Are Volvos Expensive to Repair? [Volvo Repair Costs] • Road Sumo

If you plan on getting a Volvo, or any car for that matter, an important consideration is how expensive it is to repair. Volvos are famous for their high safety rating, but what about their repair costs? Are Volvos expensive to repair?

Volvos are generally expensive to repair, compared to other cars. This is because Volvos are classified as luxury vehicles, so their maintenance and parts are more expensive. Volvo does offer a lifetime warranty for defective parts.

There are various ways to decrease costly repair expenses for a Volvo.

Read on to find out more about Volvo repairs and how you can curb these repair expenses.

Are Volvos Expensive to Repair?

Volvos are generally expensive to repair, compared to other cars. Volvos are classified as luxury vehicles, so their maintenance and parts are more expensive.

Volvos are mid-range luxury cars. Luxury cars come with more high-end features that are basic even to the lower-trim models. They give you an overall better driving experience as well. These cars do not compromise the materials used in production, so the quality is always top-notch.

Brand-name luxury cars also command a higher resale price. In totality, luxury cars, including Volvos, make a statement.

That being said, these luxury cars come with hefty price tags. Their parts are usually more expensive than standard Hondas or Toyotas. Volvos have car parts that need special software, which is also pricey.

So Volvos are expensive to repair. The Swedish company does offer the Volvo Lifetime Replacement Parts and Labor Warranty for any defective parts.

Estimated Costs for Specific Volvo Parts

To give you an idea of how much Volvo repairs cost, here are some repair estimates for various Volvo models.

2011 Volvo C30 Strut Assembly Front Replacement	$1,690
2014 Volvo XC60 Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement	$500
1984 Volvo 760 Timing Belt Replacement	$1,250
2009 Volvo XC90 Differential / Gear Oil – Rear Replacement	$150
2007 Volvo S40 Exterior Door Handle – Driver Side Front Replacement	$600
1999 Volvo Crankshaft Seal Replacement	$1,200
2015 Volvo V60 Cross Country Car Radiator Replacement	$2,000
2019 Volvo XC40 Oil Change	$250
2020 Volvo XC40 Car Battery Replacement	$350
2018 Volvo S90 Brake Caliper – Passenger Side Front Replacement	$900

As you can see, an estimated Volvo repair cost can be quite expensive. So it’s best to be prepared for these repairs by setting aside some monthly budget for it.

Factors That Determine the Cost of Repairing a Volvo

Volvos are known for their safety, practicality, and durability. It has been branded as a luxury car, and as we mentioned earlier, luxury cars are more expensive to maintain and repair. The following factors will determine your Volvo’s maintenance and repairs:

1. Vehicle Mileage

It is a known fact for all cars – be it a luxury car or an ordinary car – that the more you use it, the faster it will go through some depreciation. When you reach 100,000 miles, your car will start to feel the wear and tear. Major repairs will be costly as well.

The best way to avoid major, expensive repairs is to have your Volvo go on regular maintenance checks and do whatever your Volvo mechanic recommends. The idea is to have your Volvo running smoothly at all times to avoid major repairs.

2. Good Car Care

Your Volvo will need regular maintenance checks and tasks regularly. Oil changes, filter changes, brake pad changes, tune-ups, and tire rotations are only some of the things your car needs to be in tip-top shape. The more regular you do these, the fewer major repairs you’ll need.

It is important to do these checks regularly and on time. Don’t wait for the last minute to have them changed. If you ignore these maintenance tasks, there’s a bigger chance you’ll end up with more costly repairs.

How Much Are These Regular Maintenance Tasks?

Are Volvos expensive to repair? On average, they will cost $75-$100. It’s best to save this monthly amount for maintenance and repairs. Yes, there will be some months without you spending anything on your Volvo. But then again, there will be months that you may exceed that amount. The key is to keep your Volvo well-maintained to lessen repairs.

Tips to Avoid Costly Repairs of Your Volvo

Here are a few tips to help curb Volvo repair costs:

1. Regular Fluid Checks

You lessen transmission problems when you check your fluids regularly. When you start to experience hard shifts, have a maintenance check right away. Continuing to run your car with hard shifts will do more damage to the transmission. Therefore, do not overlook any transmission or clutch issues. Make sure to schedule regular checking and changing of the transmission fluid.

2. Regular Oil Changes

Volvo has a unique flame trap system. It is a system that’s more advanced than the regular PCV system found in most cars. The flame trap system lets the oil drain back to the oil pan by segregating oil droplets from the crankcase vapors.

While this is a more sophisticated system, it poses a problem because it tends to clog or leak. It can damage the engine too. Regular oil changes are a must to avoid clogs and leaks. Let authorized Volvo mechanics check your car for maintenance.

3. Change Headlights

A number of Volvo users have also said that they have concerns about their headlights burning out. Bulb changes do not really require a mechanic. You can actually do it at home. Try to notice if the same headlight bulb keeps burning out. And if it does, have a Volvo mechanic check the electrical system.

