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1997 Volvo WIAProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 1997 Volvo WIA, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 6 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls6Free fix at dealersOwner complaints80 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem5Suspension

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 11, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Volvo WIA has problems

8 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
Suspension50
Structure30
Electrical system10
Power train10
Visibility10

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

6 recalls

1997 Volvo WIA 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

Tail lights: switch

Recall 02V-238 · Sep 9, 2002 · 5,532 vehicles

Risk. IT MAY NOT ALLOW THE DRIVER OF A REARWARD APPROACHING VEHICLE TO HAVE FULL VIEW OF THE LAMPS.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls
–no report yet

Front: wheel bearing

Recall 97V-212 · Nov 17, 1997 · 923 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE JAM NUT AND WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTING NUT CAN BACK OFF THE SPINDLE ALLOWING THE WHEEL AND THE BRAKE DRUM ASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Structure: body

Recall 97V-023 · Feb 24, 1997 · 1,928 vehicles

Risk. PERSONS NOT USING THE SEQUENCE AND PROCESS DURING CAB ENTRY OR EXIT OR WHEN USING THE OPTIONAL BACK OF CAB ACCESS MAY SLIP AND/OR FALL CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.

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 WIA 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 WIA median. How we score

'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

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

  1. FRAME BENDINGDP01004 · closed Mar 18, 2002
    No recall
In owners' words

What WIA owners report

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

THERE IS CONSTANT SHAKING IN FRONT END OF VEHICLE AND IN STEERING WHEEL, AT ANY SPEED. DEALER HAS REPLACED TIRES AND ALIGNED VEHICLE. DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. NLM CONSUMER ADDS THAT THE VEHICLE IS STILL SHAKING VIOLENTLY. *TT
Complaint 8007839 · Apr 17, 2002
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THERE IS VIBRATION WITHIN THE FRAME, TIRE IS WORN OUT. VECHICLE ISN'T STAYING ON TRACK, IT KEEPS GOING INTO OTHER LANES. ALSO, FRAME IS BENT. *AK THE CONSUMER POINTS OUT THAT THE APPEAL FORUM IS HELPFUL BUT THERE SHOULD BE A METHOD FOR CONSUMERS TO REACH THE MANUFACTURERS…
Complaint 845406 · Aug 19, 1999
CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE TRUCK STARTED TO PULL VERY HARD TO THE LEFT AND CONSUMER HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME STOPPING THE TRUCK, ONCE THE TRUCK WAS UNDER CONTROL, CONSUMER GOT OUT AND NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT STEER TIRE WAS WORN DOWN TO THE VERY OUTSIDE EDGE TO THE THREAD, ON A SEPARATE…
Complaint 565912 · May 30, 2002

Own a 1997 WIA?

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