John,
What you heard is correct. This problem is not unique to Volvo but a problem that is effecting the entire automobile industy. Some have suggested the switch to R13A as being corrosive. My neighbour put two evaporators in his Intrepid under warranty for example, when finding out he needed a third, he sold the car.
So buyer beware, check that the A/C works. When working, the A/C should be cold enough to be uncomfortably cold, in fact in the summertime we have the temperature adjusted warmer because full cold is just like being in a freezer!