I have owned a V70 for two days now. I discovered the second day that the tailgate latch won't catch to keep the tailgate closed. The door locks are working fine. I was wondering if moisture/cold could be an issue. Any ideas?

 

That usually happens when the latch assembly goes bad. Something internally breaks.

 

I have had the same issue since I purchased mine 1 and 1/2 years ago. The latch assembly is busted and it is readily apparnet that some plastic pieces cause the latch to stick when cold. The latch assembly was a couple hundred bucks and the problem really only presents itself on VERY cold days (i.e. near 0 degrees F). Once the interior of the car warms up in that weather it will latch again.

 

Check the Volvo recalls-- my latch was covered.