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FaultScore report

1986 Volvo 240 problems

Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 1986 Volvo 240 with NHTSA between 1995 and 2017. The largest single group is the lights.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Volvo 240
—

Not graded

Too few complaints, or too short a model run, to compare fairly.

How this is worked out

The numbers

29

Complaints

1

Crashes reported

2

Fires reported

3

Injuries reported

How 1986 compares with every other Volvo 240

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1986 Volvo 240

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Lights 5 17.2%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 155,000 mi

Electrical System 4 13.8%
Engine & Cooling 4 13.8%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 3 10.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Seats 2 6.9%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Brakes 2 6.9%
Transmission & Drivetrain 2 6.9%
Equipment & Accessories 1 3.4%
Seat Belts 1 3.4%
Wheels 1 3.4%
Tires 1 3.4%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 3.4%
Fuel & Propulsion 1 3.4%
Body & Structure 1 3.4%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Jun 1995 peak 16 Jun 2017

NHTSA investigations into the 1986 Volvo 240

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

DP89009 Opened 13 Jun 1989 Closed 18 Oct 1989 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

FUEL SYSTEM RELIABILITY

FUEL SYSTEM RELIABILITY

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 155,000 miles Torrance, CA Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I OWNED A 1986 240 GL VOLVO 4 DOOR SEDAN. ONE NIGHT LAST MONTH MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME AND WITHIN A BLOCK OF OUR HOUSE SHE NOTICED A FIRE ON THE BACK OF THE CAR. THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS ON FIRE. I CONTACTED VOLVO USA AND ABOUT A MONTH LATER THEY HAD AN "EXPERT" INSPECT OUR CAR. THEY WILL NOT GIVE ME A WRITTEN REPORT. THE EXECUTIVE, JOSEPH (VOLVO9@MAILMW.CUSTHELP.COM) CALLED ME AND LEFT A MESSAGE SAYING THAT WE HAD TOO LARGE OF A FUSE IN THE FUSE BLOCK AND THIS IS WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. I'VE TRIED REPEATEDLY TO TELL THEM THAT TOO LARGE OF A FUSE DIDN'T CAUSE THE DEAD SHORT FIRE ON OUR TAIL LIGHT. I GOOGLED TAIL LIGHT FIRES ON VOLVO'S AND FOUND SEVERAL PAGES. I'VE HAD TO SCRAP THE CAR. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER WASN'T SHOCKED TO SEE THE MELTED TAIL LIGHT ON MY VOLVO. HE TOLD ME HE HAD A 1984 VOLVO JUST LIKE MINE AS HIS FIRST CAR. HE SAID HIS TOO HAD THE SAME MELTED TAIL LIGHT FIRE AS MINE.

NHTSA complaint #10992940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Burr Ridge, IL 1 injured

TIRES

WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE, CONSUMER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES.(NO TIRE INFO GIVEN.(OHIO CRASH TRAFFIC REPORT)

NHTSA complaint #567284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lenox, MA Fire 1 injured

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

UPON DEPRESSING DRIVER'S SEAT WARMER BUTTON, DRIVER SMELLED BURNING ODOR FOLLOWED BY FLAMES BELOW DRIVER'S SEAT, VEHICLE TOTALLY DESTROYED, INJURY TO CONSUMER.

NHTSA complaint #544514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LOS Angeles, CA Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SUDDEN AND UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/INJURIES AFTER RECALL (86V-129).

NHTSA complaint #984454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 155,000 miles Torrance, CA Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I OWNED A 1986 240 GL VOLVO 4 DOOR SEDAN. ONE NIGHT LAST MONTH MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME AND WITHIN A BLOCK OF OUR HOUSE SHE NOTICED A FIRE ON THE BACK OF THE CAR. THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS ON FIRE. I CONTACTED VOLVO USA AND ABOUT A MONTH LATER THEY HAD AN "EXPERT" INSPECT OUR CAR. THEY WILL NOT GIVE ME A WRITTEN REPORT. THE EXECUTIVE, JOSEPH (VOLVO9@MAILMW.CUSTHELP.COM) CALLED ME AND LEFT A MESSAGE SAYING THAT WE HAD TOO LARGE OF A FUSE IN THE FUSE BLOCK AND THIS IS WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. I'VE TRIED REPEATEDLY TO TELL THEM THAT TOO LARGE OF A FUSE DIDN'T CAUSE THE DEAD SHORT FIRE ON OUR TAIL LIGHT. I GOOGLED TAIL LIGHT FIRES ON VOLVO'S AND FOUND SEVERAL PAGES. I'VE HAD TO SCRAP THE CAR. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER WASN'T SHOCKED TO SEE THE MELTED TAIL LIGHT ON MY VOLVO. HE TOLD ME HE HAD A 1984 VOLVO JUST LIKE MINE AS HIS FIRST CAR. HE SAID HIS TOO HAD THE SAME MELTED TAIL LIGHT FIRE AS MINE.

