I get very load ocassional noise (based on road conditions), coming from glove box area. Even if I open the glove box door, and put my hand in, it appears the rattle is underneath the box. I had the box out, and could not see (find) anything...What did I miss???
Why is this car such mess cosmetically? There are less annoying noises coming the doors, and back latch. Nobs and switches are breaking everywhere...Headliner needs replacing...Window visor is drooping and won't stay in place. Sometimes I feel I'm driving a SATURN...

Vlad,

What you are hearing is more likely than not the failed dashboard mounting brackets. The give away is that the sound is worse on rough roads. Push and pull on the dash near the ends and you'll probably find that it moves back and forth.

You can try tightening the four mounting bolts in the cowl but do NOT OVER-TIGHTEN THEM. Only 5-6 foot pounds max.

Although the sound seems to come from the glove box it is really the dash bouncing around because the mounts have failed. This subject has been covered in detail in the archives.

It's a real PITA to repair and is best combined with replacing the evaporator since you must remove the dash to access it.

Sorry, but the only permanent fix is to remove the dash and repair the mounts.

The scarred soft-touch coating and delaminated door panels are par for the course as well.

Volvo's attempt at going near luxury wasn't quite near enough it seems.

Bryan

I think Saturns may hold up better! You are right about the late-1990s Volvos, the interior materials have aged poorly. And the engineers failed when designing clips and brackets to secure interior panels or dashboards. Years ago, most people complained about the delaminating door panels; by now, they have accepted them reluctantly. I do not recall hearing about the falling headliner, so I'm sorry you have this trouble. If Volvo wants top position themselves as an alternative to BMW or Audi or Mercedes, they will have to clean up their act.

My car is also a 1998 with none of the problems you have. Perhaps the PO ripped down the passengerside kick plate and it is no longer attached on top? You should have been able to see the 2 screws when you pulled out the box.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

Hello, The 13 year old foam wraps and some of the plastic clips/guides in the doors have dried and died. Busted knobs are a different story. Kira