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1996 Volvo 854Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 1996 Volvo 854, most often about the fuel/propulsion 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 complaints50 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage225kFuel/propulsion system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 6, 2019. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Volvo 854 has problems

5 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
Fuel/propulsion system20
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Tires10

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

2 recalls

1996 Volvo 854 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 →

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control

Recall 96V-199 · Oct 11, 1996 · 12,530 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE POSITION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

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 854 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 854 median. How we score

'94'95'96'97
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1996 Volvo 854, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SEAT FIRESEA02019 · closed Dec 18, 2002
    Led to recall 02V-314
  2. FUEL TANK LEAKSPE03003 · closed Jun 11, 2003
    No recall
In owners' words

What 854 owners report

Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 VOLVO 854. WHEN THE CONTACT FILLED UP THE TANK WITH FUEL, HE SMELLED FUEL FUMES WITHOUT GETTING CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED DYER & DYER VOLVO CARS (5260 PEACHTREE BLVD, CHAMBLEE, GA 30341, [PHONE]) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE.…
Complaint 11184648 · Mar 6, 2019 · 225,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 VOLVO 854. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL PROGRESSING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…
Complaint 11091747 · May 4, 2018

Own a 1996 854?

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