I agree with your main points, that those problems exist. But, just remember, Volvo quality is only average (see Consumer Reports & Edmonds). Lets see, my Sable needed a new steering rack in a few months after bought new. Needed new coil packs on my Passat sedan in the first year. There are many reports on Honda boards of people putting in 2 to as many as 4 transmissions in cars with less than 100,000 miles. My inlaw's Mercedes (same one with the Saab) needed a new power seat motor and a new sunroof motor in the first year. The ABS and ECU went out on the Saab 95 in less than 2 years. The turbo went on my Passat wagon in 4 years. Instrument panel, AC, and transmission went out in my Sierra at about 4 years. On and on.

Volvos have many strong points. They are still the safest (see latest roll-over tests), and the most fun car I have ever driven (the Saab 95 is close).