Volvo Reviews

With this data in hand I was in contact w/ Volvo NA who asked that I go to the dealer of choice for an oil consumption test so as to A. get our car in their system; B. verify that there was indeed a problem. So I did that, drove the car for the prescribed 600 miles, failed the test whereupon the dealer asked that I leave the car and they'd uber me home (30 miles away)... The test, the uber all on Volvo! We have enough alternatives to drive otherwise they'd of offered a loaner. This was on a Wednesday. By Friday afternoon they were out on test drives and by noon Monday, they'd returned the car to our doorstep with an extended warranty to 100,000 miles or 8 years. Koons Volvo was our dealer of choice and I have to say, everyone stepped up to the plate!

This time they say it’s a second modular that also has sticky stuff so it’s also not covered so I pay out of pocket AGAIN to fix it ($7,000 total) then 2 months later the auto hold/brake malfunctions again. This time I have not allowed any drinks in my car because it cost me so much before. What does Volvo say? Sure enough it’s the modular and that there is sticky residue so they are not going to cover it with the warranty.

So either they lie to get out of covering things via warranty. Or the design is so flawed that anything that goes in the CUP HOLDER creates a modular malfunction, either way. Also, every part and fix take 2-3 weeks to figure out. The last time it took over 2 months for me to get my car back, because Volvo has to approve every thing that done and tell the service department what steps to do throughout the whole process. I would NEVER EVER own another Volvo, and I would strongly recommend everyone to think twice and read reviews before making a Volvo purchase. For a “luxury” car, it brings nothing but a headache.

After a few days, the workshop called me and said the car was repaired. The cause “was” a defective spark plug. The Volvo Assistance then organized the transport of my to my home, which took a long time (about 10 days). Surprisingly (or not) the problem happened again on the way to city and the driver had to take the vehicle to another workshop... After about 3 weeks, the workshop was able to find the real cause: the fuel pump had no sealing rings (assembly error). The workshop manager told me that he didn't know how I managed to drive so much with the vehicle without an accident. So I’m lucky enough to be writing this text here.

In total Volvo took about 1.5 months (!) to repair my car and to organize the transport back to my city. I have been told that this will be done at no cost. When the driver arrived, he wanted 90 euros for gas, otherwise he would take the vehicle to the workshop again. The bad thing is that my vehicle had a full tank when the problem occurred and now I have it again with an empty tank and still had to pay 90€ for fuel even though I didn't drive it. I don't want to write here all the horrible stories with customer service that have happened over the past 1.5 months but be warned that if you need it it will take MANY hours to get information from them. I would never buy a car from Volvo again for these reasons.

The car failed at mile 28 away from the dealership – the odometer was at 34 miles. The first indication was that “signals are at fault”, immobilizing the left turn signaling. When the dealer was contacted the same afternoon, we were told that the car needs to be towed in (from 90 miles away), since one should not drive without operational signals. We never heard from them again. That was just the beginning of the S60 experience.

During the next few days, we tried to contact Volvo directly, who advised us “that it is now dealership problem”. Not receiving any response from Volvo Cars Mission Viejo, we tried to schedule local (San Diego) service. We were put thru gauntlet, being berated by “why did you not buy the car from us” and “it serves you well since you did not buy the car here”.

Finally, the car was taken to San Diego Volvo, by scheduling the appointment and the car loaner. The “customer adviser” did not show up at scheduled time; we were told to “wait until someone shows up”, since “he owns the appointment”. Hours later, he did show up and informed us that there is “no car loaner” – in spite of guarantee that one would wait for us. Having no choice, we left the car with the dealership overnight.

The next morning, I was informed that the car is “repaired” – the claim was that the entire left-side electronic module (responsible for 360 camera and signaling) was faulty and was replaced. Attempting to collect the car the next day, we were presented with the same fault (no signal, no 360 degree camera) and were sent back on our way (sans car), forced to leave the car over the weekend. The next week, we were summoned again to collect the car. This time around, the car functioned for 3 (three) full days, resuming the same fault. It then escalated: it refused to start, at random intervals.

We are now stuck with a brand-new vehicle (less than 500 miles on the odometer) and no recourse other than to hire an attorney. As far as buying this car – please pass. While it looks good on paper (which is why we bought it), it is the most unreliable vehicle I have ever had – including the garage queen Audi Q5. When it does drive, it is inferior to A4 and much, much worse than any Lexus sedan we owned (LS and GS). Any comparison with BMW 3 series (presumed competition) is just laughable – its handling is boat-like for anyone accustomed to BMW precision and stiff chassis. However, much, much worse than the vehicle is actual Volvo customer “support” – it turns out that there is no such thing in existence.

