1995 Volvo 850

Routine

Owners filed 111 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the tires. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Volvo 850 years to avoid. Which Volvo 850 years to avoid →

Most common 1995 Volvo 850 problems

14 of the 111 complaints (13%) are about the tires.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags7
508
Tires › Sidewall5
000
Tires5
100
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission5
000
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler4
030
Electrical System › Horn4
000
Visibility › Windshield3
000
Unknown or Other3
000
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire3
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes3
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage04V368000
Filed Jul 30, 2004226,000 vehiclesVolvo Cars of N.A. LLC.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AFTER PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO HEAT, THE FUEL TANK MAY SEEP OR LEAK FUEL AT THE POINTS WHERE THE HEAT SHIELD IS ATTACHED.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. VOLVO WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND REPLACE IT IF ANY EVIDENCE OF FUEL SEEPAGE OR LEAKAGE IS FOUND. ALL VEHICLES WILL RECEIVE NEW REINFORCEMENT BUSHINGS AT THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO PREVENT FUTURE LEAKS. THIS RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED AS A SAFETY RECALL IN THE HOT WEATHER STATES OF ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH CAROLINA, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, AND UTAH, AND AS A SERVICE RECALL IN THE OTHER 33 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2004. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline96E025000
Filed Aug 20, 1996400 vehiclesVolvo Cars of NA, Inc.

Defect. ENGINE BLOCK HEATERS INSTALLED AS ACCESSORIES. THE BLOCK HEATER CONTACT SURFACE DOES NOT MATCH CORRECTLY WITH THE ENGINE BLOCK AS INTENDED. THE BLOCK HEATER COULD COME LOOSE FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK, AND IF BEING USED, COULD POSSIBLY OVERHEAT CAUSING DAMAGE IF IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH OTHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT COMPONENTS.

Risk. ENGINE COMPARTMENT DAMAGE COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BLOCK HEATER AND SECURE THE BOLTS USED TO INSTALL THE HEATER. IN SOME CASES, THE SURFACE TOLERANCES MAY BE SO INAPPROPRIATE THAT THE HEATER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH A HEATER OF A MODIFIED DESIGN.

Equipment › Mechanical › Integrated Jack/Leveler/Stabilizer95V050000
Filed Mar 10, 199531,315 vehiclesVolvo Cars of NA, Inc.

Defect. SOME OF THE JACKS SUPPLIED WITH THE VEHICLES DO NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY LOAD CAPACITY.

Risk. A RAISED VEHICLE CAN FALL OFF THE JACK INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE SUSPECT JACKS WITH A JACK MEETING THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE CARS.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 12, 2013147,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 VOLVO 850. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR OF GASOLINE FUEL WAS EMITTED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL HOSE WAS LEAKING. THE HOSE WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO SMELL FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND ANOTHER CRACKED HOSE WAS REPLACED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE COLD SEE GASOLINE FUEL LEAKING FROM UNDER THE FUEL TANK WHENEVER REFUELING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V368000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR. HE WAS INFORMED THAT AN EXHAUST PIPE WOULD OCCASIONALLY STRIKE THE FUEL TANK, CAUSING A STRESS FRACTURE IN THE TANK. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 3, 2011116,007 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 VOLVO 850. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER RECEIVING REPAIRS FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V368000 (COMPONENT: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE), THE VEHICLE WAS STILL EXPERIENCING A FUEL LEAKAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AFTER IT FAILED TO PASS A SMOG TEST, AS A RESULT OF AN EVOP LEAKAGE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THEY HAD ALREADY PERFORMED THE RECALL REPAIRS AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING ELSE WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. SINCE THE PROBLEM PERSISTED, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER A THIRD TIME, WHICH DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DECIDED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR A SECOND OPINION WHO STATED THAT ALL OF THE PRIOR DIAGNOSIS WERE INCORRECT, AND THAT THE ACTUAL PROBLEM WAS THE VENT HOSE THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE FUEL TANK WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,007.

