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1986 Volvo 240Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 1986 Volvo 240, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints126 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem4Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 2, 2017. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1986 Volvo 240 has problems

12 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 system40
Exterior lighting31
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Power train20
Vehicle speed control21
Seats21
Structure10
Tires11
Visibility10
6 other systems60

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

1 recall

1986 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

1986 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
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1986 Volvo 240, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FUEL SYSTEM RELIABILITYDP89009 · closed Oct 18, 1989
    No recall
In owners' words

What 240 owners report

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

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD…
Complaint 781540 · Nov 11, 1998

Own a 1986 240?

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