If you have not yet read the section regarding the busted turbocharger on my 2001 S40, it's worth viewing. The following is some good to know information for Volvo Owners in general:

I contacted Volvo regarding the busted turbocharger on my 2001 S40 1.9T. The vehicle is out of warranty, but a bad turbocharger on a 3 year old car with 55,000 miles seemed highly unusual and smacked of a possible manufacturer's defect. I wrote to Volvo hoping they would assist with what it cost me to replace the turbo as a "good will" gesture and to notify them of the problem for quality control purposes.

In writing to them I was concise and complimentary of their product overall. My correspondence was extremely civil in tone. I merely expressed surprise at a major engine component needing replacement at this stage on a car that is known for reliability.

To their credit, Volvo Cars of North America did respond promptly and their Customer Service Reps were professional and polite. They did not, however, know a wastegate from a wheel.

The bottom line was that Volvo would have considered "good will" and assisted with the cost to replace the turbo had I taken it to a Volvo retailer for repair. I have dealt with my mechanic for close on 7 years and the bad turbocharger was diagnosed when I took the car in for its annual state inspection (required in VA.). It was there already and leaking a tremendous amount of oil, so I told them to go ahead and fix it. They are ASE certified and have always done good by me. I was allowed out into the shop to see what the car looked like up on the rack and I agreed with their diagnosis. It's my second Volvo turbo model, so I am quite familiar with them and my cars in general.

I am thoroughly disappointed that this was the only reason they declined to act on a "good will" basis. They told me I should have called, waited for approval, and then had the car repaired at a Volvo retailer. Well, gee, it's out of warranty, I have a qualified mechanic, and quite frankly would not have been pleased to wait while Volvo decided whether they would pay or not. I also doubt the dealership cost to repair would have been as reasonable.


So, the moral of the story is, use Volvo approved mechanics if you intend to make a case for "good will" assistance. $1,900 later I learned this lesson the hard way.