Both the front and rear brake pads on my car are wearing prematurely, and the rear brake pads are wearing more quickly than the front. My car has only 14,171 miles on it and I already have to replace the pads, I believe this to be a sign of either defective pads, or a manufacturer problem with the entire brake system. Also, the dashboard warning light is failing to give the proper warning of the wear, thus place the driver at risk for additional component failure, and raising safety concerns.

- Miami, FL, USA

While traveling approximately 30 to 40 mph applied pressure to brake pedal in an effort to stop vehicle, but brake system failed to respond for approximately 6 to 7 seconds. Dealership has examined vehicle and replaced rear discs and brake pads. Please provide any additional information / attachments.

- Freehold, NJ, USA

After 3 months, brakes felt rough, hard, and developed noise when going slow, then constant squeak.

- Warren, RI, USA

Rear brake pads on my car are completely worn down to metal and the metal is cutting into the rotors, this is on both rear wheels assemblies. I took the car to the dealer to have them replaced iunder warranty and was told this could not be done since I had over 12,000 miles onthe car, even theoughthe car is only 10 months old. My car is not safe to drive without rear brakes, though the dealer let me drive away anyway. My problem is this, the Volvo dealer, two diferent service managers, and Volvo North America customer service have informed me that this situation is "normal" and they experience this type of problem with many customers on a weekly basis. If this it indeed true, then why would Volvo not make a notation in the owners manual, under the maintenance section, to check brake pads on a frequent basis. I have followed the maintenance requirements to the 't', which clearly states that brake pads should be inspected at 7,500 and 15,000 miles. If as Volvo suggests, the pads are not expected to last 15,000 miles, why in the world do they not notify owners of this dangerous situation? this is about the most absurb thing I have ever heard of. Being a mechanic myself, I find this situation to be unbelievable. I have a hard time understanding why a manufacturer can stand there and tell me that I should not expect to get more that 12-15,000 on a set of brake pads. According to the service representative that I spoke to at Volvo na, Volvo is aware of the situation and working on finding a suitable replacement pad that will past longer. In the meantime, my family and I have been placed in a precarious situation, as well as thousands of other consumers, due to Volvo's ineptitude, and general lack of concern for consumer safety. I am driving a car that I bought, because of it's safety reputation, then come to find out it could be a death trap if the rear brakes fail. I am also caught in a catch 22 with Volvo.

- Morgan Hill, CA, USA