In April of 2018, I had completed doing my research on the car that I had been wanting to get since the new design of the Volvo XC 90 had dropped. I worked closely with my credit union to secure the financing necessary to go and seal the deal with MY CAR!! I chose a pre-owned 2016 Volvo XC 90 Momentum, that had the upgraded bells & whistles. It was just out of the manufacturers warranty, but it is a Volvo, which were known for going well into the 300,000-mile radius. The cost for this luxury vehicle was a stretch, but I knew, based on the high ratings of the reliability, advanced safety, performance, and the technology that I would be happy for years to come. I kept my vehicle maintained with Volvo’s “Authorized Servicer”; the only within a 150-mile radius.

THE PROBLEMS BEGIN. Just 3 short months after having my beautiful car, I had noticed that my a/c was not cooling, and in Oklahoma… you need that air blowing full blast during our Summers! I took my car to the “Authorized Servicer” that would be VOLVO OF OKLAHOMA CITY. They ran a test to make sure there were no leaks in any hoses, and cycled U/V dye through the system; they stated the reservoir was simply empty, so it was filled.

Three short months later no a/c AGAIN. I take my car for a second opinion at to a well-respected a/c servicer in town. They ran the what appeared to be the same test and inform me that the A/C evaporator (MAJOR REPAIR) needed to be replaced; a $2,700 fix. I was told that this is a highly unusual fix for a 2 year old vehicle. In fact, the tech stated the last time he had a vehicle in to replace this was on a 2002 model. Back to the issue. I panic then contacted Volvo USA, they agree to assist me with 50% of the cost of the part to be replaced, which left a whopping $1800 for me to pay out of pocket, but only to be completed with their “Authorized Servicer”. I had it repaired with Volvo of Oklahoma City.

Next, just a week and ½ after getting my Volvo back, I get MULTIPLE illuminated lights. Get this... the Check Engine Light, SRS Airbag light, and the Auto-Hold light. I did not panic, called the “Authorized Servicer”, and was told to just bring the car in for them to check it out; they figured something maybe just did not get plugged back in. WRONG!! I get a call stating that both the Turbo Gasket AND the O2 Sensor was bad, and would need to be replaced. That was not all... Volvo of OKC stated the Auto-hold button was broken, and this fix was quoted $1650. I took my car to a local Volvo dealer for a second opinion, and determined the lights were all on due to a second battery (auxiliary battery) going out. They replaced it and fixed the Turbo Gasket for $500 less than Volvo of OKC. Thank you Swedish!! I HIGHLY recommend them.

Fast forward to December 23, 2019. My car was serviced at Volvo of Oklahoma City for a routine oil charge which is $179, but it is meant to last up to 10,000 miles or 1 year (whichever comes 1st). I also had my brakes and rotors replaced which cost me $850. They check my car with their routine Multipoint Inspection and only note that my tires should be replaced in the near future. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about a oil leak!!

I get my car back with absolutely no mention about an front crack seal and leak. 3 weeks (of my 1 year) after my $179 oil change (mind you I am supposed to have. MY OIL LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED letting me know that I needed to add oil. I call them and am then told that it appears that my car has an oil leak in the front crack seal, but they didnt think it was serious enough to mention (can I be the judge of that). I ask for a call from the manager and get a ** response of, "Well, it was noted on page 2 of your paperwork". Are you kidding me, do you feel that was not worth mentioning BEFORE my $179 oil change!!! He stated, "Well you would have needed to get the oil changed anyways." I was furious and stated I would not have opted to overlook that type of issue, and would have appreciated the knowledge as I trusted them with informing me of this.

I was quoted $1166 to fix this issue. Volvo USA stated they could not assist me in trading this in toward another vehicle, and they also would not be able to further assist me with my vehicle. Volvo of OKC MANAGER said that he was willing to give me a 10% discount for my inconvenience. I told them I want my $179 back they said only if I get my vehicle fixed there????. I AM BEYOND PISSED! #VolvoCarsUSA #VolvoCarsOfOklahomaCity #VolvoCarsNorthAmerica #LemonOfAVolvo #DisappointedVolvoOwner #HorribleCustomerService #StandBehindYourNameVolvo #Trash

The two star rating doesn't just reflect on car but the unnecessary dealer delays all along the way to present and continuing. My 2014 Honda CRV is superior in many ways to "big blue." Better paint job, straight forward and easy access to mechanicals of the engine and engine bay components, simple well designed cabin controls, lack of complicated car computer system. It is "plug and play" so to speak unlike the Volvo where we really should take a class on how to operate the center display with it's myriad functions.

