Hi, I found a helpful thread from 2005 in the archive, which is now closed, regarding Volvo recall #44940, pertaining to a leaking gas tank due to faulty heat shield. I filled my tank today, then as I walked around the car to check my tire pressure, I saw a puddle spreading beneath the car. My tank leaked about 2 quarts by the time I decided to limp it home. Googling "volvo gas tank leaking," I learned of the recall that Volvo issued in 2004.

I heard through an unverified source that car companies are not obligated to provide free repairs on recalled cars/auto parts on vehicles over 8 years old. I bought the car in 2007, and am the third owner. I plan to call the Volvo hotline tomorrow, as their Website only tries to sell new cars, not provide information about old ones, and is thus no help.

Assuming that my car is indeed a member of the lot of 226,000 cars included in the recall, do you think I stand a chance of getting this problem fixed free of charge? I really can't afford to have this done professionally and is way beyond my expertise and meager tool set. Do they honor recalls to third owners, five years after the fact? I love my Brick but having replaced the entire suspension and also rebuilt the cylinder head due to a seized valve within the last year, another large repair bill wouldn't be cost-effective.

--Whammytap