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1997 Volvo 854Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 1997 Volvo 854, 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 complaints70 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage92kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 9, 2010. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Volvo 854 has problems

7 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 system40
Service brakes, hydraulic30
Steering10

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

2 recalls

1997 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

1997 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
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1997 Volvo 854, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SEAT FIRESEA02019 · closed Dec 18, 2002
    Led to recall 02V-314
In owners' words

What 854 owners report

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

THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT 3000 MILES AFTER PURCHASE BECAUSE THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED EVERY 5000 MILES UNTIL THE DEALER DISCOVERED THAT THE CAUSE WAS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *YH
Complaint 561656 · Jun 13, 2001

Own a 1997 854?

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