Right away soon after delivery and receipt of the car I noticed a failed seal on a passenger side read tail light, the small one mounted on the trunk lid. Moisture is clearly present all along the light lense. Ok....small thing but a first in life for me and I am age 69. Second, the wheel lug nut cover removal tool was not put in the car at the factory. I think the interior cabin key has yet to be found. The hood latch on the driver's side began sticking. The hood can be opened but a second pull on the front hood release is needed.

The steering feel of the car is artificial and does not inspire confidence about absolute control. Now I am left unsure about what other little gremlins will surface. We bought a car before that turned out to be a lemon, our first luxury car. The V is the second. Will it turn yellow? The suspense is very bothersome. I have a lot of automotive repair and maintenance experience since age 16 including engine re-building. There is almost nothing on this car I can maintain myself so here come the bills!

Volvo makes very odd and impractical decisions about placement/access to functions in the engine bay. Coolant reservoir is very difficult to read level as the tank is buried in a chamber! Similarly the brake fluid reservoir top is even buried more in a chamber. I like the car's exterior design, the seats, the interior, the transmission (so far), the "peppy" engine (although the long term effects of direct injection worry me) and on balance natural aspiration is superior, at least for me.

All in all I would not recommend Volvo cars. I recommend something when it is perfect. This car is far from it and that is worrisome for what we will spend on its "care and feeding." Volvo cars are a dealers dream. It reminds me more of the very average to below average American made junk. Yeah they may look nice but.... watch out here come repair bills! Don't buy one!

I sent Volvo service records and a complete CarFax history, proving this car has been impeccably maintained exclusively by authorized Volvo dealers. I’ve accumulated a lot of data, that IN FACT our model and year WAS on Federal recall lists for this exact situation. Our Volvo is a total loss. The engine fire left it with no useful value to anyone. We need to buy another car but unable to afford one at this time. I appeal to you to find us a way through this loss.

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FYI: Volvo Recall R214: Engine Cooling Fan Module/Johnson Electric - 2009 Volvo S80. This situation may result in loss of cooling system function and engine failure. The driver may not have sufficient time to react to the warning light(s) or the text message in the instrument panel, increasing the risk of a crash. Engine And Engine Cooling — Cooling System — Fan. Volvo is recalling 17,614 MY 2008-2009 S80, V70, and XC70 vehicles. The engine cooling fan may stop working due to a software programming error in the fan control module (FCM). Summary: On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, under certain operating conditions, some electric cooling fans may overheat potentially causing heat damage and, in rare instances, a fire in the engine compartment. Consequence A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD OCCUR.

I opened a claim with Volvo. They had me drive to the dealership to have a service advisor inspect it. Ironically, on the drive over for the inspection the windshield was struck by some kind of pebble or debris on the freeway. This was very obvious to me, I saw and heard the impact. As a result, my claim was denied, they claimed the crack originated as a result of the impact. I had allowed a couple of weeks go by before getting into the dealership and took pictures of the affected windshield as soon as I noticed the crack had appeared and at multiple other intervals to capture different periods of time and changes prior to going in. I had a dozen pictures, from different times, all prior to the day of the visit (and impact) as well as pictures from the day of the inspection and impact.

In my communications with Volvo customer care team I asked for my pictures to be reviewed since they clearly corroborated my assertions. I explained, in great detail, what I observed that happened, provided similar cases I researched, offered more than enough evidence. Given the impact marks that are clearly visible in the pictures on the day of the inspection, and not present prior to, in addition to the location of the start of the crack and how it spread, it's quite obvious that the impact point was not where the crack originated but I feel that Volvo was not interested in doing the work or putting in the time to make this right. They seemed more interested in maintaining the original decision, which was made without a complete review of all the information that I tried to present.

I followed up by providing all of the pictures and explanation to substantiate my claim, requested a appeal with a detail account of the information I observed and was providing and a received a simple three sentence response saying sometimes customer don't agree with their decisions and there is nothing they can do about that. You'd think a company of this caliber would strive for better customer service, especially considering this is a $75k vehicle to a new customer. Needless to say I will never purchase from Volvo again.

