Cracked radiator 2004 XC-70

[brajd]

Is it common for the plastic radiator tubes or housing to prematurely crack? I have a 2004 XC70 with 38K miles, 4 months out of warranty, and during 37.5K service was told of crack after I mentioned some leaking coolant - overpast few months, coolant level dropped to min level in overflow tank about every 1000 miles and triggered low coolant message. The overflow tank was replaced about 6 months ago because it was leaking from the bottom, and now the entire radiator has to go. I suppose the plastic parts of the radiator are integrated with the whole unit, so the whole unit has to be swapped. Anyway, a big expense ($1100) with parts and labor and it seems like a strange failure this early in the car's life. Comments?

[MadeInJapan]

For any car at those miles, it is way early. Too bad it is out of warranty now.
Personally I would find a good independent shop to do the work and buy this Nissens radiator as a replacement (part #8603841) at http://www.fcpgroton.com/p2series/p2cooling.htm for $269 plus shipping,
Or the same one here for $269.90 with free shipping: http://www.eeuroparts.com/productdetail ... &code=8915
Either vendor is good and ships fairly quickly.