New XC40 sudden power loss - safety issue

Faults and Technical chat for the Volvo XC40
JFDIT
Posts: 1687
Joined: Tue Sep 28, 2021 5:21 pm

Post by JFDIT »

Why not have the faulty component replaced and keep the sorted vehicle?
XC40 MY24 B4 Ultimate Dark, Black Leather, Crystal White, 20" Rims
Lincolnshire England.

berryberry
Posts: 25
Joined: Mon Dec 30, 2024 7:04 pm

Post by berryberry »

Given what happened on the night in question, there are many who totally understand why we did not wish to set foot in that vehicle again. Even with the part replaced there is no guarantee that all would be well going forward.
Last edited by berryberry on Fri Jan 31, 2025 11:40 am, edited 1 time in total.
JFDIT
Posts: 1687
Joined: Tue Sep 28, 2021 5:21 pm

Post by JFDIT »

I'd rather have one that's been fixed!
XC40 MY24 B4 Ultimate Dark, Black Leather, Crystal White, 20" Rims
Lincolnshire England.
Stovo
Posts: 290
Joined: Thu Sep 14, 2023 2:41 pm

Post by Stovo »

berryberry wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2025 8:08 pm Given what happened on the in question, there are many who totally understand why we did not wish to set foot in that vehicle again. Even with the part replaced there is no guarantee that all would be well going forward.
I get it. If it was a straight forward mechanical issue that required a new part, then that would be acceptable. But what appears to be a a serious safety issue due to failure of a part, which obviously was a frightening experience for you, I too would reject vehicle without any hesitation, despite offer of full repair. Volvo build their reputation on safety and the general evidence is they are very safe, but in this instance ; what I would hope is an isolated incident, there was a serous failure. Because of this Volvo should be giving you 100% refund plus compensation for the stress and inconvenience caused. Good luck going forward.
2024 C40 Single Motor RWD Plus.
GKSmith
Posts: 86
Joined: Sat Feb 10, 2024 10:50 am

Post by GKSmith »

berryberry wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:56 pm An update for those who had taken an interest in this topic....

Thanks are due to those on board who were so supportive in helping us push ahead with potential theories as to how this safety-related incident came to pass. This was critical, as by us persevering with these detailed theories, eventually the fault was found. It was the mid voltage converter module (MVCM), a critical component in hybrid technology (£1000 to replace), which was faulty.

What was astounding was that with our continuous refusal to accept back the keys when for 4 weeks no fault had been found, on the day of the fault code appearing, the master technician suffered a similar fate with complete loss of power, albeit in the relative safety of the forecourt. This could very easily have recurred on the open road.

It is now 6 weeks since the incident and only last week was our rejection finally accepted in what has been a thoroughly traumatic affair. Today we received 90% of our monies back and the fight goes on to get the remaining 10% as well as being suitably compensated for the whole episode. We have now had a hire car for 31 days and no-one will pay us for this, but our perseverance will come to the fore again.

We understand that the faulty car is being returned to Volvo UK along with the faulty module for further detailed analysis. It should be noted that Volvo Technical confirmed that they had seen this issue before.
I'm really pleased that there's a resolution of sorts. At least there's an acknowledgement that the car was faulty. I hope that the hire car costs are reimbursed too. I totally get not wanting to set inside that car again. Did Volvo offer you a replacement with all the bells and whistles? They really should be trying hard to keep a customer.
Thanks
Gavin
Volvo MY25 XC40 B3 Plus Onyx Black
berryberry
Posts: 25
Joined: Mon Dec 30, 2024 7:04 pm

Post by berryberry »

Thanks for your support

For the first 4 weeks we were offered our keys back as 'no fault found'. At that time we were told that we could pay off the finance and sell the car back to Volvo, but it would cost us around £7k.

Once the fault was found, they accepted the rejection and agreed to returning the car money allowing us to proceed elsewhere if we wished. No bells and no whistles, and of course no hire car costs or money for the near-1000 miles of return trips to the dealership for management meetings.

In the end the dealership tried as best they could to resurrect our faith and yesterday we became the proud owners of a '24-registered XC40 Plus B3 with 8.5k miles on the clock, as opposed to our original brand new '74 plate. They did an immaculate job on presenting the car in mint condition, and although this whole episode was a complete nightmare from start to finish, we all move on.

Meanwhile we will pursue Finance for the outstanding £1100 car hire and petrol costs.

The main thing for us was that firstly we were vindicated and believed. Secondly that Volvo took the matter seriously and they fully take into account driver experiences where safety has become a major issue. Being told things like 'drive it until it happens again', 'return it to us along the back roads by driving slowly' and 'your account of what happened counts for nothing' were nothing short of disgraceful. We think that Volvo could learn so much more from near miss investigations than anything else and it's probably that which Volvo could benefit most from taking on board.
ChrisLF
Posts: 1870
Joined: Wed Apr 24, 2019 8:21 am
Location: Heart of England

Post by ChrisLF »

Glad that you have managed to get a major part of the resolution so far due to your perseverance.

But it is worrying that the dealer didn't take it seriously and when no fault was found they offered you your keys back! And even more worrying is that Volvo Technical say that they have seen the issue before! Doesn't sound as though they have notified the dealers? What were they waiting for a serious accident? If you'd had an accident I doubt it would have been investigated down to the level required as it would have been blamed on the driver.

And what was the master technician thinking when he experienced the same/similar issue? And he was happy for the car to go to some unsuspecting customer.
2023 B4 Plus Dark FWD in Silver Dawn. Tinted Rear Windows. Spare Wheel & Tow Bar dealer fitted.

Gone - 2019 T4 R-Design FWD in Bursting Blue. Winter & Convenience Packs, Power Seat, Front Park Assist, Rear Camera, Spare Wheel & Tow Bar.
berryberry
Posts: 25
Joined: Mon Dec 30, 2024 7:04 pm

Post by berryberry »

Thank you again

You've hit on all the key points.

We are seriously thinking about passing all this on to the top of the chain so that vital lessons can be learned by all parties.
JFDIT
Posts: 1687
Joined: Tue Sep 28, 2021 5:21 pm

Post by JFDIT »

I understand your persistence in getting Volvo to acknowledge the fault and seeking reimbursement for the hire car. But not why you prefer to take a second hand higher milage vehicle when yours has been diagnosed and fixed having had attention from the best Volvo technicians?
XC40 MY24 B4 Ultimate Dark, Black Leather, Crystal White, 20" Rims
Lincolnshire England.
berryberry
Posts: 25
Joined: Mon Dec 30, 2024 7:04 pm

Post by berryberry »

It's a fair question, but as has been stated by others. we simply were not given 100% assurance that the car would be completely fixed due to so many other interconnecting modules. That car was tainted for us. Furthermore we were so utterly appalled at Finance's poor handling of the case we felt we could not go down the Finance route again, hence the 'downgrade'.
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