Volvo does so few recalls, but I do agree with you; the items that fail, that compromise your safety, should be taken care of by Volvo. When we first opened the shop, the Volvo warranty on safety features was much more impressive. I was very dismayed when I told a customer not to worry about the cost of their seatbelt catch because Volvo had a ten year warranty on all safety features. I then learned that no longer applied. I picked up the cost of the seatbelt catch. What was I supposed to do? Tell her that I was sorry that she couldn't afford it; I'd explain my books to her children when the accident left her disabled?

In Volvo's defense, I do not believe the total failure of the ETS was expected. The following is word for word from the Volvo Tech Training Manual regarding the Electronic Throttle Module:

"Both potentiometers are supplied with 5 V and are installed in each end of the throttle spindle. For safety reasons it has been decided to use two potentiometers which each send the same throttle position signal to the electronic throttle module. With the throttle closed the signal is .5V and at Wide Open Throttle approximately 4.5V. If one of the potentiometer signals is mssing, the ETM can still determine throttle position using the second signal and the car can still drive normally."

So, truly, the intention was, and will always be "safety". Anytime something new is developed, there will be glitches in the system, and no, I don't think someone who purchased a Volvo product, should be left holding an empty piggy bank when the reality falls short of the dream. You purchased a Volvo because you believe in their lengthy, proven, and highly regarded track record. I think it would be more beneficial to broach the subject from this angle. Defend Volvo as the good guys and make them want to live up to their reputation. Don't piss them off by calling them the bad guys...they're going to prove you right either way.