Problems with 2002 Volvo S60 STRUCTURE

There were four occupants in the vehicle. as we were driving home from the mall, we noticed a brief interruption in the lights and radio. a few miles down the road, there was an electrical failure and the car shut off in the middle of the road, but we were able to get it cranked back up in less than a minute. we drove approximately two more miles and pulled into our driveway and shut the car off. we heard a sound like an alarm, but it was so faint; before we had time to think about it further, the cab began to fill with blackish grey smoke into the backseat area. we all got out quickly and walked to the back of the car. i noticed flames behind the driver side tail light (where the battery is located) and told my husband. he opened the trunk (burning his fingertips), and flames shot up into the air. i immediately called 911 because the flames were high and fast-moving. the 911 dispatcher instructed us to stay away from the car and not try to put the fire out due to the obvious dangers of a fast-moving car fire. the fire department arrived within five minutes and began putting the fire out; however, the car was a total loss up to the engine, which was not burned. after inspection, the fire department deemed it a loss due to an electrical fire. i have contacted volvo, but they have not responded to me as of yet. there have been several recalls on this particular vehicle, and we are worried that volvo may have missed one. for the safety of others, i am reporting this safety hazard. the car remains in our driveway awaiting insurance adjustment; however, i am hopeful that either volvo or someone who does safety inspections would claim the car to investigate the cause of the fire further. *tr

While driving on the pa turnpike, my glass sunroof inexplicably jettisoned out of the car. the glass was intact and shattered on the shoulder of the road. fortunately, i was driving in the slow lane and there was no one behind me. the potential for serious injury and property damage was avoided, although it is clear that a defect caused this occurrence. the manufacturer (volvo) is unwilling to address the problem although i have contacted their north american office several times. i took my car into the dealership and they told me it was my problem. *tr

Through normal use, in the course of the last two years both of the front interior door handle assemblies have broken. manufacturer's suggested fix is to replace entire interior door panel assembly, as linkage for door is built into door panel, an exorbitant cost and extravagant fix for something so small. broken interior door linkage means occupants must roll windows down, and access exterior door handle through window in order to open car door. this is a potential safety concern in event of a crash and emergency egress needs to be made from the vehicle. *tr

The front driver side interior door handle assembly broke. dealer said the only fix was to replace the entire interior door panel assembly, as linkage for door is built into door panel. dealer estimate to replace panel $575. it appears like vehicles have had the same issue. the manufacturer should step up to resolve this issue with little financial impact to the owner(s). *tr

i purchased my new 2002 s60 awd vehicle on november 17, 2002 with 76 miles on it at boston volvo village in boston ma. soon after, i started to notice vibrations and hear noises, which appeared to be coming from underneath the gas petal. i scheduled my first oil change for wednesday january 29th with 3178 miles on it. while my oil change was being done, i also wanted these problems investigated and fixed. on wednesday afternoon, i received a message that my car was ready to be picked up. when my husband and i drove down to boston to pick up the car, my husband was informed that no problems were discovered concerning the noise i was hearing. however, there is structural damage to the sub-frame of the vehicle and that it the damage occurred while the vehicle was in my possession. we know this not to be true since i am sole driver of the car. the service department proceeded to charge a $90 parts and labor fee before we could take the car of the lot. what is the warranty for? the following morning, when i began to put my 7 month old baby''s stroller in my trunk, i was even more frustrated to see that a piece of my car was in my trunk. i left 2 messages to gary in the service department explaining that i was upset that this piece was in my trunk, and concerned of the safety of driving the car, especially with my baby. unfortunately, my call was not returned. i then called hank, customer satisfaction manager on saturday morning. again, he was unable to assist me and of course, i did not receive a phone call back. i purchased my vehicle based on the safety of the vehicle however; i do not feel safe. i believe that this damage was caused previous to my purchase due to the car being used as a test drive vehicle, or possibly done by a mechanic at the dealership. we are looking for the dealership to replace the car but they will not talk to us or return calls.