Recall 11V186 affects 7 2011 Volvo S40 vehicles for a cracked passenger-side support member. Volvo will inspect and replace qualifying vehicles for free.
Volvo is recalling 7 2011 S40 passenger vehicles because a crack in the passenger-side support member in the engine compartment was created during component production. The crack can affect the front structure and reduce crash performance, so the Volvo dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The passenger-side support member on the 2011 Volvo S40 is part of the body structure inside the engine compartment. It helps keep the front structure in the right position and gives nearby engine-bay parts a solid mounting area. Volvo identified the affected part as a frame and member component, which means the issue is in the vehicle structure rather than a trim piece.
On affected S40 vehicles, a crack formed on the top side of that passenger-side support member during component production. The crack started during the metal forming process, before the vehicle reached the owner. That leaves the support member different from the part Volvo intended to install.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not expected to hear a noise, see a warning light, or feel a change from the driver seat before the cracked support member is found.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Volvo S40 | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 7 |
Not every 2011 Volvo S40 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A crack in the passenger side support member can affect the front structure and reduce crash performance during a collision. With no listed warning sign, use the VIN check and have the vehicle inspected by the dealer promptly if included. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Volvo S40 is included in this recall.
- Watch for a Volvo owner letter if you have not received one, and keep your contact information current with Volvo.
- Call Volvo customer care at 1-800-458-1552 to ask when the free passenger-side support-member inspection is available for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 11V186 when you call, and ask whether the vehicle needs dealer inspection before normal driving.
- Avoid relying on the vehicle for high-speed or heavy-traffic trips until Volvo confirms the front-structure inspection path for your VIN.
What happens at the repair
Once the dealer repair is available, a Volvo technician inspects the top side of the passenger-side support member in the engine compartment for cracks. If the support member is not cracked, no more repair work is needed. If a crack is found, the vehicle is taken out of service, and Volvo provides a replacement vehicle with the same specification. The recall inspection and any required remedy are free once available.
Timeline
| March 18, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 15, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V186?
Recall 11V186 covers 7 2011 Volvo S40 passenger vehicles with a crack on the passenger-side support member in the engine compartment. Volvo dealers inspect that structure for free. If a crack is found, Volvo takes the vehicle out of service and provides a replacement vehicle of equal specification.
What should I do if my 2011 Volvo S40 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific S40 is included in recall 11V186. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer and schedule the free inspection of the passenger-side support member in the engine compartment. Reference recall 11V186 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to remedy the defect at no cost, and Volvo's remedy provides the dealer inspection free of charge. If the inspection finds a crack, Volvo provides a replacement vehicle of equal specification instead of repairing the affected structure.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced crash performance. In recall 11V186, the crack is on the top side of the passenger-side support member in the engine compartment, which affects the front structure of the vehicle. The dealer inspection determines whether your specific S40 has the crack.
What if I bought my Volvo S40 used?
The free recall remedy still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2011 Volvo S40 is included, then call a franchised Volvo dealer and reference recall 11V186 to schedule the free inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V186000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-458-1552 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V186 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V186000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →