Anyone have problems with brakes on Volvo?

[Toby Richardson]

I have a 2004 XC and I've noticed that the car seems to creep forward a bit at stop lights or when I'm dropping someone off. It seems to be a sensitivity issue as I have to depress the brake more than I'm accostumed to doing. After almost a year now with the car, this remains an issue. This has never been an issue in the past with my former cars (none of which had been Volvos). At a routine maintenance, I mentioned this and the dealership said the brakes were normal. But I know there is some problem with engagement of the brakes.

This became all the more obvious recently, when I got into a minor rear end accident in dry conditions. I had a decent amount of space inbetween cars, but I knew I had to stop quickly. I braked hard but wasn't able to stop in time and am shocked that the car didn't respond more favorably. I'm thinking that the extra fraction of time that it took to fully engage the brake was the difference.

Has anyone had an issue similar to this with their brakes?

[Stormin Norman]

Dealer service departments don't get paid as much for warranty service, so they tend to avoid it. Your car probably duzn't need anything more than a brake fluid flush, as brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air.

So, when they tell you "they all do that" (seems like they all say that) demand to drive another one on the spot and see if it performs the same.

The guys in sales have more to gain by keeping you happy, so go pester the sales manager. Politely and courteously explain your problem and drop little clues like "I really don't want to have to sue another car dealer over a service problem", so they realize they are better off making you happy than ignoring you.

Consider contacting the Volvo zone manager about your problem. Be sure to ask the sales manager for his name and number when you speak to him. Bet money he will ask you to bring the car back before you take that step.

Gawd how I hate dealing with dealers. Egad what a pain.