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1988 Volvo 740Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 16 owner complaints about the 1988 Volvo 740, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints1610 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem6Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 4, 2014. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Volvo 740 has problems

16 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 system64
Air bags43
Fuel system, gasoline22
Vehicle speed control20
Engine and engine cooling10
Visibility10

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

2 recalls

1988 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 →

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

1988 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 1988 Volvo 740, and the recalls they led to.

  1. BATTERY CABLE SHORTPE96019 · closed May 21, 1996
    Led to recall 96V-085
In owners' words

What 740 owners report

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

PE96-019 ACTIVE, ELECTRICAL SHORT, UNDER THE HOOD FIRE,AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE FOR 1/2 HOUR.*AK THE FIRE COMPLETELY DESTROYED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT UNDER THE HOOD, THE AUTOMOBILE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE.*JB
Complaint 986952 · Jul 29, 1996
VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR OVER TWO HOURS SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM HOOD AREA. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME, OPENED THE HOOD, AND IT BURSTED INTO FLAMES. IT MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A SHORT CIRCUT OF THE WIRE HARNESS. VOLVO HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
Complaint 869529 · Sep 5, 2000
DRIVING VEHICLE AT A SPEED OF 50MPH, VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT, IMPACT 6:00 POSITION. *AK
Complaint 801998 · Sep 9, 1996

Own a 1988 740?

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