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Volvo S40
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Two weeks later the car would not start, and I had it towed to the dealer. The engine management computer failed and it took a full week for the part to arrive. The dealer had no loaner cars, and as Volvo does not have any policy on loaners. I had to rent a car while my one-month-old Volvo was in the shop. Apparently the parts network does not know about FedEx, as they ground-shipped the critical part.
Upon getting my car back, I found the dealer dented the aluminum by the radio. Additionally, the sound system sometimes does not work when I turn the car on. It says the CD is on mute and volume knob does nothing.
The horrible customer service at the local dealer only compounds how bad this ownership experience has already been.
Has anyone else had these kinds of problems? I had a '96 850R that was perfect with flawless dealer service in another city.
"The RBDS or Radio Broadcast Data System operates in the FM band only, and the information transmitted is supplied exclusively by participating broadcasters. Volvo has no control over the accuracy of the data or information.
Coverage by local broadcasters may be limited at this time, but as the technology and benefits grow, you will find the radio in your car is equipped to take advantage of this system.
NOTE: PI (Program Information) Seek: When an FM station has been stored as a preset, the radio also stores RBDS program information if it is available. When the preset is selected at a later time, the radio tries to access updated program information. In weak signal areas, there may be a delay before the station becomes audible. During this delay, there will be no sound. PI seek can be interrupted by pressing EXIT."
This PI seek issue seems to happen consistently with one of the presets and sometimes with other ones as well. If you press exit, the station plays fine and the signals don't seem to be really weak. How do I know if its operating "normal" or if there is maybe something wrong with the antenna or radio? I don't understand why it won't just start playing the station when you press the button. If the PI seek is just trying to update program information, why wouldn't the sound still be able to go while it does that? I've never seen a car radio act like this. The whole point of presets is to be able to just press a button and have the station come on. It seems pretty stupid to change stations using the steering wheel controls, only to not hear any sound, then have to look and see that its PI seeking, and then have to find the exit button just to here the station. Is there any way to fix this?
I am concerned that sometimes when I start the car, the radio says CD Muted and the volume knob/steering wheel volume buttons do not work. I have to turn the car off, wait, and turn it on again for the sound system to work. This only happens maybe 1 time every 40 times I start the car, so I'm sure the dealer will be unable to recreate the problem and fix it.
Take it to the delaer.
I thought the transmission problem was just inherent to the car until I noticed that my loaner car, an S40 2.4i, shifts perfectly smoothly. The problem in my car is mostly the 3-2 downshift at speeds above 5 MPH, which lurches the car enough to scare me into keeping the transmission in D. Anyone else have this? The dealer said he will look at the transmission software, which seems kind of bogus to me.
The check engine light has something to do with the fuel pump or fuel pump sensor. Added to a failed oxygen center, complete failure of the engine computer, loose part in the door, and poor customer service I am finding it harder and harder to love this car.
BTW: the fake wood center stack on my loaner S40 looks really cheap. I cannot imagine why anyone would choose this over the aluminum look. Sorry if I am starting to sound bitter, but I really do want to know if my experiences are normal.
I have a '01 S40.....with the "adaptive" transmission. When I first got the car it did the very SAME THING.....not all the time, but very often when downshifting when coming to a stop it would lurch and let loose with a mighty CLUNK!!
Turns out there was a software update for the adaptive transmission. Also the adaptive module itself had a hardware issue.....needed to be replaced. Obviously, my '01 IS NOT your '05.....but it's at least something to consider.
The transmission software/hardware upgrade made a world of difference for me.
Hope this helps you in some small way......
Good-day,
I recently placed a deposit on a S40 to be delivered in a few months but after reading much negative press about Vovlo quality and service, I wonder if I have made a wise decision. I have a few questions that will determine if I terminate my order...and my bosses decision to look elsewhere (he's considering). These are some of the primary complaints by current owners in several on-line forums and of the owners I've talked to. My question is "what is Volvo doing about these?" Lack of viable responses will definitely terminate my purchase and warn away others. No canned flowery answers or round about talk, please provide specific information. So here they are, no personal offense to your company. It's what folks are saying...
