Unwanted Car Software Update

[Chris CrewParticipant @chriscrew66644]

Earlier this week a notice appeared on my Volvo XC60 console screen inviting me to schedule a software update. Foolishly, I accepted the request thinking it would be a minor ‘tweak’ to the engine management as had happened before. Not this time! When I went to start the car again everything had changed, the dashboard appearance, the centre-console screen had completely changed and worse, some of the features I had before such as voice commands no longer worked, nor could I connect to the car my wi-fi router or phone Bluetooth. It must have been connected previously for the download to take place, yes?

I contacted the Volvo dealer from whom I bought the car and the service department talked me through a series of procedures to reset the system, to no avail. So now I have had to book it in to the service department, which entails a 70 mile round trip, two bridge tolls and losing the best part of a day when I have better things to do. Plus, I stated to the the dealer that as it is Volvo that has caused this issue, I did not expect to be charged for any remedial work only to be told that if they cannot claim the cost back from Volvo I will have to pay.

To say I am very annoyed about being placed in this predicament would be an understatement. How dare the manufacturer do this without any warning or advance information as to what the new software would provide or choice as to whether it was wanted or not? I was quite happy with the product I bought and it should have been my decision as to what was going to be done to MY car! Since this regrettable situation has arisen, I have searched online and, yes, there is news of the new software and all the claptrap about an enhanced driver experience, except that it isn’t, it’s ruddy awful and dangerously distracting, IMO. I can’t be alone because there will be literally 1000’s of post 2022 XC60’s out there that have received this unsolicited software and I just hope that Volvo get a great deal of negative feedback on this unwarranted exercise.

(p.s. I have driven various models of Volvo cars for at least the last 40-years and was thinking of changing my current car, but if this how Volvo are starting to treat their loyal customers, I think I may well be changing to another manufacturer)

 

[Robert Atkinson 2Participant @robertatkinson2]

You do know that Volvo is owned by a Chinese company?

[Chris CrewParticipant @chriscrew66644]

Robert, your point being?

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