Excellent write-up. Thanks! I sell a lot of XC90s at my dealership, and we have to replace this piece on almost every one of them. I can change them in my sleep with both arms tied behind my back. You should see it. It's quite entertaining!

 

I used several packages of two-part epoxy and fiber glass to repair this piece that had broken into several small pieces. It worked out OK, looks pretty good and is still together after much service, ... but it was a lot of work ... I am glad to read that the piece is now priced reasonably and is available. Thanks!

 

Wow, didn't realize these pieces were so cheap--thanks for the tip. Mine are broken on both sides, and Tasca has the gray ones for only $15.56. Definitely will be in my next order.

 

Can you please post part number? Mine is like the above but black (grey)

 

I'm not quite sure of the part number, I just went to the dealer and they picked it out for me. Maybe someone on here can help with the part number.

that part is not made of very strong plastic; I had one break exactly where yours did and the replacement just broke where the screw attaches it a year later. i'm glad they at least lowered the price as I recall it was around $60 last time.

I was worried about what would keeping mine from breaking again too. One thing that might be new though is that they added reinforcement ribs right underneath the part of the plastic that breaks so easily. It definitely seems a lot stronger then the old design

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that part is not made of very strong plastic; I had one break exactly where yours did and the replacement just broke where the screw attaches it a year later. i'm glad they at least lowered the price as I recall it was around $60 last time.

 

Go to this webpage to find your "side panel"...diagram part #19 ... under "front seat" ... under "interior". The example diagram I have pulled up is for 2010 XC90 2.5T:
http://www.jimellisvolvoparts.com/s...ke=1099&ukey_model=16027&modelYear=2010&ukey_category=24225&ukey_driveLine=9965
.
Depending on options and trim level (there are over a dozen variants) the prices range from $18 to $50 (massage option). Example part number:..#39996510.
.
When I repaired our broken side panel, I used a rotary tool to cut away all the ribs on the underside... then several layers of fiber glass and two-part epoxy were laid in. Ended up with a reinforced side panel that I think will last "forever".

 

Hey -thanks for doing this. The information was perfect and exactly the same for my 2007 V70. The part cost me $29 in Canada but it was well worth it. Thanks again it made my day!

 

Just did this today. About $23.00 at dealership. Took about 15 minutes, and since it was getting dark, I did much by touch. Shows how simple this fix is. Thanks for such a great write up!

 

OK, - this was an issue that I inherited when I bought my XC90, and I haven't priced the piece yet. I was actually considering some nice tan colored duck tape, but this is great news! The issue is bothering me more every time something drops in the giant void (mine is actually missing the chunk of plastic) and it pinches as I exit the vehicle. Once the weather is warmer and the clothing is lighter and shorter, my rear is going to be less happy - so I thank you for this post.

 

I just bought a 2008 XC90 with this problem. Based on this page I found the part on Amazon and just installed it. Thanks!

 

...I wonder if we are foolish to hope this part will be more durable on the new XC90?

 

Or that Volvo would have integrated some type of side step/running boards. (Which they didn't on the new XC90).

Because isn't the problem that we have to sort of scoot/slide across it when getting in/out of the car? That's why I've always been hesitant to buy the Volvo running boards...they look more decorative then functional. Plus they are expensive.

But even so...if the part is now only $23.00 and only takes less than half an hour to install, (and lasts a few years) I'm happy with that.

 

I think if you search you will find that almost all SUV manufacturers have a problem with the drivers seat. They can't possibly test for how most people "slide" in and out. To me a little crack is way better than a torn seat at the seam or worn through material.

 

Perhaps. I have an old '99 Windstar that is my daily ride... 400k miles. No cracks on any interior plastic trim parts ... bullet proof....worn, but no worn-though spots on seat leather. However, the fore-aft power seat motor has failed on the drivers chair ... $600 (ouch!) to replace. I may steal the motor from passenger's seat to replace ... but, its only an annoyance for others, why bother. LOL.

 

To me the real "manufacturer took the cheap route" complaint is the B-pillar panel. If they had made the plastic section higher, then we wouldn't all have torn up fabric B-pillars from grabbing for the seat belt. Super-cheesy.

 

Agreed. I can see the first few years of it happening but after the first complaints came in, they should have made modifications. That is an easy piece to change.

 

Why Volvo never change producer of this crap and many others? Easy reply: Mafia parts selling again and again to us.
Hate Volvo Hate Volvo Hate Volvo and no one will tell me that this is not part mafia.
I even change this part its not price but 10 years VCC make monkeys from us. Never
again Lolvo car purchasing. Tens of parts like this crack, brake, snap ect...Angry? Not at all
happy that I take care about my XC but shameful what they made from reputable name. Shame.

 

Try buying a VW if you want to feel better about your Volvo. I'd rather pay $23.00 for a part after 7 years than the $2500 out of pocket I paid for 4 years of VW CC ownership. Bought that car brand new and it needed lots of parts that were WAAAY more than $23.00. Only made it to 57K miles by the way.

 

^ Volvo's not as bad as VW when it comes to QC, but that's not saying much. My wife can attest that I point out XC90s whenever I see one and wants me to get one as my next vehicle, but I tell her that as much as I love the design, it would drive me nuts to constantly require service, and service for silly things at that.

 

Probably like anything else, it's hit or miss. My first XC90 was a legendary junk (2004 T6-these were prone to have catastrophic tranny failures) whereas our 2007 XC90 has been great for years. Same with my last VWs..a '99 and a '00 Passat. Both were great and solid, requiring just regular maintenance but nothing outrageous. I think my CC was a true lemon. Most of the people in my CC forum did not have nearly as many problems as I did.

 

Its not only 1 bad quality part but over 30 parts made crap and I will repeat again
and again. Crap.:deadhorse:

 

I have a problem with the 3rd memory on the seat . Doesn't hold the program. Can I put a used module in place, and the one I've seen is cream but mine is black, can I take the plastic cover off and use it on mine .

 

Any ideas?

 

Did you try to reset memory? I will post which fuse and how to reset it.
If you are not driving alone but wife daughter ect...there is simple software
to install and depending of the key when you Open the door with remote
automatically seat memory will go depending of key. many people dont know
about this. Later I will post you fuses and how to reset memory.

 

Never thought of the fuse . I'm the only driver. It's because I have the volvo tech canbus extender and the mirrors need to be positioned on memory 3 to drop when I put it in reverse

 

Two year post that was very detailed and helpful.... thanks WBSNOW
Just did my driver side in about 5 mins.... part was in stock at the dealership... wow!

 

Broken Driver Side seat fixed !



Thanks for the pictures and the details !! Wow , I fixed it by myself ( a big deal)