DecodedCars2011 Volvo S40
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- T5 4dr Sedan FWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 5-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 176.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,386 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Overview
The 2011 Volvo S40 is a compact car offered with a 2.5L 5-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 176 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,386 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 1% worse than the 2011 compact car average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2011
- Engine dropped: 2.4L 5-cyl
- All-wheel / four-wheel drive no longer offered
- Lightest version 152 lb heavier
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 S40 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T5 4dr Sedan FWD | 176.4 in | 69.7 in | 57.1 in | 103.9 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,386 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S40 FWD | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | -1% | $2,800 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Volvo S40.
Similar 2011 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Volvo S40 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 BMW 3 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2011 Audi A4 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Audi A5 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (2)
Structure › Frame And Members · Mar 18, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V186000 · 7 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- THE CRACK COULD HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE FRONT STRUCTURE AND MAY REDUCE THE CRASH PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE.
- 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 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].
Seats · Nov 22, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V591000 · 7,420 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- POSITIONING OF THE SEAT BEYOND THE INTENDED MAXIMUM CAN CAUSE INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
- 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR AT [email protected].
Not every 2011 Volvo S40 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Volvo S40 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Seats — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 130,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Volvo S40. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S40 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volvo. How we calculate this →