- Getting the run around instead of straight answers from service points. Dealerships and home Vovlo customer service (and Ford) being unresponsive to customer concerns. Non-caring attitudes by service points (dealerships).
- Very slow acquisition of ordered parts...even if the car is inoperative.
- Check engine service lights with no known cause.
- Car will not start, must be towed to dealership...sometimes a few days or weeks after the CE light came on.
- Fuel issues with the tank or associated pressure lines (not sure what they meant on this one)
- Rotors that are too thin and must be replaced rather than turned at shorter than average (30K) intervals. Very expensive. I know it depends on how it's driven but are the rotors thinner than other car makes?
- Radio that will not play, car must be shut off in order to reset it. Radio shifts modes and goes mute. Radio eats CDs, jams and must be taken to the dealership for repair. Tons of these complaints.
- Dealerships not having a "loaner" policy for BRAND NEW cars less than 3 mos old that need overnight or all day service. Some had to wait a week. Please don't tell us this is dealership specific, it's not a dealership's shortcoming if a car won't run - it's the manufacturers.
- Brake pedal too close to accelerator.
- Expensive maintenance costs (beyond initial full coverage)
Volvo ended up (as did most European manufactures) on the short end of the recent quality survey. So what is being done NOW to correct the trend?
Love your car, drove it many times in deciding on a new auto but if I'm paying cash for a 30K+ automobile, there should be three inherent things 1) fun product 2) quality and 3) outstanding service. You're currently 1 for 3. Please don't tell us not to worry about these issues because they're under warranty...I do not have the luxury of time beating a path to the dealership...with no car to drive in the interim. We want to love your product, please help us help you. Sell me - intelligently.
Thanks for your time.
Anyone think we'll get some good answers?
Today, I made that last trip to the service department, where I met with a Volvo representative so that he could inspect the car and take possession. The whole thing was a nightmare and a learning experience, and I will never buy another Volvo again. By the time I finally turned that car back in today, I hated it with a passion. So many things about the car are poor in design and quality and they should never have released the car to the public before getting all of the 'bugs' worked out.
For those wanting a list of the problems I had, here you go:
First service visit:
1. The radio will turn off at random times and lock up so that there is no way of turning it back on or controlling the volume. It usually takes turning the car completely off and then letting it sit a while before turning it back on so that the radio will work again. I was told that it needed a software update, but there is not one available now and they are not sure when it will become available.
2. The brakes make a lot of noise that can be heard by neighbors on the other side of my neighborhood when I back out of my driveway. This only happens while in reverse and it is very frequent and has become very annoying. I was told that because they couldn't duplicate it, they couldn't fix it.
3. The 'Check Engine' light turned on and stayed on. They claimed that the code returned was a "loose gas cap" which makes no sense because I always tighten the cap until it clicks. They turned the light off.
Second service visit (one week later):
1. The 'Check Engine' light had turned back on again. I knew it couldn't be a gas cap because I hadn't even put gas in it since the previous visit. They said it was a bad "air pump" and they had to order a new one from Sweden so I had to wait 10 days for them to fix that problem.
2. I was still having problems with the radio, but still no update available. So I buy an almost $30K car and my radio only works part of the time!
3. The brakes are still very noisy, and when I was backing out of my garage, I heard a felt a very loud thump and I thought I had run over something. I immediately got out of my car only to discover that the right-rear brake was apparently locked up and when I backed the car up it broke loose causing a black mark on my garage floor and made me wonder how safe the brakes were now.
Third service visit:
1. While driving my car on the interstate with my girlfriend in the passenger seat, the 'Passenger Air Bag' light turned on and stayed on for 15 minutes. Then, the next day my dad was riding in the passenger seat and the light again turned on and stayed on for about 20 minutes. The next week my brother was in the passenger seat and the light came on and stayed on for OVER AN HOUR. Service told me they couldn't duplicate it but they would "try to calibrate the seat" so that the sensor worked correctly. So now my car is a safety hazard for anybody in the passenger seat.
