I heard about that happening at a Volvo meeting last spring. It's '99 and maybe early '00 S80s where the control unit air tube hangs about 3" below the bumper. It's easily bumped and if bumped too hard, the scene you described can occur.

They should have a recall or campaign on it to protect all early S80 owners (or themselves if under warranty) because its solution is simple and takes minutes to cure. Ever since hearing about this, I cut the tube shorter so it's flush, then I further add a plastic tie strip to the tube, tied at another fastening point under the hood. I do this at no charge to anyone because I've seen that engine replaced and I don't want to do it myself, way too much work. If the t-belt breaks from the housing being rubbed through, it'll cost way more than $3500 if out of warranty as it'll probably need a reman engine, big $$$.

Volvo use to be good at fixing their problems but no longer. They need to get their act together.

The design was changed in newer S80s, tube doesn't go that low now but nothing's being done by Volvo.....YET!