Windscreen: Water ingress on x70/80 P3 models 2007 on

[DGHick]

I am a first time user and trust I have added my experiences of water ingress in the correct location of this forum.

Having purchased my Volvo xc70 only 3-4 weeks back from a motor trader in my hometown of Otley, West Yorkshire; I was dismayed to find water dripping from the top edge of the windscreen into the passenger foot-well when parked nose-down in the rain.

I deliberated on returning my car as it had 6 months warranty, but was concerned that it might not get dealt with adequately, so having approached a number of windscreen replacement companies, got concerned about the 'city safe' laser device being properly refitted and calibrated in the event of breakage when removing existing screen. To cut to the chase I approached my Volvo dealership with the problem (knowing I might pay a premium rate, but having peace of mind).

Curiously, the dealership started making heavy weather of this repair - then contacted me to say that "did I know there were 2 or three stone chips at the edge of the screen?"

They quoted me £309 for refitting this or maybe I might wish to go for a replacement. I asked for photos of this damage which was not noted when I first investigated the leak and for them to send a quote for full replacement.

The first photos they emailed where too poor to assess this supposed stone-chip damage, so I asked for better ones. The second series of photos showed a stonking great crack running across the drivers side windscreen! I responded with the comments that it would be insanity to consider refitting this and surprised that this was given as an option. I also commented that this was not pre-existing, but had clearly been damaged during removal.

There was suddenly a marked change in attitude from foot-dragging indifference to an offer of an offer extraordinary generosity on their part by negotiating with Volvo the cost of screen replacement together with the dealership contributing £100 for the cost of the glass.

The deal was therefore the replacement of a Volvo screen and all associated work/materials for £305.

I responded that this was a satisfactory outcome to what was becoming a very unsatisfactory situation. Job done and overall pleased, but of course should not have been put through this.

The dealership acknowledged that this was a 'known about' and that's why they wanted to get a satisfactory resolution???

I add this to build the case and extend the appreciation of this fault with certain Volvo windscreens.

Thanks to all other contributors as their experiences were helpful in understanding the problem.

David Hick