2. Radio is still having problems, but still no updates for fixes.
3. Brakes still make noise, but still no way of fixing it.
4. When switching the A/C on and off, there is a lot of noise that can be heard and even loud thumps that can be both heard and felt. They tell me this is normal!?!
Fourth service visit:
1. After picking up my car from the service department, I went home and picked up my girlfriend. We went out to eat that night and sure enough, the 'Passenger Air Bag' light came on again. This time I had my camera ready and took pictures to show the service department. They are now telling me a Volvo Rep will have to look at the car.
2. The radio also failed on that same night adding to my frustration and I will not be happy until an update or fix is done.
3. The brakes are still making noise, so I took pictures of the mark left on my garage floor when they locked up and broke loose previously.
Fifth service visit:
1. The radio was still giving me problems.
2. The brakes were still making noise, and NOW they finally decide to replace the pads and add shims. They also added lubricant to make the noise go away. The noise came right back when the lubricant washed away.
3. I was driving home from work and my brother was riding in the passenger seat, and we came to a stop and I looked up and big surprise the ‘Passenger Airbag OFF’ light is on AGAIN! I turned right around and drove straight to the dealership so they could witness the light and I made them write this in the service report. Then, and only then, they decide that maybe they should start replace parts to correct this safety hazard.
Sixth service visit:
1. I went to pick my car up after they replaced the airbag sensor only to find they had damaged the dashboard and also the plastic molding by the passenger door. I am told they can repair the damage and have it done in a day. So I leave it there over night.
Seventh service visit:
1. I go to pick up my car after the dash and plastic is repaired only to find that they had literally sanded and spray-painted my dashboard to cover up the scratch. Their answer to that was to cover the dash with armor-all to cover up the scratch. I insisted that they replaced the entire dash and had to get the manager involved before they agreed to do so.
After all of that, the radio still didn’t work, the brakes still made noise, and I’m sure the airbag sensor still doesn’t work correctly but I refused to test it because I didn’t want somebody hurt or killed because they didn’t have an airbag present in the event of an accident.
it's a great car for what you pay....! great design from inside to outside
fun to drive.........! but when a car makes you go several times to the dealer for services with no answers.......! that can make you change your mind.
I got mine (s40 t5 sport package and audio system upgrade for $25,900 + tax) at the end of January, since then, I had problems with:
a) Radio problems, all the ones you heard , plus cd's got stucked inside
they downloaded software upgrades twice, but the other day came back again........!
b) climate control not working at all.....! but that was after dealer upgraded radio software.......! now it's working perfect but after a second visit to the dealer.
Was dealer fault.
c)passenger air-bag light on several times. They downloades software, but didn't work....... no official word from volvo, nothing from the dealer.....!
d)weard noise coming from brakes ( a thumb noise) looks like a somebody with a hummer in banging underneath the car....!
I did't take the car to the dealer for that issue yet.
d) Here is my nightmare ....."cold start" problems.... I would say "warm start" problems..... the car doesn't want to start (first) if a leave it for more than 4 hours. basically It will start, and linger between 2-500 RPM, shuddering and sputtering...Giving it gas won't help, it just stalls, on a second attemp finally engine start (occasionally will take 3 attempts)
and yhen runs normally.... I guess. :confuse:
I noticed that problem got worse with summer right next to the door.....! (combination of high temperatures and high humidity make that problem worse.)
I heard that they believe is cause by premium gasoline.....! :confuse:
e) it's 3 weeks I'm still waiting for a volvo field tech to come to florida, in the mean time no word from volvo, not a word from the dealer.......! by the way......they provided a terrible service......! (lack of training and follow up) .
So I don't know what to tell you.......!
may be look for the new A3.........!
Trade an unreliable Volvo in for an Audi? I haven't laughed that hard all week!
Because an Audi just as much unreliable?
Today is the fourth day my car is in the shop for a CE light issue. That makes 15 days total after 60 days of ownership. If this continues, I might be in the market for an A3. Wish that car was out 60 days ago!
(Perhaps a new board here: S40 vs A3)
If you really have problems with your S40, contact CARE by Volvo in your owner manual. Document the problem and Volvo Corp. will take care of everything, including rental cost, and if necessary allow you to swap for another S40.
