I have been relatively happy with my 2012 S60 that I purchased new.They have some significant problems with their infotainment system, but that's another story.

I recently noticed that the brushed aluminium trim around the steering wheel airbag has begun to peel. I gave myself several minor cuts as the wheel slipped through my hands on some turns. Investigating, it seems that the coating or plaiting is beginning to peel or delaminate. I also noticed that the same finish is beginning to bubble up on the center console. Since the car has over 50,000 miles, the dealer I now use (not the one I purchased it from) said it would cost a little under $1,000.00 to replace both pieces.

I spoke to the Volvo customer service people and they said the warranty on trim parts is one year. So, I'm left holding the bag.

It is clear to me that the delamination is a defect in manufacturing and I am very surprised that the Volvo people will not stand behind their product.

Here are my questions:

1. Is this a common problem for this model or year?
2. Is it normal for Volvo to walk away from problems like this?
3. Who else at Volvo can I take this to?
4. If I decide to replace the parts myself, do I use the dealer to get the parts?
5. Is there a parts manual on line that I can refer to?

Thanks for any help you can offer. I am very disappointed in Volvo.

 

1. Is this a common problem for this model or year?

On the steering wheel, yes.

2. Is it normal for Volvo to walk away from problems like this?

The car is out of warranty. I don't know why everyone thinks that Volvo is responsible for any repairs out of warranty.

3. Who else at Volvo can I take this to?

If VCC won't do anything, no one. You can try the selling dealer, but if you haven't been going to them, good luck.

4. If I decide to replace the parts myself, do I use the dealer to get the parts?

I doubt there are aftermarket ones available.

5. Is there a parts manual on line that I can refer to?
Volvopartswebstore.com

 

With the Volvo dealership that I have used for 20 years, I have had some odd "defects" happen that we negotiated a they pay parts price and I paid labor.


If they are good, and you like the dealer, make an appointment with the service MANAGER and see if there is any wiggle room on price.


Some places find the person involvement and CUSTOMER LOYALTY as something to KEEP.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I can't use the selling dealer, I'm in southern Florida and the dealer is in NY.
I have been in manufacturing all my life and there are some issues that we would repair when the item was many years out of warranty. This delamination is usually a problem with cleanliness. Trace oil on the part would cause this. There may be other reasons but I suspect this is the culprit.
Anyway, thanks again for your quick response. I'll look into getting the parts and either doing it myself or hiring someone to do it.

 

There is a bulletin for the steering wheel piece so you might be able to argue that.

 

Good idea on checking with the dealer for any bulletins. I had a similar problem on my 2012 VW CC - a plastic trim piece by the rear window cracked. Turned out there was a bulletin and upgraded part available. If you are close to the end of warranty you can ask for some relief or ask for a contact the regional office (suggesting the part failed during the warranty) Can't hurt to ask...the dealer may offer some good will (discount or some giveaway)