RusmackedVolvo

Transmission update: The Service Manager at Rusnak went back to the Territorial Manager at Volvo North America last week, to see if they would change their mind about replacing my transmission for no charge. Their answer is still no. Their offer of $1,300 still stands.
Next Steps: Not acceptable. The transmission was faulty from day 1. I will continue campaigning until my transmission is changed without a charge.

Cylinder Head update: I am leaking coolant like a sieve, yet there are no puddles under my car, and the car is running super rough while cold. Independent diagnosed the car as having an internal coolant leak, causing the cylinders to misfire. 3 possible causes: a crack in the cylinder head (replaced 1.5 year ago by Rusnak); the head gasket; or the block is warped. I took the car to Rusnak. They kept it for 3 days. They squeezed and jabbed, tapped and tested. Their conclusion is there is no leak inside the engine (despite Independent finding condensation inside the cylinders when pulling out the spark plugs). They claim the leak is due to a couple of worn out heater hoses in the back of the engine. The running rough is caused by faulty injectors. Suggested repair: $1,560. Two completely different diagnosis. Odd!
Next Step: I’m keeping my bottle of coolant close at all times. I am also taking my car back to Independent to change the heater hoses (for %40 less of a price) to see if that takes care of the coolant leak. If not, it’s back to Rusnak to raise a ruckus!