Volvo San Diego’s service manager John ** told me that the FSR checked all the lug nuts remaining on the car and they were all “torqued perfectly” - this is improbable since at the scene of the failure I thought I might put the spare on and drive to the dealer - I removed one lug nut on each of the passenger side wheels - when I actually saw the damage on the drivers side I realized what a stupid idea it was and put them back on the car - but the chances I put those two nuts back on at 105 ft lbs with the tiny lug wrench in the car “perfectly” are extremely remote.

Mr ** also said they could only get one of the 5 lug nuts on the hub that failed to torque properly, but this damage was due only damage at the time the wheel left the car. I would ask how did they determine this give they didn’t check before delivering the car. I asked Volvo USA to provide the calibration records for the equipment used to install the wheels at the factory in China for the time of assembly. They didn’t even respond to this request - except to acknowledge it was received. I believe Volvo did not properly investigate this incident, they failed to properly back their product and their dealer let me down as a customer by totally ignoring this failure and to my knowledge they still don’t do a basic safety inspection of checking torque on lug nuts before allowing customers to drive away.

Needless to say, the car floor was full of water and we mopped as much as we could. The next day, my wife went out for an errand, no problem. The next day, being out of town, I got the call that the car could not get out of park. The car had to be towed to a Volvo dealership where I was asked to lay out $1,000 for removing the carpets and look at the "modules", plenty of them apparently and in the most unreasonably exposed locations. No way Jose! Making a fuss with Volvo Care in NJ headquarters, the exploration started at no cost. The fact that outside influences intervened was the reason why the warranty on the car would not apply.

The fact that a window rolled down without human intervention was something that was not in their book of defects. To make a long story short, the car is at the dealership to be assessed by an insurance adjuster and this is where the shocking bit is: Volvo cars finds comfort in the fact that we buy comprehensive policies to protect the car and others and that an unhappy occurrence resulting from defective electronics (can be hardware and software) is passed on to the general public through the mutual insurance premium system. This was not the ways of the Swedish Volvo company. Volvo has become a Chinese owned company and new models can reach 65% made in China. Readout the details when you go shopping for a new Volvo model or simply don't. I was a Volvo fan and still am driving my 2012 XC70.

The new Volvo's resale value are plummeting for good reason. I feel sorry for the Volvo dealerships although the amount of expensive repairs is good business for the time being. My last Volvo will be a 2015, last year of the real T6, meaning 6 cylinders not the new souped up 4 cylinders given the same designation for making the same over 300 ponies: but for how long? Faith is something to be maintained and cultivated; Volvo Cars is missing in its mission: no more half million milers.

The radio doesn't consistently turn down when replying to a text. You never know when it's going to work or not work. With nothing on the passenger car seat, the red light in the instrument panel flashes on and off, indicating that the seatbelt should be turned on. So disappointed that I bought this brand new car and have absolutely no recourse.

Driving a Volvo for 45 years has taught me a lot. The most important is that there is a big difference between a 15 minute oil change and a dealership scheduled service. There is a long list of items to be checked, lubricated, tightened, or adjusted that only a dealership will perform. 15 minutes oil change is not a maintenance service, and you certainly get what you pay for. I read these posts and so many contain “bought a used Volvo” “poor quality” “factory defect” and how horrible Volvo customer service is and I laugh. I’ve had things happen to my Volvo’s over the years too. The difference is that when you are a regular customer at a dealership as I have been, you will receive excellent customer service. Loyalty is rewarded.

I would be embarrassed if I drove Into a dealership for the first time with nothing but 30 minute oil changes and demand good customer service. If you think I’m exaggerating I’m not. In 45 years and 3 Volvo’s I have only been towed 4 times and 3 of those were from my driveway. I was never left stranded or put in a dangerous situation. I bought each of my Volvo’s for safety which I consider to be an investment. I took care of my investments and they took care of me, faithfully, safely, comfortably, and tonight we will return to Volvo to buy BETELEW #4.

The voice commands are useless; I have had voice commands in Ford and GMC vehicles for the last 10 years and got used to how well they worked but the Volvo is not even close - it is very annoying to try using it. The foot activated tailgate only works occasionally, usually when you do not intend to use it. The XC60 is good to drive on dry roads but is very scary to drive on snow covered roads; again, Ford Escape and GMC Terrain are much more sure-footed in snow. After owning this XC60, I would not purchase another Volvo.