Volvo CARE program even provides reimbursement for Hotel, Meals, Rental, and commercial transportation (Taxi, bus, train, airfare) should your Volvo break down during a trip. This kind of service can only say one thing, Volvo Care about its customers and back up its products with unparalleled service.
I think most Volvo owners know about this program. If not hope this info help
http://www.volvocars.us/VolvoOwnership/OnCall/
I contacted Volvo 10 days a go.......! about all the problems that I posted in this forum few days a go........! as a result of that......... guess what?
nothing happened.......! now I'm sending a certified letter.......! so maybe that way I can get some kind od response......!
so Volvo Care........should be called Volvo DON'T CARE.....!
I'm still convinced that Audi A3 it's now a better choice...........!
read sweedspeed forums about all problem that s40 owners are posting every day
and seems like they can't find an answer for a cold start problem.....! on a 20 something thousands dollars....! radio problems with faulty software.....!
com'n.........!
Another thing to remember is that the 2004.5 and 2005 S40 are first year models, newly designed. Most of the time the first year after a car is remodeled/redesigned there are a bunch of kinks that need to be worked out. This is why I have not purchased my s40 yet, and will be getting an '06 when I'm ready. (September+/-)
I do understand that this is the first model year and there WILL be problems that need to be worked out and corrected, but it seems almost all of these problems people keep having CAN'T be fixed, and that is the most frustrating part. Having to go back to the service department 3 and 4 times for the same thing is unacceptable.
That said, I finally got my car back after 5 days in the shop to repair a damaged dash and failed fuel pump module. It would be so nice if they cleaned the car before returning it to me, rather than return it dirtier then when I brought it in.
Now that things appear to be working again, I really do enjoy driving this car. Just had the windows tinted - looks hot with the dark gray glass on the silver body.
I think Edmunds forum is for people who wants to express different opinions in a free environment....! and that's the good part of it, and that's exactly what I'm doing......!
I love my S40 T5........(I didn't change my mind yet) but also I think there is so many bugs to be fix it for a 25K car....! (IMO)
and if you are planning to get one you should pay attention to all comments posted here or in sweedspeed forum......! that's gonna help you to make a better decision when ever you're ready to buy yours....!
You posted that I was insinuating that s40's are unreliable.......!
what I posted is in reality is a FACT......! but I have no statistics to say that applied to everybody or only 20 % or 5% (but I know I'm not the only one)
but is something that you could face sooner or later.
-some s40 T5 are having problems with cold start.....! and they have been working for so long trying to fix it......! but they failed.....! and they're still working on that.
:confuse:
-Volvo customer care as you can read in this forum is not always friendly and very helpful......! didn't work with me and some other members of this forum.......!
-other common problems are with the radio and false passenger airbag disable light warning on.......! I don't know about this, maybe is part of industry average.....!
but maybe on your ' 06 S40 those problems have been fixed......or maybe no, and you need to wait for the 07' S40 :confuse:
who knows......?
I was trying to help.......! :shades:
http://www.carlist.com/newcars/2005/ncr_375.html">link title
Also, are there any reviews of the S40 in the major magazine publications like MT, RT, CD, or Automobile?
Thanks!
The new pre-charged version of the Haldex unit will be on the 06 S40.
Electric Blue and electric Silver are the new colors.
Safari Green and Mistral Green have been dropped.
Road and Track just did a comparision test of the S40 T5 AWD in the latest issue.
Thank you for the info!
Great. Does this mean that they have no way of fixing the problem? Also, is anyone else experiencing the same thing with their audio system? Any comments would be appreciated.
JennyB, sorry can't help you as I do not own an S40 yet, but I have noticed quite a few posts regarding radio issues, however, nothing about your specific problem.
Your post and others like it in which people comment on problems are frustrating though to prospective buyers such as myself. It's difficult to keep the perspective that these problems are isolated and not hopefully not representative of the build quality and reliability of the car. I wish your radio problem is resolved soon.
