While at a red light, my foot on the brake, my 2002 S60-T (34,000 miles) accelerated (as if someone suddenly stomped on the accelerator) all by itself. I kept my foot on the brake but the car began to go through an intersection, anti-lock brakes thumping away. I made a quick right turn and shifted the car into neutral. The RPMs came down from red line (8,000 I was told by my wide-eyed rear seat passenger) to normal in about one or two seconds or so. A few minutes later, it happened a second time while I was stopped at another red light. Twice in one night, the car floored itself while I was stopped at a red light. Cruise control was off. Everything seemed normal -- but it wasn't. I had been driving for at least ten minutes before the first incident so I believe the car had warmed up sufficiently. It wasn't the floor mat.
I had the car at the dealer for a download of the computer yesterday. No indications of trouble. They drove the car off and on today to see if it would happen again. Nothing. I have not experienced a problem again either -- but my confidence in the safety of this car (now nicknamed "Christine" - like in the movie) is zero. I'm afraid to drive it, or have any family member drive it. Will it happen again? How can I be assured it won't?
I did express concerns about liability exposure to myself and to Volvo here if anything happens. While courteous, Volvo's assistant service manager did nothing more than have his people test drive the car today. If anyone gets injured (or worse) as a result of this happening again, it could be very ugly. Frankly, I expected more concern from Volvo here -- as the company's reputation is built on safety. Safety is the primary reason I bought this car. If I'm the customer service manager, I would absolutely notify Volvo HQ of this incident (minimally). I have no reason to believe he did or will.
The night was cold and snowy. I had the car washed the day before -- not sure if either could have caused/contributed to the problem. This problem reminds me of the Audi 5000 problem in the '80s -- a problem that Audi didn't handle well -- and it cost them dearly reputation-wise.
- Has anyone experienced a similar problem with their Volvo?
- Does anyone have an idea of what might have caused this "foot to the floor automatic acceleration" problem.
- What should I do here (aside from buying Japanese again)? Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks!!
Sean Chicago