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 18, 2010110,000 milesCA

1995 VOLVO 850 GLT, DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTING MECHANISM (THE ROLLER NEAR DRIVER'S LEFT SHOULDER) WAS STUCK. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO PULL OUT THE BELT, SOMETIMES PULLING SLOWLY AND LITTLE BY LITTLE SEEMS TO WORK IT AROUND. SPRAYED SOME LUBRICANT CAN FREE IT UP FOR A FEW DAYS, THEN IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO PULL OUT THE SEAT BELT OUT AGAIN ... IT SEEMS TO HAVE A DEFECTED DESIGN SOMEWHERE INSIDE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 30, 200991,000 milesMD

MY 1995 VOLVO 850 DEVELOPED A GAS TANK LEAK AT A HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT. THIS IS THE SAME DEFECT THAT LED TO A SAFETY RECALL OF VOLVO 850'S IN CERTAIN SOUTHERN STATES AND A SERVICE RECALL IN THE OTHER STATES IN 2004 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V368000). I WAS NEVER PROVIDED NOTICE OF THIS RECALL, AND VOLVO NOW REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE NECESSARY REPLACEMENT OF THE GAS TANK--A SUBSTANTIAL EXPENSE APPARENTLY CAUSED BY A SAFETY DEFECT THAT THE COMPANY FAILED TO REMEDY. I AM HAVING A NEW GAS TANK PUT IN BY A VOLVO DEALER TODAY. IN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, I SAW THAT OTHER AFFECTED VOLVO OWNERS DID NOT RECEIVE ANY NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL FROM VOLVO. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage
Filed Dec 16, 2008117,900 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 VOLVO 850. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING ON THE FLOOR OF HIS GARAGE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THROUGH RESEARCH, HE DISCOVERED NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA03008, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V368000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SINCE THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL, HIS VIN SHOULD BE INCLUDED AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 117,900. UPDATED 01/08/09.*JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage
Filed Feb 5, 2008112,750 milesAZ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 VOLVO 850. THE CONTACT NOTICED GAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LEAKED OCCURRED WHERE THE HEAT SHIELD WAS ATTACHED. THERE IS A RECALL FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #04V368000) HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,750 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 11, 2007132,000 milesKS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 VOLVO 850. HE NOTICED A GAS SMELL COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. HE STATED THAT GAS LEAKS FROM THE GAS TANK WHEN HE FILLS IT UP. HE HAS NOT SPOKEN WITH THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed Dec 17, 200596,000 milesCA

MY WIFE & DAUGHTER SMELLED SMOKE WHILE DRIVING ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET. IT SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THEY STOPPED THE CAR RIGHT AWAY AND GOT OUT. AS MY WIFE OPENED THE DOOR TO THE BACK SEAT TO GET HER PURSE, SHE SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THEY RAN TO THE NEAREST HOUSE TO CALL 911. WHILE ON THE PHONE WITH 911, LESS THAN A MINUTE AFTER GETTING OUT OF THE CAR, MY WIFE SAW THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE CAR BECOME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ON THE SCENE WITHIN 3 MINUTES, BUT IT WAS TOO LATE. THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE CAR WAS BURNED BEYOND RECOGNITION. WHAT HAD BEEN LEATHER SEATS WERE NOW METAL FRAMES, THE DASHBOARD HAD EVAPORATED, AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED. ALTHOUGH OUR INSURANCE COMPANY COVERED THE LOSS OF THE CAR, WE HAVE HAD TO SPEND SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPLACE BURNT POSSESSIONS (LIKE A CELL PHONE AND A PDA) AND PAY FOR CAR RENTAL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT THE SEAT HEATER WAS THE LIKELY CAUSE OF THE FIRE, BUT VOLVO HAS NOT ADMITTED ANY PRODUCT FAILURE. WHEN WE BOUGHT A VOLVO BECAUSE OF ITS REPUTATION FOR SAFETY ("VOLVO FOR LIFE"), WE CERTAINLY DIDN'T EXPECT IT TO BURN UP! *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Oct 4, 2005133,000 milesMD

. I HAVE SPENT $2200 IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS WHILE HERB GORDON TRIES TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, CLEANED AND RESEALED THE BRAKE CALIPERS AND NOW AS A LAST RESORT ARE REPLACING THE INTERNAL ABS SYSTEM, WHICH FINALLY FIXED THE PROBLEM. IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BOLTS CAME LOOSE CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN, AIR SENSORS AND OXYGEN SENSORS SEEM TO NEED REPLACING AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR. *NM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages
Filed Oct 3, 2005200,000 milesMD

DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES NO LONGER CONTACTS GLASS BECAUSE MOTOR SPINDLE AXIS HAS BECOME MISALIGNED FORCING WIPER ARM UP. SUSPECT THAT MOUNTING PLATE OR BRACKET FOR MOTOR HAS BECOME DISTORTED/BENT. I BENT ARM FOR TEMPORARY FIX. OTHER OWNERS OF VOLVO 850 HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR PROBLEMS (WWW.BRICKBOARD).*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control
Filed Jul 29, 200593,000 milesCA

DT: RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL S139032105, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS. AFTER AN EMISSION TEST WAS DONE VEHICLE DID NOT PASS IT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALER FOR A CHECK UP. THE DEALER SAID THAT PART FOR THE EMISSION WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE SAME THING. THIS WAS DONE ON JULY 18, 2005. CONSUMER BELIEVED THIS PART SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS RELATED TO THE DEFECTIVE PART MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. *AK

Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 23, 2005NJ

UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, AND BACKING OUT THE DRIVE WAY, CONSUMER SAW SMOKE, SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM UNDER DRIVER'S SEAT. CONSUMER THEN WENT INTO THE HOUSE TO GET WATER. UPON RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE IT WAS ENGULFED IN SMOKE, AND FIRE.*AK *BF *NM

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage
Filed Apr 29, 2005TN

CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR 1995 VOLVO 850 IN WHICH SHE SOLD. CONSUMER WANTS THE NEW OWNER CONTACTED IN REFERENCE TO THE RECALL.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR BEFORE THE CONSUMER SOLD THE VEHICLE SHE COMPLAINED OF A GAS ODOR, BUT THE DEALER ALWAYS STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire
Filed Feb 25, 2005168,000 milesIL

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE IT CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE FUEL LEAKAGE. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

Fuel System, Diesel › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Aug 23, 2004200,000 milesMO

GAS WAS LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND DUE TO HEAT SHIELD BEING PUNCTURED. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jul 30, 200495,204 milesAZ

I PURCHASED A USED VEHICLE AND FILLED THE TANK FULL UNTIL AUTO PUMP KICKED OFF, DROVE LESS THAN 1 MILE HOME AND PARKED IN THE GARGE. THE NEXT MORNING, GARAGE FILLED WITH GAS FUME ODOR, NO VISIBLE LEAK, RESEARCHED HAYNED REPAIR MANUAL, FOUND ACCESS COVER TO FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT AND FUEL PUMP INSIDE VEHICLE, REMOVED COVERS, FOUND FUEL LEAK AT FUEL PUMP COVER.*AK

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jun 23, 200488,000 milesTX

CONSUMER SAW/SMELLED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Mar 15, 2004FL

WHEN SHUTTING BOTH FRONTAL DOORS CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DOOR HINGES BROKE FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS CAUSING THE DOORS NOT TO CLOSE. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *AK

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed Mar 11, 2004NJ

CONSUMER'S HEATED SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE SEATS FABRIC CONTAINED THE FIRE. *AK *NM

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 15, 2004NJ

THE FRONT SEATS HAVE BROKEN THREE TIMES. THE BAND THAT KEEPS THE BACKS IN POSITION EITHER FAILS AND THE SEAT WILL NOT RETURN TO A PREVIOUS POSITION OR IT SLIPS AND FAILS TO ADJEST THE SEATS. THIS WAS FIXED AND PAID FOR TWICE. NOW WITHIN 15 MONTHS IT HAS FAILED AGAIN AND SMYTHE VOLVO WILL ONLY OFFER A 10% REDUCTION IN THE COST. THIS SHOULD LAST MONGER THEN 15 MONTHS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. WE WEIGH 124 AND 145 RESPECTIVELY. WE HAVEN'T ADJUSTED THE SEATS VERY OFTEN. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW COMMON THIS PROBLEM IS. VOLVO SAYS IT IS NOT COMMON. WE THINK IT IS DEFECTIVE REPAIR OR DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND THEY SHARE IN THE RESPONSIBILITY. PLEASE ADVISE.

