Countless repairs in last two years (2006-07), including: Thermostat replacement, head gasket, front brakes, rear brakes & rotors, air conditioner & heater, and now possible suspension problems.
Local Volvo service dealership has a hit-or-miss approach. It took them more than a year to figure out why the heater was blowing during the summer months and cold air conditioner in the winter months.
This is my first Volvo and the first car I've ever owned that's a true lemon! Although extended warranty has covered some of the repair expenses, it hasn't for others. My out-of-pocket expenses have been more than $2,000 and continues to climb!
The Volvo dealer service is mediocre. They sometimes haven't completed the car repair work in a day as promised (the car has been in the shop up to three days).
I just returned from the Volvo dealership. The service rep came to me with the estimate - he said: My best advice to you is 'STOP!'. Don't put another dime into this car. Put a sign on it that says 'For Sale - Cheap'. If someone offers you $200 for it on your way home, call a cab.
It needs so many thousands of dollars worth of repairs that it's only suitable, in his opinion, to be sold for parts. (The exterior is perfect, not even a ding.)
My next car will be a Toyota.
I have also seen that hot air blows during summer! What is the reason? This was a S40 2001.
To those with multiple / repeat failures:
Blame your dealer, find a new one!
As for hot air blowing in the summer, cold in the winter... well... that depends:
A) A/C temp switch works in reverse
---- if what is ACTUALLY happening is that you are getting
---- cold air when the heater is on, and hot when off...
---- then you have a motor operating in reverse. Probably
---- reversed wiring (DC electricity is funny like that).
B) Problem occurs when A/C is OFF or ON
---- You have a vent stuck open, pretty simple. Outside
---- air is getting in. It is also entirely possible that
---- the aforementioned motor is not a motor on the S40...
My experience rests with the 240 & 850s. I'm planning on buying a 2001 or newer S40, or maybe an S60 soon, though.
--The loon.
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