Top 10 Things I Hate About P1 Volvos (C30, S40, V50, C70)

As an owner, these are the top ten things I hate the most about these cars.

1. Sunroof Drains
2. No Coolant Level Sensor
3. No Easy Fuel Pump Access
4. "Lifetime" Transmission Fluid
5. Difficult Cabin Filter Access
6. Complicated Oil Filter Access
7. C30 Turning Radius
8. B Pillar Location
9. Traction Control
10. No Easy Audio Upgrades
11. Key Fob Programming

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[TheThepeter]

As a volvo tech, we dont see alot of p1-p3 cars anymore but those pollen filters, if the car is dirty inside its a horid job!

[markfisher]

Blast from the past! I'm glad you're still wrenching and publishing! Your vids made a big difference in getting my salvage V50 in comission in 2014, and it's still going strong. You are certainly right about the #1 complaint, coupled with 2" of foam under the carpets that can hold GALLONS of water.

[ghostwrench]

Lack of coolant level sensor is my only real complaint with P1 Volvo’s. And the door pockets are kind of small on my ‘07 S40.

[rksLIVE]

This was awesome, thank you! My #1: No low coolant level warning! SERIOUSLY?! I learned the hard, very expensive way.

[adriansaucedo]

What are you top ten things you like???

[sidthebassist]

My biggest complaint? The use of Torx fasteners all over in rust prone situations, like the bolts that hold the wheel hubs on.

[GoldenGrenadier]

Solution to number 2: adapt the washer fluid level sensor to fit in the coolant reservoir.

[RGBCARS]

I don't know exactly your problem with the audio in these cars but i can assure you that i've put a subwoofer in my 2011 v60 by myself. wasn't easy(mostly because i hate taking the trim apart), but i did it. btw i love you c30 and that s40 at the end of this video.

[ChuckFicago]

I can relate to the absolute idiocy of gripe #2... My S40 is currently in the shop for a replacement long block after I seized my original motor from coolant loss. Not only was there no warning for the low level, the temp gauge did not warn me of an overheating condition! I don't understand this at all.

[JHF-cscg]

As a "petrol head" I would say that coolant is as with oil, any car owner should naturally check the coolant level of their car, but the wiper fluid is almost more important because it can seriously affect the view if you need to clean the window, so that's a security question.

[tomthompson]

its a fair list, ,, the no coolant level sensor is a crime, total tragedy in this day and age.

[maoinc]

I own the c70 t5 polestar and my biggest complain is the suspension and because is a convertible it has something in the trunk that you have to put it up or down every time you want the roof down is really annoying...

[klaspeppar]

The only good thing with having a 1.6D Drive E except for the great fuel economy, is that the Fuel filter is super easy to get to and located in the engine bay, this is a good thing as fuel filters on diesels need to be replaced more often then fuel filters on petrol powered cars.

The oil filter how ever is a b*tch to get to as you have to remove the intake hose between the air box and turbo to get to it (also on the Peugeot engine the intake and exhaust sides are flipped compared to the Ford and Volvo engines) you have to put in the new oil filter perfectly or the oil filter cap won’t go on right and you will have a nice engine oil fountain under your hood.

Changing the cabin filter isn’t that hard if you changed a couple of them, i was able to do it for my first time on a P1 with out any significant changes, keep in mind the fact the i have worked as an apprentice at a Volvo and Renault Authorized dealer/shop.
So i have changed a lot of Y2/P3 and SPA cabin filters. Renault are much worse when it comes to changing cabin filters believe me.

[Neptune]

I actually checked last week and saw my coolant was just under the min, surprised that they didn't have a sensor to yell at me like most European cars do

[rubenyoranpc]

The whole cabin and oil filter thingy is the exact same with the Ford Focus mk2 (EU spec)

[vitdolinski]

Cabin filter access?? Have you ever tried to swap blower fan? :D

[morpheus]

I have owned 3 P1s. I agree with everything you said. The other gripe is on my 05 s40 t5. No way to access transmission dipstick without getting underneath the car and removing two clamps that hold the ECU wiring harness. They routed this harness to sit right on top of the transmission dipstick and since it is held on with a clamp no way to get to the dipstick . Everytime I want to change the trans fluid or even check it, it is a major pita. Just pure stupidity. Volvo engineers are not very smart when it comes to ease of repair.

[ryanxkoch]

The "AWD" system that is extremely finicky

[gregorylichtenson]

Yes On my 2008 C30...Those Darn Speaker Grills...my girlfriend put her foot right thru Grill!! I did the Same!! Ya can't even buy replacement Grills..just the entire Door panel!! If you have any kool suggestions for fixing speaker grills..would greatly appreciate that..

[StevieBoyesmusic]

A/C panel on my V50 has developed a fault where it lights up like a Christmas tree, then all the indicators stop working.

Headlights are incredibly dim, compared to modern cars, even with extra bright halogen fitted.