NHTSA complaint #10992940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washington, DC

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES BRAKE PEDAL PROCEEDED TO THE FLOOR AFTER DRIVING AT LEAST 12 MILES. DEALER NOTIFIED.

NHTSA complaint #10031239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Burr Ridge, IL 1 injured

TIRES

WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE, CONSUMER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES.(NO TIRE INFO GIVEN.(OHIO CRASH TRAFFIC REPORT)

NHTSA complaint #567284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Riceville, TN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #738530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Riceville, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #738530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Riceville, TN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #738530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Diego, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

WIRING HARNESS HAS DETERIORATED. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.

NHTSA complaint #848526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lenox, MA Fire 1 injured

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

UPON DEPRESSING DRIVER'S SEAT WARMER BUTTON, DRIVER SMELLED BURNING ODOR FOLLOWED BY FLAMES BELOW DRIVER'S SEAT, VEHICLE TOTALLY DESTROYED, INJURY TO CONSUMER.

NHTSA complaint #544514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ST James, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

WIRING IS FAILING BOTH INSIDE AND OUT,LIGHTS MOTOR ECT!!!!

NHTSA complaint #704411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmdale, CA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUNVISOR/ROCKER PANEL TRIM MOLDING AROUND WHEEL WELLS/VENT LINE FOR GAS TANK, AND ALTERNATOR FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #781540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmdale, CA

POWER TRAIN

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUNVISOR/ROCKER PANEL TRIM MOLDING AROUND WHEEL WELLS/VENT LINE FOR GAS TANK, AND ALTERNATOR FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #781540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmdale, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUNVISOR/ROCKER PANEL TRIM MOLDING AROUND WHEEL WELLS/VENT LINE FOR GAS TANK, AND ALTERNATOR FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #781540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmdale, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUNVISOR/ROCKER PANEL TRIM MOLDING AROUND WHEEL WELLS/VENT LINE FOR GAS TANK, AND ALTERNATOR FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #781540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmdale, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUNVISOR/ROCKER PANEL TRIM MOLDING AROUND WHEEL WELLS/VENT LINE FOR GAS TANK, AND ALTERNATOR FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #781540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmdale, CA

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUNVISOR/ROCKER PANEL TRIM MOLDING AROUND WHEEL WELLS/VENT LINE FOR GAS TANK, AND ALTERNATOR FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #781540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmdale, CA

INTERIOR LIGHTING

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUNVISOR/ROCKER PANEL TRIM MOLDING AROUND WHEEL WELLS/VENT LINE FOR GAS TANK, AND ALTERNATOR FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #781540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmdale, CA

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUNVISOR/ROCKER PANEL TRIM MOLDING AROUND WHEEL WELLS/VENT LINE FOR GAS TANK, AND ALTERNATOR FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #781540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmdale, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUNVISOR/ROCKER PANEL TRIM MOLDING AROUND WHEEL WELLS/VENT LINE FOR GAS TANK, AND ALTERNATOR FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #781540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmdale, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUNVISOR/ROCKER PANEL TRIM MOLDING AROUND WHEEL WELLS/VENT LINE FOR GAS TANK, AND ALTERNATOR FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #781540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmdale, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUNVISOR/ROCKER PANEL TRIM MOLDING AROUND WHEEL WELLS/VENT LINE FOR GAS TANK, AND ALTERNATOR FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #781540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmdale, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUNVISOR/ROCKER PANEL TRIM MOLDING AROUND WHEEL WELLS/VENT LINE FOR GAS TANK, AND ALTERNATOR FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #781540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmdale, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUNVISOR/ROCKER PANEL TRIM MOLDING AROUND WHEEL WELLS/VENT LINE FOR GAS TANK, AND ALTERNATOR FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #781540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmdale, CA

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:INTERIOR

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUNVISOR/ROCKER PANEL TRIM MOLDING AROUND WHEEL WELLS/VENT LINE FOR GAS TANK, AND ALTERNATOR FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #781540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmdale, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUNVISOR/ROCKER PANEL TRIM MOLDING AROUND WHEEL WELLS/VENT LINE FOR GAS TANK, AND ALTERNATOR FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #781540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Elsers, FL

POWER TRAIN

SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T WORK .

NHTSA complaint #830291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.