I spilled a beverage from my cup holder in my new 2019 Volvo XC90 T6 Inscription. My husband and I cleaned it up quickly. A week later, parking brake lights were flashing on the dash. I could still drive it, however, it was throwing codes at me on the dash.

Dealership said liquid caused it and we had to pay for it. We questioned why the parking brake was so close to cup holders if it was so sensitive to liquids.
They ended up replacing a part and not charging us after much back and forth. A few months later - with no spills - same thing.

Dealership said I spilled something again (did not) and now it’s $300 in labor plus a part.

!!!


First of all - why is a part so sensitive to liquid spills so close to cup holders?!? Has this happened to anyone else?

I love this vehicle, however, I do not understand this parking brake issue and how it is situated so close to the cup holders.

 

while all models are slightly different, the center console is full of switches and wiring - including vital parts related to the shifter. While the cover does offer some protection, this isn't designed to be spill proof for large spill. When you spilled coffee, you effectively put something corrosive and capable of conveying electricity that found its way into a connector or device. Over time the voltage can build the corrosion (ever look at a car battery terminal that wasn't treated with a sealer?) and that can lead to a failure. At this point the shop will need to disassemble, inspect, clean or replace the impacted switches and you'll want to invest in a travel mug :-)