Comments on: Freya’s Story

By: angie

angie — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:35:47 +0000

Update…had the car towed to Carlsen Volvo in Palo Alto. Transmission diagnosed as faulty. The Service rep said she would have to call the regional factory rep; “Wyatt” responded that Volvo would pay for parts(~3500) and I pay for labor(~1500) We countered that they should pay all since the second generation transmission was known to also be defective. Wyatt refused to negotiate and actually took the deal off the table. Long conversation with the dealer service rep that we would take the original offer and split the cost. Wyatt again refused and stated that we must pay the whole amount. We were also called “Disloyal Volvo Customers” because we have our car serviced by a personal mechanic whom we’ve know for many years. Called Volvo Customer Service; they stood by Wyatt’s decision. I also submitted my complaint in writing and asked Bill Casey to call; no response. I ended up paying $4600 out of pocket (slightly less than it would have since Carlsen gave me a 10% discount).

Read the blogs…many have been through the exact same process with Volvo.

By: Mark Hrutkay

Mark Hrutkay — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:01:40 +0000

Having had several Volvos in the 1990s, they were OK, but still had lots of little problems. Nothing great about any of them. I’m sure after FORD got them, then went down in quality. Thats why I have HONDAs. 2007 CIVIC 171,000 miles DOESN’T BURN OIL, runs great, doesn’t rattle, no transmission problems. Only maint on it other than 2 sets of brakes and oil changes was a single front wheel bearing at 91,000 miles (still has original on the left side)…

You get what you pay for.

Best wishes, now go see a lawyer.

Mark H

By: angie

angie — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 21:51:07 +0000

Freya,
I have seen your videos and read about your Volvo experiences as I once again search the web for Volvo disasters. The first time was when my XC90 had the transmission replaced at around 52,000 miles (just past the 50,000 mile warranty cut-off but Volvo was convinced by my husband to pay for the cost). Now, at 107,000, almost exactly the same number of miles, the “new” or “refurbished” identical transmission is shot. This time it’s even worse. This morning, while trying to back out of the driveway, the engine was revving but we weren’t moving. After a few tries, I made it onto the street, and when I put it in Drive, I again wasn’t moving. I impatiently waited and tried a few times until I could get it to go back into the driveway and grab my husband’s car. Luckily, I wasn’t trying to get on a highway with my 2 boys in the car!

In the past, we have spoken to Volvo North America after all the problems we had in the first 50,000 miles. (I especially enjoyed the ridiculous price of replacement keys, since both of mine broke and the dealer said it would be $750.00 to get 2 new keys. I used blue masking tape instead). We even offered to trade it in for a good, reasonable price. They offered a HUGE discount of $3,000 off the price of a new car. Way to stand by their products!

We’re jumping on the Freya Svensson bandwagon and would love to talk to you. Maybe I’ll be a Roman soldier in honor of my heritage!!

By: Scott Beery

Scott Beery — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 02:44:02 +0000

Freya,
I’m a SAHD in Bellevue WA. and my wife and I are considering a 2011 XC 70 for our family. We currently own a 2004 Honda Pilot with 90k without one problem since we bought it new. The Volvo sells safety and interesting ingenuity, ie built in booster seats but I’m scared now. Might have to go back to Lexus shopping all over again.

Best to you and your family,
Good Luck
Power to the CONSUMER!
Scott in Bellevue

By: Rock The Boat

Rock The Boat — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 06:37:37 +0000

“They’re boxey”

By: RM

RM — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:02:51 +0000

http://www.autorepair.ca.gov/80_BARResources/04_Miscellaneous/Consumers/file_complaint.html

By: RM

RM — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:00:22 +0000

Have you thought about the bureau of automotive repair? Get them involved. They are the deciding body in matters as to if a shop continues to operate, or gets shut down. Fooling around with Volvo isn’t going to do much.

File a complaint with them. I’m not sure how to do it, but they’re the people to speak with.

Charles’ reply makes sense. Have the radiator checked out. It could be leaking coolant into the transmission, causing both of your problems.

By: Noz

Noz — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:38:04 +0000

Hi Freya,

Good for you….you give it to them.

One thing’s for sure, after all this is said and done, drop Volvo like a rock. It’s not worth the time and effort is it? Life’s too short for this nonsense!

I work in Pasadena…at JPL…so who knows…we may bump into each other!!

Good luck to you.

By: Charles

Charles — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:59:39 +0000

The volvo shop non dealer i work at, a customer had her transmission replaced that was out of warranty by the dealer she bought the car at for FREE! If ever again, you need to replace your transmission, Volvo requirse the dealer to do a chemical test on the oil condition of the transmission fluid for any signs of coolant since the transmission fluid is being cooled by the radiator. They will need to replace the radiator if they find any signs of coolant before replacing transmission. I can give you a small list that are common problems:
1. transmission
2. oil leaks
3. ABS control module
4. software downloads, what for?
5. Front control arm bushings tear
6. spring seats, shocks that knock over bumps
7. the famous ETM electronc throttle unit, Volvo recommends cleaning first and then replacement under their warranty.
8. burns old for some unlucky ones
9. coolant leaks, radiator/heater hoses and soon heater cores
10. Brake Booster hisses

the XC90 T6 AWD transmission is made by GM, so even worse. I seen two so far that been replaced with less then 100k miles.

The new Volvos are nice and quiet but every single part is stamped with FOMOCO ford motor company. or Fix or repair daily, soon to be. I just don’t get why they need to stamp their name on parts that is going on a VOLVO.

By: Thure

Thure — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:18:13 +0000

Hey Freya
I have seen your videos etc. very cool. About the coolant leak, you should try and invoke the federally mandated emissions warranty. Which covers anything emissions related, in other words anything that will cause the car to exceed the normal emissions standards is covered. So if you have an internal leak and the car runs rough, it will no longer pass emissions and is covered by the federally mandated warranty. See your owners manual it should have this warranty mentioned/explained.

Love Thure, from Denmark living in Mexico.