2000 Volvo V40 - very well maintained, 2nd owner, approximately 83,000 miles. I started noticing that the car would surge on the highway with the A/C on and when I had steady pressure on the accelerator (I.e. icruising at a steady speed). The surge in RPM's would be rhythmic, very subtle (100-200 rpms) and continue indefinitely until I turn the A/C off - at which time they would cease. They would sometimes resume when I turned the A/C compressor back on. This happened infrequently over the past month (it's June in ct, my state of residence) and would not happen every time I ran the A/C - but only occurred when the A/C compressor was running. Then a remarkable thing happened today - while cruising on the highway and with the A/C compressor on - the care suddenly and violently surged in a way that it had never done previously. The increase in RPM's was significant enough to cause the automatic transmission to downshift into the next lowest gear. Fortunately, I had enough space between my car and the car in front of me to allow me time to respond without having and accident. I immediately put the car in neutral and the RPM's started spiking to almost 4,000 then quickly back down to 1,000. The RPM's continued to this rapid back and forth spiking and dipping for almost 30 seconds. I turned off the A/C/ but that didn't have an immediate affect (as was the case in the previously mentioned episodes when the spikes and dips were much more subtle). When turning off the A/C didn't do the trick ((as it had in the past) I then immediately checked the cruise control - it was off. I then stabbed at the accelerator with my foot several times before it finally settled down. And I have the factory Volvo rubber mats that are secured to the floor by a positioning pin (I'm meticulous about my car the mat was no where near the accelerator). I am naturally very wary of this car now, especially after reading the many complaints about unintended acceleration for this model. Why no recall?

- Norwalk, CT, USA

Ever since I bought the 2000 Volvo V40 stationwagon from a private dealership I've had nothing but problems trying to start the car. When trying to crank up vehicle it takes a couple of seconds before the car actually starts and it smells like gas afterwards. I've taken it to the mechanics and they have given it a full tune up and replaced the injectors but still I have the same problem.

- North Miami, FL, USA

On July 19,2008, our 2000 Volvo V40 lost power while driving 65 mph on us 29 in Virginia. The car was still running, but it did not respond to the accelerator. We were able to safely pull off the road, and have car towed to our mechanic. We were told the problem was a sensor failure. According to our service records, the boost pressure sensor and camshaft reset valve was replaced. Three days later, on July 26, 2008, the same thing happened - this time in the middle of a busy intersection. Again, fortunately, the car remained running and seemed to limp along to get out of the way of traffic. Again, the car was towed to our mechanic, where they have been unable to diagnose the problem. A little internet search on our part uncovered a series of similar complaints regarding what appears to be the problem - an ETM failure. We are in the process of working with our mechanic to get this fixed.

- Charlottesville, VA, USA

The check engine light remained illuminated.

- Perry Hall, MD, USA

While driving the vehicle jerked and then the engine light illuminated and stayed on the remainder of the time vehicle was being operated. Dealer notified.

- Perry Hall, MD, USA