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1996 Volvo 850Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 192 owner complaints about the 1996 Volvo 850, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

34
CarFlaw IndexUse caution2.0× the 850 median · #1 of 5 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints19241 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage97kService brakes, hydraulic, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 30, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Volvo 850 has problems

192 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
Service brakes, hydraulic464
Fuel system, gasoline230
Engine and engine cooling216
Electrical system188
Power train156
Seat belts112
Equipment110
Tires111
Structure100
15 other systems5314

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

2 recalls

1996 Volvo 850 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 assembly: seat heater/cooler

Recall 02V-314 · Nov 19, 2002 · 65,000 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT COULD CAUSE 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

1996 vs. every other 850 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 850 median. How we score

'93'94'95'96'97'99'00
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1996 Volvo 850 safety ratings

1996 Volvo 850 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
6 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1996 Volvo 850, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SEAT FIRESEA02019 · closed Dec 18, 2002
    Led to recall 02V-314
  2. FUEL TANK LEAKSEA03008 · closed Jul 28, 2004
    Led to recall 04V-368
  3. PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRESPE02029 · closed Aug 22, 2002
    No recall
  4. FUEL TANK LEAKSPE03003 · closed Jun 11, 2003
    No recall
  5. ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIREPE97045 · closed Feb 13, 1998
    No recall
  6. INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTPE99040 · closed Oct 27, 1999
    No recall
In owners' words

What 850 owners report

Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

1996 VOLVO 850 - ABS LIGHT INTERMITTENT - NOT SURE IF ABS IS WORKING OR NOT - TOLD BY VOLVO REPAIR SPECIALISTS THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE ON THE 96 & 97 MODELS - ALSO TOLD THAT ABS COMPUTER HAS TENDENCY TO BURN OUT RELATIVELY QUICKLY ON THIS MODEL & YEAR - TOLD TO GO AHEAD AND REPLACE IT -…
Complaint 10245467 · Oct 14, 2008 · 140,000 miles
HEAT GENERATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSES ABS CONTROL MODULE AND TRACTION CONTROL MODULE TO FAIL IN MY '96 VOLVO 850R. AS OF TODAY, THERE'S 3 MODULES ALREADY REPLACED (EACH COSTING $800). THE DEALER SAID THAT THE CONTROL MODULE FAILS BECAUSE IT'S NOT DESIGNED BY THE MANUFACTURER TO WITHSTAND…
Complaint 10198193 · Aug 1, 2007
AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Complaint 10111640 · Mar 28, 2005 · 96,000 miles

Own a 1996 850?

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