2003 Volvo S40 LX from North America - Comments

First of all we purchased this car in Tyler, Texas. About 20,000 miles into the purchase all of the service, brake, and other lights would come on just basically whenever. I would take it back to get them reset.

Then came the brake issues at 40,000 miles. I had the rotors changes and all of the brake pads. This was so expensive. Then came all of the brake and head light issues. I have replaced those so many times I can't even count from this point. And that brings me to today. I has two new rotors only 10,000 after I replaced them all and got again all new brake pads.

I had this procedure done at another brake shop in the city that I live because when I went to the dealer on the last brake job they charged me double what this shop did.

After that I went by the dealership to reset the service engine light and replace a tail light. I tell you... Be very careful when purchasing this car. I have never seen anything like this in my life.

When I asked the service manager at the dealership about all of this she just shook her head and said...it's a Volvo. Well, it's certainly not what I bargained for.

Be careful.

TEXAS.

I echo your thoughts! BE CAREFUL!!! Just because it is a Volvo does not mean it is any better! My car loves the dealership so much it is there every other month, sometimes for up to a week. I could have bought any other car and not had as many quirky little problems (a basic functioning item, like air conditioning) as I have had with this car. I question if it is the Volvo or just the service?

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"I question if it is the Volvo or just the service?"

It's gotta be the service; I think everybody knows that dealerships will always try to rip you off when it comes to servicing your car.

I think you are riding the brakes, I have never heard of anyone changing the rotors/pads that frequently.

For those that brag on how bad the S40 reliability is those take their car to dealer and those knows how to change their own oil...lol.

Brakes and rotors wear quickly on all cars. Look at the reviews for Honda, you will see brake problems on those cars too, and Honda is supposed to be so great. I just put new Akebono Euro Ceramic pads on all four wheels for just under $100.00, don't let a garage talk you into spending more money than you have to.

Yes, the headlights are a serious problem for me as well. It's getting a little ridiculous at this point since I live in a state where a ticket for having a headlight out cost around $130. Any suggestions for resolving this issue??