2001 Volvo S40 review from North America

Second week of ownership gages not working properly. Delivered with hood dings. Service failed to correct.

Third week, gages still not working properly. Service failed to correct.

Fifth week, gages still not working properly service failed to correct.

Third month cup holder sticks, dealer changes part instead of lubricating like I requested. Dealer neglects to change woodgrain. I asked them to correct the problem they said it could'nt be done. I fixed it myself by insisting on the original used part to be returned to me and reinstalling the part with a little lubrication. Works like a charm.

Service lights keep coming on dealer fixes, says it was a computer problem. Car leaves dealership and is stalling, returned to dealer next morning, say's a vacume line cracked all be itself, even though the car was running fine when it was dropped off the prior day.

Gauge finally fixed at six month range.

13 months, Paint problems, car needs a lot of wax to keep a shine.

15 months complained about paint, told its normal. No clear coat applied to solid color paints.

18 months, complained formally about paint. Told the paint warranty is only 12 months. Offered me a settlement of $1500.00 to repaint my car.

I assume they think this is a good deal. I spoke with a auto paint representative who confirmed my opinion that this is faulty paint. I am a bodyshop owner that used to own a major auto paint shop. I have painted close to 11,000 cars in my career as a paint shop owner. This paint is poor quality and is defective. I have owned 11 Volvo's and have another three in my imediate family. I will never buy another Volvo in my life. We were looking at the Volvo SUV and were actually planning to buy this car at the end of this year.

I have decided that any settlement less than a complete 100% coverage on this warranty item is not acceptable. I was very surprised that the dealership as well as the customer service reps. at Volvo North America decided that they would take the high ground on this issue and not admit that they have a problem with the paint. I am either returning this car as a lease termination early or I will file a DMV inquiry thru NYS DMV. We will let the state decide what is acceptable. The car is less than two years old and has paint which appears eight year old. I am a professional Auto Restorer that has been in the automotive business for thirty years,and would never expect this sort of treatment from Volvo.