Things to Regularly Check on Your Volvo to Avoid Major Repairs

Change fluids, oil, and filter
Change air filter
Lubricate chassis, door locks, and all hinges
Flush the coolant, auto transmission fluid, and brake fluid
Replace the fuel filter
Regularly check your spark plugs, wires, caps, and rotors and replace them if needed
Check and replace the timing belt as needed
Check your radiator (a radiator is good for an average of eight years)
Make sure your water pump doesn’t have a leak
Check brake pads, rotor thickness, and lubricate the caliper
Check suspension bushings
Clean battery cables
Rotate tires

You will need to check most of these things regularly to have your Volvo running smoothly. Remember, a well-maintained car will need less costly repairs.

So are Volvo repair costs expensive? Are Volvos expensive to repair or fix? Volvos are generally expensive to repair, compared to other cars. This is because Volvos are classified as luxury vehicles, and so their parts are more expensive.

Next, let’s look at common Volvo problems that might require a repair in the future.

Common Volvo Problems

1. Transmission Issues and Hard Shifting

These problems don’t usually show up if your Volvo is 5 years old. But users have noted hard shifting after they’ve used their cars for five years. To prevent this problem, have your unit serviced regularly. Change your transmission fluid regularly as well.

2. Oil Leaks

This is a problem for most cars and not just for Volvos. Oil usually leaks from the oil cap. Volvo uses a flame trap system that tends to clog up or leak. Regular checking and cleaning the system will ensure a smooth-running engine.

3. Headlights and Tail Light Burn Out

A lot of cars also have this problem. It would be best to keep extra lights in your trunk so that you can change them when they burn out.

4. Rough Idling

This can be a problem with the mount at the top of your engine. To avoid this, have all your motor mounts checked regularly to avoid expensive repairs.

5. Air-conditioning Temperature Problems

Sometimes, your Volvo’s air conditioning can malfunction by producing warm air instead of cool air. Have your compressor regularly checked to have your air conditioning working properly at all times. Ask a technician to check and make sure it is not drawing power from the battery when not in use.

Have Your Volvo Serviced at an Authorized Volvo Dealer

Volvo servicing and maintenance are essential. There is usually a maintenance schedule set by the manufacturer. You’ll need to follow the schedule to make sure your car works as it should.

A regularly serviced car has many benefits too. The first one is safety. You’ll experience fewer mechanical issues so your car won’t break down while you’re driving and won’t put you and your passengers at risk.

Another reason is to retain the value of your Volvo. Cars will depreciate over time. And when the time comes you need to dispose of your Volvo, you’ll command a higher price if you have kept your car well-maintained. Buyers will also be glad to know that you’ve kept your Volvo serviced.

As much as possible, take your Volvo for maintenance and servicing only at authorized Volvo service centers or repair shops. This lessens the chances of bad servicing. Get official Volvo parts for your car too. Yes, many cheaper parts are available. But you may be sacrificing quality, causing more damage in the long run.

Volvo’s Scheduled Maintenance

Volvo has a scheduled maintenance program that comes as a complimentary service. The maintenance program will cover three maintenance services for three years or for the first 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. All of these services are also free.

Are Volvos expensive to maintain? The company offers a Prepaid Maintenance Plan, which you can purchase after your three complimentary services. This plan gives you a 20 percent discount on maintenance costs. Plans will vary according to your Volvo’s model year, the number of years you want it covered, and the mileage of your car.

The Volvo Lifetime Replacement Parts and Labor Warranty

The company launched the Volvo Lifetime Replacement Parts and Labor Warranty on June 1, 2015. It was created to enhance your Volvo experience further. The warranty is given to a customer who buys a qualified Volvo part at an authorized Volvo dealer.

Any car will go through normal wear and tear, and replacing parts will be inevitable. But the Volvo Lifetime Replacement Parts and Labor Warranty do not cover parts that usually go through the normal wear and tear of everyday car use. It will, however, replace other parts with special software.

The Volvo Lifetime Replacement Parts and Labor Warranty will not cover the following replacements:

Car batteries
Keyless entry batteries
Timing belts
Spark plugs
Brake pads
Filters
Cutch lining
Floor mats
Seat upholstery or seat covers
Tires

The warranty is non-transferable, and it can only be used at authorized dealers of Volvo parts. It cannot be used by third-party buyers like non-authorized Volvo repair and body shops. You can’t use it for parts bought over the counter and replaced by a non-authorized Volvo dealer. The validity of the warranty lasts for two years from the date of your purchase. You can use it when replacing defective parts.

The Volvo Lifetime Replacement for Parts and Labor helps curb the expenses in maintaining and repairing your Volvo.

Conclusion – Are Volvos Expensive to Fix?

Volvos are relatively expensive to fix or repair compared to many other vehicles. Volvos are classified as luxury vehicles, and generally, luxury vehicles are more expensive to maintain and repair. For example, their parts are more expensive than the parts for Toyotas and Hondas. But there are various ways to curb costly repair expenses.

Volvos have been in the market since 1927 and joined the luxury brand of cars since then. They are known for the most safety features available in cars. That’s why Volvos are more expensive to maintain and repair compared to non-luxury cars.

Their parts are also more expensive than other cars. But there are a lot of ways to help avoid costly repairs. The key to having a well-running Volvo is regular servicing and maintenance at Volvo dealerships or authorized Volvo repair shops.