That sounds like a slipping clutch to me. What is making it slip is the question. The B6 gearbox used on the 1.6 D2 is a Ford item that uses a combined concentric clutch slave cylinder and release bearing, and there have been issues with this failing completely and/or leaking hydraulic fluid onto the clutch plate in the Mk3 Focus (and a few V40s on here). I had it happen on the Mk3 Focus I had prior to my V40). Ford were replacing so many of them at one point there was a waiting list for the parts (a new slave cylinder and clutch plate, which requires the gearbox to be removed).

One of the symptoms of the slave cylinder leaking was the pedal sticking at the bottom of it's travel (though that never happened in my case, mine just catastrophically failed). See this thread:
http://www.volvov40club.com/forums/15-engine-technical/21586-2015-v40-d2-sticking-clutch-pedal.html
Due to the gearbox needing to be removed, dealers seem to be reluctant to investigate the problem fully (as they then have to deal with the paperwork of getting Volvo UK to pay for the work to be done as a warranty claim). In my case with Ford they had to, as it failed completely and had to be towed to the garage (I was still left without a car for 2 weeks though).

 

Sometimes you have to make it past the service reception droids and get a mechanic sat in the car whilst you replicate it. I had to do this once with a rattle in my old golf... after 30 secs all sorted - that two previous visits hadn't managed to diagnose properly..

 

So, The car is back in with Volvo dealer. (3rd time now!)
1st two times they did the "Volvo Fix" ... Rev to 2500rpm for 2 minutes, then drive!....
I spoke to one of the mechanics when I picked it up the second time, he advised me on how to complain to Volvo direct.


They have now said they will be taking the gear box off to check the clutch and they even told me they would 'Clean it!!'
And if need be, replace some parts!
Update to follow once it's back.

 

Update again.

Full clutch and "Other parts" replaced. (I don't know the full extent of the costs/parts as they wont give me a receipt due to works being done under the Volvo warranty).
Turns out this is what Buzby had said it was but they really didn't want to replace it under warranty.


Only had the noise once since the new parts and that was on a 20` hill start on full lock. (dodgy junction near me)
Looks like problem solved. Thanks for the advice.

 

Good to hear they sorted it out eventually. I got the same treatment off the Ford dealer when it happened to me - I was asked to sign a warranty claim form to receive the car after the work, but there was no receipt for the work done and they wouldn't say had been replaced. It had happened to enough Mk3 Focus owners with access to the internet that there was no point trying to keep it quiet by that point though.

 

Hi guys, new to forums in general... need some help. I rented a 2017 v40 d2 1.6 which had 350 miles on it and it broke down on me at 1200 miles. Went uphill then turned left onto a residential road at about 10mph and the car started making rattling noises and over revving, next thing I know it won't go into gear. Car was recovered to garage where head office is registered (Even though I was told it will go to Volvo dealership) and now the company is trying to charge 1200 quid for abusing and damaging clutch. I did not abuse it. I am not a mechanic or lawyer, I rent cars as a carer because it's cheaper than ownership or motability if you have an excess reimbursement policy. How can I prove it wasn't my fault seen as I have noticed some problems with car in question online... I told them about the whole warranty thing and how it is a fault and not abuse that lead to this. They're not having it. Help please.

 

If you are in the UK you could ask your local Citizens Advice Bureau if they can give you any consumer advice.
If the hire company think you have damaged the clutch then I would say it is up to them to prove it. The car had some miles on it when you hired it so I suppose it is possible that a previous driver could have damaged the clutch but unless someone seriously abused the car a clutch should not fail after 1200 miles.