Hey everyone,

I have a 2007 S40 T5 AWD and starting just last week, my driver seat started making a (plastic) popping noise like I have an empty plastic soda bottle underneath it every time I go into a turn that puts some lean onto the car (like 25 mph around a 20 degree turn, so nothing crazy). I took it into the shop this morning, and they told me that it was probably an issue with the lumbar support and there are minimal adjustments they can make to fix the problem. Is or has anyone else ran into a similar issue? I ask because this dealer has tried giving me the run around before and I just want to make sure I have all my bases covered.

Thanks,

John

 

John,

I am having the exact same symptom in my 2008 S40 T5 AWD. Started a few weeks ago. I have not taken it to the dealer yet but will probably address at the next service. Even though it's not affecting the operation of anything it's annoying and is unacceptable for an almost new car.

If I learn more about this issue I'll post.

George

 

Hi George,

By any chance do you have your seat positioned all the way back and down toward the floor? Mine is because I'm 6'2" and it's the only comfortable position I can drive the car in. That's incidentally the only position the seat makes the noise in. I've taken it to my dealer (which is horrible) now 3 times and they now believe they finally "identified the problem". They say that the seat is rubbing on the seatbelt anchor, as it's only happening in that seat position. I've continued to ask them the question as to why it just started happening now after 2 years and 45,000 miles of use, but they don't have any answer for me. I'll keep you updated if this latest "cause" is in fact the real source of the noise as they're waiting on the parts to get in before they can try this latest fix. The other issues they have pitched to me (in case you were interested) are:

1). Lumbar support bar is causing the noise2). Seat back hinge is making the noise3). Seat Rails are loose, causing the noiseI hope your dealer is better than mine and you don't have to waste nearly as much time as I have thus far. Hopefully you have better luck than me and I'll also keep you updated if I hear anything.

- John

 

John, I don't have the seat all the way back and down. I look forward to hearing the result of the latest "fix". I have not taken mine in to be checked yet; will probably wait until next service.

George

 

Well after 6 visits they finally fixed the problem. The dealer ended up replacing the seat frame and the motor which in combination must have been causing the creek. Now the seat feels stiff like it did when it was brand new, but the popping noise is no longer there. Now if only I can get them to untwist the seat belt, I can finally mark this issue as resolved... Hope that helps you out with your seat.

As a side note, they did say there were having a few more Volvo's coming in with this issue so it wasn't a position issue, but a design issue with the seats themselves. I'm concerned this is going to be a repeating problem during the life of the car.

John

 

John, thanks for the updates. I have an '08 s40 2.4i with the exact problem and it drives me up the wall every morning i drive to work! I've taken it to the dealer before and he explained that it was a "characteristic of the car." He had seen the problem before and simply didn't know how to fix it... He placed some felt on the rails and that helped for about a week until the noise slowly came back to full force. For the record, I am 6'1 and have the seat almost all the way back and lowered as well.

Do you believe your "fix" is permanent or just temporary? Does the dealer still think it has something to do with the seatbelt anchor? Was the work covered under warranty? Which dealer are you using? thanks!

Haz

 

To answer your questions, yes I believe this fix is permanent... at least as permanent as a fix on a seat can be. All of the work was covered under warranty as it's something that wasn't present when I bought the car brand new. As for the dealer, since I've had nothing but issues with these folks until I wrote a letter to the owner and Volvo corporate, I'd rather not say in a post as I'm not for dragging someone's name through the mud, especially since they've since come around. If you want to PM me, I'll respond with the dealer name, but I just figure it's best to "let sleeping dogs lie" as it were on that one.

John

 

I called into my dealer and had them order new runners/frame for my seat. We'll see what happens!