Electrical Problems this car.
Written: Apr 24 '03
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Pros: This car has many safety features which I appreciate.
Cons: I have had numerous electrical problems, and service issues.
The Bottom Line: Don't spend the money it will only bring you grief
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| ericnohr's Full Review: 2000 Volvo V70 AWD |
From the day I bought my Brand New Volvo 2000 Cross Country Wagon AWD I have experienced problems that mostly relate back to the Electrical system. Within the first week, the Air Conditioner failed, then the hazard lights went. The switch that opens the gas door failed the switch for the windows failed with the window open in the winter. The blinker failed, and I had a phantom warning light for a brake light that was working. During a cross country trip in the middle of the winter, the hatch latch stopped working, and I had to bungee shut the hatch from Salt Lake City to Pennsylvania. The worst electrical issue I had, was the intermittent failure of the ignition to recognize the electronic chip in the key, which meant that the car would not start when I put the key in. If I took it out and tried again then it may or may not work. I had to leave the car at the shop for a week, before they were able to replicate the error. Shortly after I purchased the car I took it to add the optional third seat and get the cargo net fixed which was installed incorrectly at the dealer before I purchased the car. Instead of the one day I was quoted, it took nearly a week to get the seat in. Just after the 50k mile mark (and the end of my warranty) the Electronic Throttle Control failed and I was left in the middle of a road on a hill, and the car would not respond when I stepped on the accelerator. The most serious issue was when the front passenger side wheel mysteriously loosened, and nearly fell off while I was on a freeway. That cost nearly a thousand dollars to repair.
I also purchased the optional roof rack crossbars, and have had to return three times, because the adhesive that holds the rubber onto the bars has lifted, and the wind has caused the rubber to stretch with the adhesive back over the roof, and it leaves adhesive all over the roof. I have requested replacements, because this was documented as defective adhesive, but they simply clean the adhesive off the racks and try again. It has just started to lift again, and I will have to return for a fourth time to get this fixed.
I have discussed these issues with a variety of service people extensively, all have said that the Volvo has a very complex electrical system, and the 2000's especially are noted for these types of difficulties and there is nothing that can be done to help the situation. I have spoken with customer service people who survey you after a service call and they are all dismayed, but none have offered a solution.
If I could I would go back to the Subaru Legacy I had prior to this car I would. I never had a problem with that car. I also have a 2000 Acura that I have never had a problem with, If anyone can offer me a solution to get out of this car and into anything else please let me know. The safety this car offers cannot offset the incredible stress and strain it causes my family to deal with the incessant issues that occur.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 39,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2000
Model and Options: AWD Cross Country with Warm Weather package and third seat
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Epinions.com ID:
ericnohr
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
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