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Control Unit/Module
Filed Sep 15, 2003120,000 milesCA

ABS/TRACKS SYSTEM FAILURE ON BOTH 1995, 850 AND 1998, V70. WHEN ABS/TRACK LIGHT(S) COMES ON, NO ABS/TRACK. LEFT FRONT WEEL MAY PULL WHEN BRAKING ON V70. VOLVO CORP. DOES NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM... MADE SEVERAL CALLS, HAD INSPECTION/SERVICE DONE BY "CERTIFIED VOLVO SERVICE TECHNICIAN," VOLVO WILL NOT ACCEPT PROBLEM...

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module
Filed Apr 7, 200381,500 milesVA

VOLVO 850 ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC MODULATOR PUMP DEVELOPED A SIGNIFICANT FLUID LEAK (3-6 OZ PER DAY, OR GREATER). THIS PART IS NON-REPAIRABLE AND MUST BE REPLACED AT GREAT COST (QUOTED $1900). AS A KEY BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENT, FAILURE OF THIS PART MAY CAUSE (1) SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF BRAKE FUNCTION DUE TO AIR & MOISTURE INTRUSION INTO THE BRAKE LINES, (2) NON-FUNCTIONING BRAKES WHEN GREATER AMOUNTS OF FLUID ARE SUDDENLY LOST, AND/OR (3) FIRE DANGER, WHEN DRIPPING BRAKE FLUID CONTACTS NEARBY EXHAUST MANIFOLD COMPONENTS. *JB

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 19, 200399,000 milesCA

THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT FROM ITS POSITION.*JB *TS

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Dec 9, 2002DC

NO SUMMARY. DT

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed Oct 15, 2002IL

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE DRIVERS SEAT STARTED GETTING HOT. THE SEAT HEATER BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. MR

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module1 injured
Filed Oct 8, 2002MA

THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVER WAS SITTING IN THE VEHICLE WITH THE ENGINE OFF. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE INSPECTORS FOR VOLVO STATED THERE WAS LIQUID IN THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND THEREFORE THEY WERE NOT LIABLE. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED FROM THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. *JB

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Sep 9, 2002CA

DEALER QUOTES $1600 TO REPLACE AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR. *AK

Electrical System › Horn
Filed Jun 4, 2002TN

THE FIRST TWO COMPLAINTS ARE ACTUALLY THE SAME PROBLEM (DISREGARD THE 1ST, "STEERING"). THIS PROBLEM IS CLEARLY THE MOST SIGNIFICANT OF ANY REPORTED; WE HAD TO DISCONNECT THE HORN PERMANENTLY. MECHANICS HAVE TOLD US THAT THE "HORN CONTACTS" WITHIN STEER. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Apr 15, 2002OH

ANITLOCK BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED WHILE DRIVING AT 68MPH, HIT BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN,WHEEL LOCKED, AND CAR SPAN OUT OF CONTROL.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Apr 12, 2002CA

HAD TO REPLACE AND SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM 5 TIMES, MECHANIC HAS NOT FOUND SOLUTION FOR MALFUNCTION. *AK

Air Bags › Side/WindowCrash
Filed Feb 14, 2002PA

SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN COLLISION WHERE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELLING AT LOW SPEED, AND STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE RUNNING STOP SIGN (IMPACT SPEED UNKNOWN). IMPACT WAS ON DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT FENDER AND DOOR

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 4, 2002CA

DRIVER LAP AND SHOULDER BELT DOES NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Electrical System › Horn
Filed Aug 30, 2001CA

GEAR POSITION SENSOR,S1 & S2 SOLENOIDS: VOLVO HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS DEFECT FOR SOME TIME AND SHOULD HAVE DECLARED A RECALL.( VOLVO EVEN LOST A SMALL CLAIMS SUIT IN CALIFORNIA OVER THIS FAILURE) WHILE VOLVO PAID $900 OF THE $1300 REPAIR BILL TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, THEY SHOULD HAVE PAID FOR THE WHOLE BILL. RE: HORN FAILURE, THE VOLVO MECHANICS SAID VOLVO HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ALSO, BUT REFUSES TO DO ANY THING ABOUT IT. MY CAR HAS NOT YET REACHED 50,000 MILES AND I HAVE HAD TO SPEND ABOUT $1,400 DOLLARS TO REPAIR A SUNROOF, REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL, AND FIX THE SOLENOIDS AND GEAR POSITION SENSORS. I BELIEVE VOLVO SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THESE EXPENDITURES. I HAVE BEEN A VOLVO OWNER SINCE 1972, AND I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER VOLVO AGAIN. FOR THE AMOUNT OF MONEY SPENT ON A VOLVO, I COULD HAVE HAD A RELIABLE CAR LIKE A SMALL LEXUS!*AK

