Volvo produces and manufactures vehicles that are designed to protect the passengers in the event of an accident.
Volvo vehicles are designed to absorb the forces of a collision. The energy absorbing system—which consists of but is not restricted to structural components such as bumper reinforcements, bumpers; energy absorbers, frames, rails, mudguard protection guards, A-pillars, B-pillars and body panels—must interact to keep the passenger compartment intact and protect the occupants.
The collision safety system—which consists of but is not restricted to airbags, inflatable curtains and deployment sensors, interacts with the above components so that the airbags deploy at the right time.
Because of the above, Volvo Car USA does not permit the use of aftermarket or alternative parts or anything other than Volvo genuine parts for repair after collisions.
Volvo Car USA also recommends the use of replacement window glass approved by Volvo. Use of aftermarket window glass, in particular windshields, can have a negative effect on the collision avoidance systems and advanced lighting systems.
In addition, Volvo does not permit use or re-use of structural components from an existing vehicle that has been damaged previously. Even if these parts may appear the same, it is difficult to determine whether the parts have been previously replaced with parts other than genuine parts or if the parts have been damaged in a previous collision. The quality of these used parts may have been affected by exposure to the elements.