Ashton W

Lackluster service from Volvo cars South Africa and Volvo Dealerships.

This review serves as a complaint toward Volvo cars south Africa as a whole. We currently own a 2017 Volvo S90 T6 AWD inscription that we purchased in 2022 with 40 000km. the vehicle currently has 104 000km on it. On the 3rd of February 2026, I requested to Tom Campher motors Johannesburg that I would like to replace the steering rack on the vehicle, as it had started to grind. I took the car in, and they had originally provided a quote to the value of R21 189.90 fitted at Tom Campher motors. On the 6th of February, I took the vehicle in for them to make sure that the steering rack was in fact faulty, to which they confirmed it was. I was also informed that the torque rod needed to be replaced, so on Monday, the 9th of February, I requested to have that part added with the 0.5hrs of labour required. what then followed, was Tom campher motors informing me that the part was superseded, and total bill was now R38 037.40 which was way more than expected. the quote was still valid for 14 days and I had written proof of the quote before that I wanted to approve. I then contacted Volvo cars South Africa to lodge a complaint on the 10th of February 2026. on the 12th of February 2026, I received an email back saying that they have sent through info to Japie at Tom Campher motors. they said the best they can do for me was R31 194.90 which was still R10 000 more than I would like to have paid. We decided that they may say that there was something else wrong and we would end up having to pay in more. so we decided to leave it. On the 9th of march 2026, the S90's steering rack completely failed. the vehicle was then taken to Bosch performer 2000 where they then informed me that the steering rack could not be reconditioned and a new unit was inevitable. Bosch then requested that I purchase the steering rack and all associated items through Swedish auto. which I did, on the 10th of march. Swedish auto was only able to process my order on the 18th of march with Volvo Bedfordview. I was in formed by Swedish auto that the steering rack would arrive by the 6th of April 2026 from Volvo Bedfordview. it never did. On the 10th of march 2026, I was informed by Swedish auto that there was an issue with the part and Volvo Bedfordview did not receive it. I drove to Volvo Bedfordview, and spoke to the parts salesman there. he informed me that there was a short supply. As I know people that have worked at dealerships, both in service and parts departments, I enquired with them to this. they suggested that the dealership forgot to actually order the part. I contacted Volvo cars south africa 3 times with the same reference number, and the gentleman on the other end of the line assured me he would find out about the part and what is happening, as I have the order number. he never got back to me. Through a lot of back and forth with Volvo Bedfordview, I finally received an answer today dated 21st of April 2026. The part was re ordered on the 10th of April, and the ETA is the 18th of may 2026. The level of lackluster service have received from a high end brand is shocking. The newer Volvo vehicles do have an issue with the steering racks failing. both Tom Campher and Swedish auto have confirmed this with me. Volvo Cars South Africa, should order a recall of the vehicles affected by this issue, or at least provide a credit. I also expect them to have steering racks on hand as these are a common issue. I also expect that when a representative of Volvo cars South Africa informs me that they will contact me, that they actually do. I expect Tom Campher to not ignore me as a customer when there is an issue, and to value a quote that is still valid for 14 days, even when I want to add additional repairs to the quote. that should be the first indication to uphold a price, as I am bringing in business to your establishment. I expect Volvo Bedfordview to ensure that the items that are requested can actually come from Sweden on time. I also expect them to have clear communication and to again, not leave me in the dark, uninformed and begging for answers. Another issue I have faced is once you purchase a Volvo, not one Volvo dealer in Gauteng wants that car. You will be better off selling the vehicle privately, as the offers you will receive will be a rightful smack to the face. I suggest to any Volvo customer, to please ensure that you have a Backup vehicle on hand should yours fail. To any person interested in purchasing a Volvo, I suggest you make sure that the vehicle is in tip top shape should it be second hand. Rather look at other brands. This vehicle has been sitting on a lift for 43 days as of today, 21 April 2026. I would expect that a Swedish brand, has their ducks in a row. the lackluster service received has convinced me otherwise about Volvo, A brand that was once my absolute favorite. Swedish Auto And Bosch service performer 2000 have been incredibly helpful and informative during this issue with the S90. Should you be a Volvo Owner, I highly recommend these 2 companies for your vehicle.