles. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or catch these problems early, reducing the risk of more significant repairs.
Is Volvo S40 a reliable car?
The Volvo S40 is generally considered a reliable vehicle because of its decent ownership costs, great gas mileage, and above-average consumer ratings. Many owners of the S40 rarely bring in their vehicles for major repairs.
What is the common fault on Volvo S40?
Poor engine idling
The throttle body can get blocked up on this car. If it is blocked then you will be finding that the engine is idling badly. It could either have low or high idling, erratic idling, which are clear indications for this failure.
How many miles can you put on a Volvo S40?
The estimated lifespan of a Volvo S40 is 286,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
Is Volvo S40 a safe car?
Dual front airbags, side airbags, head-protecting side curtains, whiplash protection systems and ABS brakes are standard equipment. Electronic stability control is standard on the 2.0T variant and optional on other variants. The front seat belt buckles are mounted on the seats and the upper anchorages are adjustable.
Is Volvo S40 a reliable car?
The S40 is well designed and built and that means a reliable run for the most part. There are no serious flaws that afflict it; the things that tend to go wrong are fairly minor and individual. Volvos tend to be well looked after by caring owners, which can make them a good used buy.
What is the common fault on Volvo S40?
Poor engine idling
The throttle body can get blocked up on this car. If it is blocked then you will be finding that the engine is idling badly. It could either have low or high idling, erratic idling, which are clear indications for this failure.
Is Volvo S40 a safe car?
Dual front airbags, side airbags, head-protecting side curtains, whiplash protection systems and ABS brakes are standard equipment. Electronic stability control is standard on the 2.0T variant and optional on other variants. The front seat belt buckles are mounted on the seats and the upper anchorages are adjustable.
Why did Volvo stop making the S40?
Volvo will stop selling its mid-size sedan, the S40, and its station wagon “twin”, the V50, in the USA during the 2012 MY. The reason? You guessed it; poor sales.
2011 Volvo S40 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo S40 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Structure problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Volvo S40 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2011 Volvo S40 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Volvo S40.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-30
- VIN: YV1672MS1B2
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-13
- VIN: YV1672MSXB2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YV1672MS8B2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-03
- VIN: YV1672MS5B2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY DEAD AND CAR WOULD NOT START; CAR HAD NOT BEEN USED FOR ONLY 1 WEEK OR LESS. *TR
2011 Volvo S40 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2011 Volvo S40.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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].
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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].
Negative 2011 Volvo S40 car reviews
Positive 2011 Volvo S40 car reviews
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Last year, I had a scary experience while driving on the interstate. A large piece of steel fell off a truck and bounced into my lane while I was traveling at about 60mph. Although my 2006 S40 was totaled, I was fortunate to only have a sore back for a couple of weeks. As someone who has worked as an auto appraiser for 6 years, I have a lot of experience assessing damage. I was impressed with how well the car held up in the accident, and it's the reason why I chose to purchase a 2008 S40. I've had my 2008 for about a year now and I absolutely love it!
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This is my second Volvo S40 and I absolutely love everything about it! The style, fit and finish of this car is very nice. It is a very solid, well-built car with every bit of safety in it. I just traded in my Prius because I wanted more comfort and safety. I would rather pay more for gas and feel secure with my family in the car.
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Congratulations on your new car! It's always exciting to get a new ride, especially after graduating college. I can tell you're a BMW enthusiast, but it's great to hear that you found an excellent value in a Volvo. The performance, style, comfort, and features are all impressive, especially for the price. It's refreshing to have a unique style that stands out from the crowd of 3-series. I'm glad to hear that the ride is smooth and still delivers great performance. Plus, the all-weather abilities are a great bonus. Enjoy your new car!
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This car is amazing in any weather and hugs the road. The turbo boost kicks right in and it has great acceleration. The T-5 R design is both sporty and beautiful inside and out, turning heads wherever it goes. Although the KBB value may not reflect it, these cars are worth every penny. I recently did the timing belt and it still drives like a dream even after 120k miles. If you're looking for a car that will hold its value, the R Design AWD is a great choice. I highly recommend it to anyone!
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The S40 is a fantastic vehicle that packs a lot of class into a smaller frame. The T5 model and turbo engine make it very powerful, and the dual exhaust adds a touch of style. While there isn't a lot of room for sunglasses and tissues, the overall performance of the car makes it easy to love.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Volvo S40 problems:
Volvo S40 Reliability and Common Problems - In The Garage with ...
Jan 20, 2024 ... Some of these issues include a slipping transmission, vibrations at idle, and starter control module issues, among others. Contents hide. Are ...
Volvo S40 Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top Volvo S40 Problems · Right Front Engine Mount May Wear and Cause Vibration at Idle. 64 people have reported this · Problems With Starter Control Modules · " ...
2011 Volvo S40 T5, 87k miles. Asking $9k. No accidents, no major ...
Jul 21, 2022 ... No accidents, no major mechanical problems. Idle is a little hard but I've been told that's common on the model and the time frame. Feels and ...
Looking a buying a 2005 S40 T5. Any problem areas ...
Mar 23, 2011 ... Should I be worried about buying a "high- mileage" Volvo? Are there any problems that are common on these cars?
S40 Common Problems? - Volvo Forums - Volvo Enthusiasts Forum
Mar 10, 2008 ... S40 Common Problems? · 1. Soft metal rotors which wear deep grooves quickly (mine were deep at 31k miles). · 2. Soft pads which wear out quickly ...
Other years of Volvo S40
Are you having problems with your 2011 Volvo S40?
Donny Tromp 2024-09-10
I have owned my S40 since 2010. Unfortunately, last week I hit a pothole which resulted in an engine failure. Although the oil was lost immediately, the oil pan was not affected. Despite my disappointment, it appears that Farmers will not cover the claim. After researching online, I found very few options available and the premiums were very high. However, I remain confident that I will find a suitable solution.
Mackenzie Graham 2024-03-05
Avoid purchasing this car. I made the mistake of buying a Volvo in 2009 when my daughter was born, selling my reliable 1.7 Puma. Unfortunately, the engine failed just over two years later. Despite having my second-year service late, Volvo voided the warranty and their customer care team refused to speak with me. Even after spending £6,000 on a new engine, it failed in the same way as the previous one just seven days later. Upon researching the engine, I discovered it to be of poor quality.