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jul 25, 2001AR

ALTHOUGH THE TIRE REMAINS INFLATED, THE TREADS HAVE SPLIT OPEN EXPOSING THE BELTS. THE TIRE HAS NEVER BEEN USED.*AK (DOT NUMBER: B5FT294 TIRESIZE: T11570R15)

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Jun 4, 2001AR

WHEN BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED, DOOR LOCKS WOULD CYCLE TO LOCKED AND CENTER BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. WHE BRAKE PEDAL RELEASED, DOORS WOULD UNLOCK. POTENTIAL OF LOCKS FAILING IN EITHER POSITION. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Mar 25, 2001CA

ABS CONTROL MODULE BEGAN LEAKING BRAKE FLUID, REPLACEMENT COST WAS $1500, HOWEVER DEALER WOULD NOT HELP DUE TO VEHICLE BEING OUT OF WARRANTY. *JB

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Feb 15, 2001CA

ATTACHMENT KEEPS DOOR OPEN; IT'S A METAL PIVOT SPRING BETWEEN THE DOOR HINGES ON THE INSIDE AND COVERED BY A RUBBER BOOT. ONE YEAR AGO, THE DRIVER'S DOOR ATTACHMENT BROKE OFF FROM THE BODY AND ALSO BROKE ITSELF. THIS REQUIRED WELDING A NEW PART ONTO THE BODY FOR $300. LAST WEEK, THIS HAPPENED AGAIN TO THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE PART BROKE AND THE PIECE SEPARATED FROM THE PLACE WHERE IT JOINED TO THE BODY (EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE EARLIER FRONT DOOR BREAKAGE). THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT OR OTHER TRAUMA TO THAT SIDE. AS A RESULT, WHEN MY CHILDREN OPEN THE DOOR ON THAT SIDE, IT WON'T STAY OPEN, BUT SWINGS BACK CLOSED, POTENTIALLY HITTING THEIR LEGS. IN ADDITION, THE REPAIR ON THE FRONT DOOR IS STARTING TO GO - IT'S CREAKING AND THE METAL ON THE BODY IS FLEXING A LOT AS THE DOOR IS MOVED. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN DEFECT. BOTH THE DEALER AND VOLVO AMERICA INFORMED ME THAT SINCE I WAS OUT OR WARRANTY, THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING.*AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Jan 15, 2001TX

MY CAR BURNED COMPLETELY WITHIN 15-20 MINUTES AFTER LEAVING A CERTIFIED VOLVO DEALERSHIP DUE TO A FIRE. *AK

TiresCrash
Filed Nov 23, 2000WA

WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEED, I NOTED AN INCREASE IN VEHICLE INTERIOR NOISE. AUTO HANDLED NORMALLY AT THAT TIME. WITHIN PROBABLY LESS THAN A MINUTE IT WAS CLEAR THAT NOISE CHANGE WAS NOT RELATED TO ROAD SURFACE VARIATION, AND I STARTED TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF FREEWAY. WHILE DOING SO, TIRE BLEW OUT. CAR FISHTAILED ENDING UP AGAINST GUARDRAIL. TIRE BASICALLY DESTROYED. NO INDICATION OF DEBRIS IN ROAD AT TIME PROBLEM STARTED. I AM VEHICLE'S ORIGINAL OWNER. THIS TIRE HAD NEVER BEEN PUNCTURED OR REPAIRED AND HAD NEVER HAD A PERIOD OF UNDERINFLATION. TREAD INSPECTED BY DEALER AT ROUTINE SERVICE ABOUT 5 DAYS PRIOR AND WAS IN GREAT SHAPE. TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE WAS CHECKED BY ME APPROXIMATELY 12 HRS PRIOR TO EVENT AND WAS PROPER. VERY SCARY!! *AK (TIRESIZE: 195/60R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 195/60R15 )

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 6, 2000VA

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 19, 2000CA

THE SOLINOID TRANMISSION FAILED SO THAT IT CAN NOT ENGAGE THE FIRST GEAR. IT CAN ONLY ENGAGE THE SECOND GEAR AND THEREAFTER. I THINK VOLVO SHOULD RECALL THIS COMPONENT BECAUSE THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME IT FAILED TO MY CAR. EVEN THOUGH THE DEALER REPLACE A NEW ONE EVERY TIMEBUT IT FAILS A YEAR OR MORE AFTER THAT. IN A DURATION OF FIVE YEARS OWNERSHIP, THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME IT HAPPENS. IT COSTS ME A LOT OF TIME, MONEY AND HASSLE. I TALKED TO OTHER OWNERS AND THEY COMPLAIN THE SAME PROBLEM. THANK YOU.

