Had growl from engine compartment 2 1/2 years ago. Dealer and independent shop diagnosed problem as A/C compressor. Paid $1500+ for new compressor. Now same growling noise has returned. Not continuous, but can get quite loud. Is this unusual or are volvo A/C systems just crap? Is there a better alternative out there than genuine Volvo A/C? Car only has 79K miles (2012 XC70 3.2L). Any advice appreciated.

 

I purchased a 2015 xc70 (with the 3.0 turbo) in 2018. (after I sold my business) During the warranty period I complained about ac/compressor noise. Volvo replaced the low side hose with a new design free under warranty that solved the problem. Also a friend has an older xc90 with that engine (3.2) and has mentioned growling noises with the ac - after I explained my solution he just ignores it now (car is long out of warranty)

Volvo ac systems are not crap - there is probably a solution if the noise is the same as ours - unfortunately you might have needed the dealers knowledge of the problem to fix it right the first time. Sorry someone replaced the wrong part in your car. (at great expense to you!)

I certainly understand - I owned a Volvo only shop for 38 years - and we really tried to fix things right the first time - but sometimes the dealer has access to info that us independents don't.

 

Thanks hoonk. Last time both dealer and independent shop said it was the compressor. Dealer wanted almost 3K(parts guaranteed for life). Independent shop owned by former Volvo technician changed it for $1500+. I'm just getting frustrated at the possibility of having to go through this every 2-3 years if this is a chronic Volvo problem, but your information tells me this is probably not the case. I'm glad to hear that because I really like the car and don't want to get rid of it.

Thanks for the help and I'll take it back to dealer and see what happens next.