I've been reading this board for nearly an hour, and this problem is well known, well documented, expensive, and ignored by Volvo. As others have recommended, I've filed a complaint with National Highway Safety Board and written to Volvo/USA. I'm sure nothing will become of the complaints, but it's a disgrace for a company that sells cars in the USA virtually completely based on safety (they use different marketing strategies elsewhere in the world---but know that USA consumers react to safety). My smug dealer's service manager (W. Mass), thinks nothing of talking about a $600+ repair. I'm sick of these kind of repairs, and more sick about the dealer's attitude.

This board is great, but unless we get some action (class-action suit, responsive dealer/manufacturer), we're all just letting off steam. Let's all speak with our wallet. There are many other great, SAFE, cars out there. Few by US companies (but, hey, Volvo is Ford), so shop carefully and most important tell all your friends.