Mike Clift

Andy

Mine is a 99 V40 T4 SE Auto which I bought at 12 months old (previously registered to Volvo Cars).

I've certainly had a few problems although some (engine mount) "should" have been corrected in later phases.

Problems experienced (all from memory)

1. doubts on authenticity of dealer fitted brake pads
2. steering column replaced at 25k miles
3. steering rack replaced at 25k miles
4. engine mount replaced at 26k miles
5. exhaust manifold refitted at 26.5k miles

Other problems:

Poor performance on braking, pedal seems to hit a stop and has to be released and hit again. Not abs coming on just seeming to have no pressure. Dealer said no fault found. Fault is intermitent.

Dealer returning car with steering wheel off centre.
Dealer trying to charge £14 labour for replacing wiper blades


Nothing else springs to mind at moment. However, 40k service (Car has actually only got 32k on clock) is due in 2 days when have asked for full brake hydraulic change to see what effect that has on brakes plus full coolant flush as will be 3.5 years old.

As a comparison, my first Volvo (340) was 7 years old when I bought it, I kept it for 3 years and it had less bits replaced in its first 10 yrs than the V40 has in the first 3yrs.

I have actually taken a 3rd party warranty out, the 1st time ever because of the aggro the car/dealer has given me. Plus of course, Volvo Customer Care is now non existent although they are pretty good at writing "get stuffed" letters!

I'll report back after the service with anything else that crops up.

Hope that hasn't put you off too much.

Mike