Volvo S40 grinding brakes problems

Filed Aug 4, 2008 · Seats · 00

Driver's side seat will squeak when making left or right turns as body weight shifts. Volvo has put 2 "bandages" around the metal parts that make this noise. They know its a problem and its a design flaw, as they should have used bronze bushing or something similar to avoid the 2 metals contacting each other. Is this a safety concern? Maybe, what happens when metals constantly rubs over time? Their bandaid solution is poor since the tape will wear and tear between each service. Mileage is approx. 35,000, problem has been there since day 1.

Filed Oct 29, 2007 · Brakes · 33,800 miles · MD

Noticed reduced braking power and brakes squealing. Took vehicle to dealership repair facility for inspection. Brakes were found to be "disengaged" on the passengers side front and "partially functional" on drivers side front. No brake warning light was displayed on dash. Brake pads and assembly replaced by dealership with "upgraded" parts and covered under warranty for no charge.

Filed Apr 17, 2006 · Suspension · 63,300 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated while turning or driving on an unleveled road, there was a metal grinding noise coming from the front suspension. This caused the vehicle to hit a curb and the vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was pushed to the cotnact's residence, where it has been parked.

Filed Oct 1, 2004 · Electrical, Transmission · 44,594 miles · VA

When accelerating vehicle would down shift gears. The dealership will be notified. *ak the dealer have not been able to duplicate the problem. The transmission jerking occurred, the engine light would come on. There would be a burning oil smell, the gear shifter would not release and would stick intermittently, the steering wheel squeaked and was unable to be duplicated, the windshield wipers would squeak, and the speaker was erratic. *sc trhe battery was replaced, the tail lights were out, the windshield was replaced.

Filed Jun 13, 2004 · Engine · 83,222 miles · MA

A slight squeaking or squealing noise could be heard from under the hood of the car, no visible defects apon inspection. The sound was the water pump failing. As I was taking the car to the mechanic the water pump failed (ceased) and caused the belt driving the water pump to snap. The water pump was driven by the timing belt. I am told that when the timing belt snaps that serious damage occurs to the engine. I cannot understand why a failure of such an ordinary part can cause such damage. Volvo stated that the repairs can run from 3-6 thousand dollars. I had to have the car towed, ferried and towed again to get to the closet dealer.

Filed Apr 21, 2004 · Brakes · CA

When pressing on the brake pedal consumer heard a grinding noise, causing the vehicle to have extended stopping distance. Consumer indicated that this problem only occurred when vehicle was shut off for along period of time.

Filed Jan 29, 2004 · Brakes · 14,500 miles · PA

I had my volvo s40 into the dealer I bought it from (keystone, pa) 5 times for a squeak in the rear of the car. Each time we were told they couldn't locate the problem but they could hear the squeak. On the 6 visit they gave us a loaner and took the car for a couple of days and then called us and told us they found the problem.... The rear brakes needed to be replaced. All those visits and they just figured out it was the brakes plus the car only has 14,000 miles. What kind of small, light sports car needs rear brakes at 14,000. This car is only driven by my wife to her job that is about 5 miles away. After all this mess I will be trading in my s40 and never recommend or purchase a volvo again. So much for volvo's reputation. I read other people's complaints about the brakes on this site and it only strenghthen the consumers case about the brake problems.

Filed Aug 5, 2003 · Brakes · 21,000 miles · WA

The rear brake pads on my 2002 s40 volvo wore out at about 21 thousand miles and ruined the rotor. According to volvo corp. This is becasue the government is has prohibited them from using asbestos in the brake pads. Volvo put noise making "squealeres" on the inside pads but due to the design of the brakes the outside pads wear out first causing a rivit on the pad to contact the rotor and ruin it before the pads can be replaced. According to three volvo service managers it is normal for the pads to wearout at between 15 and 20,000 miles.I have contacted volvo of america by email on two occasions to advise them of the obvious problem with their brakes they advised me they could offer me no reimbursement for the premature brake failure and would file the information .

Filed Jun 18, 2003 · Brakes · 21,500 miles · MN

I had the brakes serviced on my 2001 volvo s40 at the volvo dealer. At only 21,500 miles the rear brakes were grinding loudly. I complained to volvo consumer services from their web page. They were not only not surprised at the rear brake failure at 21,500 miles, but said that they usually go out between 10k and 20k miles. The rear brakes on that vehicle are poorly designed, creating a potential accident hazard because of consumers' ignorance of their under-engineering. An american car would likely get as much as 80k miles out of the rear brakes, being replaced only the third time the front brakes are service. An american car company that is as obviously aware of a failure of this nature would likely have done a redesign and recall. The rear brake pads on the volvo s40 are no bigger than those of a motorcycle. This is an unsafe vehicle and volvo should be forced to recall them.

Filed Jul 18, 2002 · Brakes · IN

Rear brakes on the vehicle will wear out every 12000 miles, there is extended stopping distance. Also, a squeaking noise when applying brakes. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.