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Sep 12, 2000CA

IGNITION COIL REPLACED. *SLC

Seats
Filed Aug 25, 2000PA

DRIVER SEAT RECLINED WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD NOT RETURN UPRIGHT.

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Aug 11, 2000WA

DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT RELEASE BUTTON GETS STUCK ,WILL NOT RELEASE CAUSING DRIVER TO BECOME TRAPPED IN SEAT.

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Jul 25, 2000WA

SEAT BELT RELEASE BUTTON WOULD NOT RELEASE BELT ON DRIVER'S SIDE. OCCUPANT TRAPPED IN SEAT BELT , THIS WAS REPORTED TO VOLVO AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WOULD NOT OCCUR AT THE TIME OF REPAIR. THIS OCCURRED TO THREE DIFFERENT DRIVERS DURING A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS. REPAIR SHOP PLACED GREASE INSIDE THE BUCKLE BUTTON TO REPAIR. VOLVO CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPERVISOR INDICATED VOLVO WOULD NOT REPLACE BECAUSE PROBLEM DID NOT REOCCURR IN THE SHOP. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly
Filed Jul 11, 2000CA

PHONED DEALERSHIP TWICE AND INFORMED THEM THAT I HAD DISCOVERED A CRACK IN MY CARS RADIATOR OVERFLOW CAP, AND ALSO NEEDED TO COME IN FOR SERVICE. MY CAR ENGINE BURNED UP AND FROZE ON THE WAY UP TO THE DEALERSHIP. APPEARANTLY THE CAP IT IS NOT A COVERED ITEM IN MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. DAMAGE CAUSED BY A NONE COVERED PART IS ALSO NOT APPLICABLE. THE DEALERSHIP MADE NO ATTEMPT TO WARN ME OF A POSSIBLE OVERHEAT FROM DRIVING MY CAR TO THEM. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $11,000 TO REPLACE ENGINE AND BURNT COMPONANTS. I SAW NO WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR TO ENGINE FREEZE.*AK

Air Bags › Side/WindowCrash1 injured
Filed May 12, 2000MD

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AT IMPACT SPEED OF 50 MPH, IMPACT LOCATION FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, IN WHICH NEITHER DRIVER'S SIDE NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER WAS INJURED. VOLVO SAYS THAT IMPACT WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO ACTIVATE AIR BAGS. *AK *ML

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Mar 15, 2000CA

DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER THE CONSUMER WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILED CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY, WHEN TAKEN TO THE GARAGE THE SERVICE MANAGER REMOVED AND REPLACED THE FUSE AND IT HAS WORK EVER SINCE. NLM

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Mar 6, 2000NJ

A/C CUTS OUT ON HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OVER 60. DEALER CANNOT FIND PROBLEM. BOTH FRONT ELEC. SEATS BROKEN REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT. RT FRONT BRAKE GRINDS AFTER LEFT TURN.

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Feb 14, 2000TX

AT 70 MPH, ON CRUISE CONTROL, HAVING BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY CONTINUOUSLY FOR 60+ MILES, THE CRUISE CONTROL CUT OUT, THROTTLE DID NOT RESPOND, SMOKE STARTED BILLOWING FROM BEHIND VEHICLE, ENGINE QUIT AND WITHIN APPROX. 10 SECONDS OF COMING TO STOP AND DRIVER EXITING VEHICLE, CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. CONTACTED VOLVO AND THEY REFUSED COMMENT AFTER THEIR INVESTIGATION.

Complaints 1-50 of 111, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1996
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20001000Routine
19992000Routine
1997107370Routine
19961923202Fatalities reported
1995 — this page111390Routine
199483330Routine
199373130Routine

Compare every 850 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 30, 2004. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.