Menu

1985 Volvo 240Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 1985 Volvo 240, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints41 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage188kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 29, 2004. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1985 Volvo 240 has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system20
Engine and engine cooling10
Power train10
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Vehicle speed control11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1985 Volvo 240 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volvo.

Best & worst years

1985 vs. every other 240 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 240 median. How we score

'75'76'80'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1985 Volvo 240, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FUEL SYSTEM RELIABILITYDP89009 · closed Oct 18, 1989
    No recall
  2. SUDDEN ACCELERATIONPE86050 · closed Oct 1, 1986
    Led to recall 86V-129
In owners' words

What 240 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

FOLLOWING MULTIPLE BREAKDOWNS FAILED INSULATION ON EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM AND ALTERNATOR WERE FOUND. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO FIRE AND HAVE TAKEN THE CAR OFF THE ROAD PENDING REPAIR. I SEARCHED GOOGLE FOR VOLVO…
Complaint 10068043 · Apr 29, 2004 · 188,192 miles

Own a 1985 240?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.