1996 Volvo 850 turbo evaporator on air conditioner unit failed at about 60,000 miles. Car was purchased used in 2000 with only 34,000 miles on it. Part should last longer than 60,000 miles.

- Victoria, TX, USA

Mechanic informed owner that ac evaporator needs to be replaced and that R7R requires removal of dash. Estimated cost is $2,000. Ac only used occasionally. This is a very high cost for replacing a relatively inexpensive part due to a design flaw. Would like Volvo na to assist.

- Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Consumer states that air conditioner evaporator was replaced and the odometer is not working properly. Dealer has been notified.

- Fortlauderdale, FL, USA

Volvo refuses to acknowledge a design flaw in the A/C evaporator. The evaporators chronically fail, leaking R134A into the passenger compartment. I have contacted many owners on the net, as well as discussing the problem with master Volvo mechanic. I was told it's a very common failure with this model. Owners are forced to pay high replacement cost ($1200), or illegally charge/discharge harmful R134A to recharge the system. Typical recharge only lasts a few weeks due to leaks in the evaporator. R134A chemical contains harmful ingredients, exposing the occupants of the vehicle to the leaking fumes and possible health hazard.

- Marlborough, CT, USA

When going to get air conditioning system recharged, consumer was informed that he needed an evaporator, accumultor, temp sensor, evac and recharge, consumer states that the air conditioner is not used to that extent to require this level of repairs this soon.

- Roxbury, MA, USA

Left front caliper broke in January 1999, roght front caliper broke at this time. Parts were on back order. Consumer was told it would take 3 months to get vehicle repaired. Consumer has had many problems with vehicle, instrument lights were replaced, dash bulb lights and other bulbs replaced. Headlight wiper and windshield wiper blades replaced. Consumer smelled an odor in the air conditioner and later the air conditioner was not cooling properly, dealer replaced the temperature sensor, evaporator, receiver, and dryer. Battery failed and was replaced, consumer had a recall on the central electrical relay and when returning to vehicle that was shut off the phone and radio were on. Coolant light illuminated 4 times, finally dealer replaced the coolant filler cap, engine light keeps illuminated, dealer has replaced the pnp switch, oxygen sensor, air pump, and check valve, the air pump and check valve were replaced twice, the timing belt has also been replaced. ABS sensor cable has been replaced, calipers have been replaced 3 times, front brake pads, rotors, and front disc brakes have been replaced.

- Delaware, OH, USA

The repair cost has been quoted as $1,200. The air conditioner has only been used for three summers, it is a seasonal convenience.

- Baltimore, MD, USA