If you are referring to a molded plastic piece that once covered the metal latch mechanism (the part in the tailgate, not the part on the car body), the same broke on my 1990 V70. The bad news: the repair is expensive; you have to buy the entire lock and electric actuator, > $175 (at least, that's what the local Volvo dealer said). The good news: not a safety problem or weakness. On my car, the tailgate is harder to close. We have to hold with both hands and firmly thump it into place. One hand slam does not work because then the tailgate bounces a bit and the latch does not engage completely. So, no good solution.