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1986 Volvo 740Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 11 owner complaints about the 1986 Volvo 740, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints118 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 12, 2013. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1986 Volvo 740 has problems

11 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 system32
Engine and engine cooling33
Power train10
Seat belts11
Structure10
Fuel system, gasoline11
Engine10

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

4 recalls

1986 Volvo 740 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.

–no report yet

Front: anchorage

Recall 91V-075 · May 6, 1991 · 485 vehicles

Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SAFETY BELT MISUSE COULD CAUSE THE SEAT OCCUPANT TO FACE GREATER RISK OF INJURY IN A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE ACCIDENT IF AN INADVERTENT…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Driveline: driveshaft

Recall 89V-204 · Nov 17, 1989 · 38,000 vehicles

Risk. A SMALL LEAK COULD DEVELOP WHICH COULD, IN THE PRESENCEOF AN IGNITION SOURCE, RESULT IN A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Wiring: front underhood

Recall 87V-064 · May 11, 1987 · 106,602 vehicles

Risk. A SHORT CIRCUIT AND MALFUNCTIONING OF THE ELECTRICALSYSTEM, AS WELL AS CHARRING OF THE WIRING INSULATION, COULD RESULT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 740 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 740 median. How we score

'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'95'98'00'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1986 Volvo 740, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FUEL TANK/DRIVESHAFTPE89107 · closed Nov 21, 1989
    Led to recall 89V-204
In owners' words

What 740 owners report

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

PLASTIC MOULDING COVERING WIRES COMING OFF, ELECTRICAL WIRES ARE EXPOSED. MECHANIC DID NOT REPAIR DUE TO NOT BEING UNDER WARRANTY. *AK CONSUMER STATED DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRING PROBLEMS THIS CAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND PARKING LIGHTS TO BE INOPERATIVE AS WELL AS OTHER COMPONETS THAT…
Complaint 828203 · Sep 25, 1998
CONSUMER BELIEVES WIRING PROBLEM EXISTED WHICH CAUSED PLASTIC ODOR AND FIRE TO START WHEN CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM NEAR THE GEAR SHIFTER, FLAMES APPEARED AND THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WAS COMPLETELY INCINERATED, ENGINE RELATIVELY UNDAMAGED. *ET
Complaint 784441 · Jan 19, 2000
THIS PARTICULAR MODEL HAS DEFECTIVE BATTERY CABLE WHICH CAUSED A VEHICLE FIRE, HOWEVER VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO MODEL YEAR. (REPRESENTATIVE OF AUTO SHOP)
Complaint 516127 · Apr 1, 1997

Own a 1986 740?

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