Thanks for all your messages. May I ask: has anyone driven the T5 versions of the S40 or V50 through the GrapeVine in Southern California? Does the car have the needed power when going uphill or is the T5 engine lacking? How does the car handle inside the GrapeVine? Brakes OK? I appreciate your feedback.
I recently emailed Volvo re: a satellite radio upgrade, as the salesperson who sold me my S40 T-5 said that there was a forthcoming satellite radio upgrade. Volvo Customer Care said that the company is working on a solution, but none exists now and no release date is set.
The 2-in-1 concept is absolutely gnarly. You get both a coupe and a convertible with the all-new C70. It can also be both his/her car. Coupe for him, convertible for her.
I'm in love with this car already Way to go Volvo!!!
http://www.volvocars.us/_Tier3/AboutUs/AllNewC70/gallery/
"The body structure, in a carefully designed network of beams, not only contributes to the car’s high safety standards, it also gives the body extremely high torsional rigidity – twice as high as that of the previous C70 Convertible. With the roof up, torsional rigidity is increased by an impressive 10-15 percent over the convertible."
http://www.volvocars.us/_Tier3/AboutUs/AllNewC70/safetyperformance.htm
For me this car has a 1000$ rebate and 2500$ manufactuer incentive
List $26395 MSRP
Options
4** Metallic Paint MSRP 475 Invoice 408
MC553 Premium Package MSRP 2195 Invoice 1887
TMP086 Geartronic 5-Speed Automatic Transmission MSRP 1200 Invoice 1200
MC559 Audio Package MSRP 850 Invoice 731
MC555 Sport Package MSRP 750 Invoice 645
000438 Bi-Xenon Headlamps MSRP 700 Invoice 602
$33260 MSRP Total $31015 Invoice Total (includes $695 dest charge)
So 31015 - 3500 = 27515 + tax @8.1% = 29744
What is my offer?
Interesting, though, that, according to Edmunds and carsdirect, there are no incentives or rebates in my area (other than $1K to current volvo lease owners).
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
"Volvo has developed new and improved software upgrades to help ensure your continued satisfaction with your vehicle.
The software upgrade will include enhancements to your vehicle's climate control, gear shift response, and radio reception."
Exactly same thing happened to me last week, the car has been in a shop ever since. grrrrr
I had problems with starting, after I started it shoot up to 4500 RPM when I still had it on PARK, when I switched it to REVERSE it lowered RPM but just like with your car it was coasting. I took it to the shop which was v close to my location. When they tried to figure out the problem radiator hose blew up (you had a leak). They changed a hose but it didn't fix the problem. Did changing temp sensor solve your problem?
Thanks for prompt reply - I need my car back!!!!
Many Thanks in advance!!
Also, I do a lot of highway driving and concerned about rocks being kicked up from trucks ahead of me. Any ideas on hood/bra protection for this model and where to get them? Local dealer doesn't carry anything.
Perhaps some sort of seat cover or padding might work, as long as it is kept clear of the seat airbag.
To my knowledge, nobody makes cushier springs and shocks for the S40.
If she has an S40 w/ the sport pkg then perhaps you could get the standard shocks and/or springs.
Sounds like she really ought to be in an S80.
Other than my radio mysteriously shutting down on two occasions (& working after restarting the engine) I have had no problems in 4 months.
My engine works after a long time running. However, after I turn the engine off, it takes maybe 10 minutes for it to start again. Mr. T suggested that it may be caused by electical interference at the engine speed sensor. Someone please help me understand this problem. Where is the engine speed sensor.
final price after all discounts(no frieght, before tax): $19622+$78.50fees
$2500 down $347X60 months
1. Did I get a good deal?
2. Is steering wheel audio-control the only change between base 2.4?
3. Why 2005 more than 200LBs less than the 2006?, according to the chart.(the buttons on the steering wheel? )
4. Is 89 acceptable to this engine or I have to pay for 91 octane?
5. How do I break-in for a new generation Volvo? (my big family all drove Volvo's: 240's, 760's, 740's)
6. Is "check engine " light a concern? (it was on during the test drive but they fixed it later on. I was told the tank cao was loss)
many thx