XC70: Body Water Trap

[Expertadvice2014]

My brand new XC70 traps water after rain and when washed. The water traps are between the inner and outer wings just below the bonnet struts. The design of the bonnet also collects leaves in this area which could block any water drains. Volvo dealer (apparently at Volvo's suggestion) will cut grooves into the foam that is there as sound deadening to drain the water! surely this is a design problem that Volvo should fix professionally? I previously had a V70 which had a different drain design in this area, but was still problematic. Anyone else had this problem?

[clivea]

Yes my XC70 had the same issue made worse because it was parked under trees. In Autumn it was a regular task each morning to remove the callings from the rear of the bonnet. Weekly on checking lubs etc I would clear out under the bonnet and when the car was washed the areas you mentioned would all be hosed out too. Cannot see there is a lot that Volvo can do given that anything substantial is uneconomic given the cars position in the development cycle. I guess Volvo developers in Sweden don't have an issue with the coniferous trees!!!

[tt82]

I pulled the lower section of the foam out and rinsed all behind the wing, when I had the inner wheel arch liner off to do tbe aux belt. Not a big job and doing it once, every 1-2 years should stop any serious issues occuring. Still a design fault though.