Tailgate Latch problems of the 1998 Volvo V70

The tailgate lock mechanism on my 1998 V70xc wagon often fails to latch in cold weather. This as not been too big a problem here in arizona - typically occurring if the tailgate is opened in the occasional cold mornings - as the day warms up the mechanism usually always latchs correctly. Usually when it begins not to latch a little cleaning and lubricant would cure it for a while. This solution is now producing limited results, and not wanting to drive the kids to school with the possibility of their backpacks falling out of the back of the vehicle, I have decided to replace the latch. While searching the internet for replacement information, I came across numerous owner reports of occurrences of this failure, as well as a recall of the model year 2000 version of this vehicle for the same issue. I made a close inspection of the mechanical part of the latch, and it appears that the two rotating elements that form the catch & lock assembly are not well aligned (are not moving in the same plane), possibly due to the poor forming and/or assembly of the stamped and folded steel housing in which these two pieces are located. This mechanical problem is likely the reason that the cleaning/lubrication solution has always produced limited results. In all other functions (power lock/unlock, latch release, child lock, etc. ) the assembly works correctly, it is just the balky rotation of the locking catch that appears to be keeping the latch from operating properly. I called Volvo customer care to see if the 2000 model year recall for this problem had been extended to my year vehicle, but was told no. I believe the failure is due to an apparent design and/or manufacturing deficiency and not from just wear and tear. Due to the safety issue, I have replaced the latch assembly, though I will not be able to determine if this has corrected the problem until colder weather.

Shift lock on automatic transmission of Volvo V70 locks out. Ts.