Menu

1997 Volvo 850Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 107 owner complaints about the 1997 Volvo 850, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

50
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.0× the 850 median · #3 of 5 years by complaints
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints10716 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage73kService brakes, hydraulic, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 24, 2016. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Volvo 850 has problems

107 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, hydraulic252
Electrical system132
Seats106
Tires91
Service brakes, air80
Seat belts70
Visibility71
Steering60
Vehicle speed control62
14 other systems431

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

3 recalls

1997 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

1997 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

1997 Volvo 850 safety ratings

1997 Volvo 850 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

1997 Volvo 850 side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrierNot rated
  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1997 Volvo 850, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SEAT FIRESEA02019 · closed Dec 18, 2002
    Led to recall 02V-314
  2. PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRESPE02029 · closed Aug 22, 2002
    No recall
  3. 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.

ABS MODULE FAILED. LOOKS LIKE MAJOR DEALER REPAIR. THIS IS A MAJOR COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH AND NO LONGER TREATED AS AN ACCESSORY ITEM. FOR THESE DEVICES TO BE CONSIDERED AN "ACCESSORY" THEY SHOULD THEN BE MADE AS USER REPLACEABLE WHICH IS NOT THE CASE. THEN AGAIN, IS…
Complaint 10253657 · Jan 3, 2009 · 50,000 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 VOLVO 850 WAGON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE STATION FOR TIRE REPAIR AND THE FOLLOWING FAILURES WERE DISCOVERED: BOTH REAR BRAKES AND CALIPERS WERE SEIZED AND COMPLETELY INOPERABLE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ALSO INOPERABLE, AND BOTH FRONT INNER AND OUTER TIE RODS…
Complaint 10234149 · Jul 14, 2008 · 127,700 miles
ABS TRACTION CONTROLLER FAILURE ON MY 1997 VOLOV 850 REQUIRING REPLACEMENT COSTING APPROX. $750. THE REPAIR SHOP I USE WORKS EXCLUSIVELY ON VOLVOS AND HAS INDICATED TO ME THAT THEY HAVE ON AVERAGE ONE SUCH FAILURE AND CUSTOMER REPAIR EACH WEEK. THE REPAIR SHOP IS HUBBARD WOODS MOTORS, 985 GREENBAY…
Complaint 10093911 · Oct 11, 2004 · 57,183 miles

Own a 1997 850?

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