NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
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.
Apr 1995peak 13Dec 2014
NHTSA investigations into the 1989 Volvo 740
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.
PE96019Opened 4 Mar 1996Closed 21 May 1996ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
BATTERY CABLE SHORT
BATTERY CABLES MAY SUFFER INSULATION DAMAGE THAT COULD RESULT IN A ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Recalls on the 1989 Volvo 740
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
91V075000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SAFETY BELTS ARE DESIGNED TO BE ROUTED UNDER A DIAGONAL CROSS BRACE DURING FASTENING. THE INSTRUCTIONAL LABELS FOR THE BELT ROUTING ARE INADEQUATE, AND CAN RESULT IN INADVERTENT RELEASE OF THE BELT BUCKLE.
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SAFETY BELT MISUSE COULD CAUSE THE SEAT OCCUPANT TO FACE GREATER RISK OF INJURY IN A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE ACCIDENT IF AN INADVERTENT RELEASE OF THE SAFETY BELT OCCURRED.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Buffalo, NY1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
I ENTERED MY CAR AND PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. WHEN I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE ENGINE, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. MY LEFT HAND WAS RESTING ON THE STEERING WHELL AS I TURNED THE KEY. THE AIR BAG RIPPED MY WATCH FROM MY WRIST AND LACERATED THE WRIST IN NUMEROUS PLACES. MY NECK, CHEST AND BOTH ARMS WERE ABRAISED. VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA WAS NOTIFIED. THEY SENT A "TECHNICAL SPECIALIST TO INSPECT THE CAR. VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA SENT ME A REPORT OF HIS FINDINGS WHICH STATED, "OUR TECNHICAL SPECIALIST DID OBSERVE THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT FLOORING HAD SIGNS OF EXTENSIVE WATER DAMAGE AND THAT THE SRS SENSOR WAS HEAVILY CORRODED DUE TO THE EXPOSURE TO WATER. IT IS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SENSOR THAT CAUSED THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY." I LIVE IN BUFFALO, NEW YORK. WE RECEIVE LARGE AMOUNTS OF SNOW IN THE WINTER. IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO HAVE WATER ACCUMULATE ON THE FRONT FLOORING. THE SENSOR IS LOCATED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT. ONE WOULD EXPECT THAT IT WOULD BE SUBJECTED TO THE ACCUMULATED WATER. THE QUESTION ARISES IN MY MIND WHY IS SUCH A CRITICAL SENSOR PLACED IN AN AREA THAT IS VULNERABLE TO WATER CORROSION? IT APPEARS TO ME TO BE A DESIGN ERROR. MY AUTO IS 13 YEARS OLD AND HAS OVER 200,000 MILES ON IT. MAYBE IT TAKES THAT LONG TO CORROD. THE POINT IS THAT IT DID BECAUSE IT WAS ON THE FLOOR WHERE WATER CAN SOAK THE CARPETING. I SHUTTER TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE RESULT IF I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MILES PER HOUR WHEN IT DEPLOYED. ONE THING WOULD BE CERTAIN, I WOULDN'T BE WRITING THIS LETTER. I WOULD LIKE VOLVO TO REPLACE MY STEERING WHEEL WITH A NEW BAG AND A NEW SENSOR. I ALSO THINK THEY SHOULD CONSIDER PLACING THE SENSOR IN A MORE SECURE AREA. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
NHTSA complaint #762690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chino Hills, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE REAR WHILE DRIVING, PRIOR TO THIS FIRE THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PLAGUED WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS AND SHORT CIRCUITS, NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #561576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, KYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
FIRE--SHORT CIRCUIT CAUSED BY BATTERY CABLES.
NHTSA complaint #508083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
BATTERY CABLES FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE RESULTING IN ELECTRICAL FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #532626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unknown, UNFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE FAILED RESULTING IN FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #539947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilkes Barre, PA1 injured
AIR BAGS
FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG, CAUSING BURNS ON BOTH ARMS, FACE, AND CHEST.
NHTSA complaint #514904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 205,000 milesNEW York, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE BRAKING AT THIS SPEED OR HIGHER THE CAR STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHACK AND PULL TO THE LEFT. TOOK IT TO VOLVO AND THEY SAID THE CALIBER WAS NOT RELEASING PROPERLY. HAD CALIBERS REPLACED SEVERAL YEARS PRIOR DUE TO A SIMILAR MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA complaint #10669236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 VOLVO 740. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXCESSIVELY OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED AN OIL LEAK UNDER THE HOOD. WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PC VALVE FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10239177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Babylon, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH VOLVOVILLE USA FOR RECALL CAMPAIGN 96V08500 FOR DATE BELOW. SHOWED UP ON TIME AND PROVIDED VIN # FOR VEHICLE THAT WAS PURCHASED FROM VOLVOVILLE (AS A NEW CAR BY MY WIFE PENNIE WILFONG ) AND ALL OTHER DATA REQUESTED BY SERVICE WRITER. I STATED I WAS NOT INTERESTED IN ANY OTHER SERVICE AND ONLY WANTED THE RECALL ITEM TAKEN CARE OF. THE SERVICE WRITER WENT INTO HER DATABASE AND INFORMED ME THERE WAS NOTHING THERE AND DID NOT PROVIDE ANY EXPLANATION EVEN WHEN ONE WAS REQUESTED. THE CAR WAS NEVER IN THE SERVICE BAY FOR INSPECTION BY A FACTORY TRAINED TECHNICIAN I FEEL THAT SINCE I WAS NOT INTERESTED IN SPENDING ANY MONEY THAT DAY, THAT VOLVOVILLE USA WAS NOT WILLING TO HAVE A SERVICE TECHNICIAN CHECK OUT MY VEHICLE. PLEASE HAVE AN EXPLANATION PROVIDED OR HAVE THE CAR EXAMINED AS PER THE SAFTEY RECALL ISSUED BY NHSTA. THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10100165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Verona, NJ
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A MECHANICAL FAILURE IN THE TRANSMISSION WHICH AN CAUSED ACCIDENT.(OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT 10-89-312)
NHTSA complaint #567676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, NY1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
I ENTERED MY CAR AND PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. WHEN I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE ENGINE, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. MY LEFT HAND WAS RESTING ON THE STEERING WHELL AS I TURNED THE KEY. THE AIR BAG RIPPED MY WATCH FROM MY WRIST AND LACERATED THE WRIST IN NUMEROUS PLACES. MY NECK, CHEST AND BOTH ARMS WERE ABRAISED. VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA WAS NOTIFIED. THEY SENT A "TECHNICAL SPECIALIST TO INSPECT THE CAR. VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA SENT ME A REPORT OF HIS FINDINGS WHICH STATED, "OUR TECNHICAL SPECIALIST DID OBSERVE THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT FLOORING HAD SIGNS OF EXTENSIVE WATER DAMAGE AND THAT THE SRS SENSOR WAS HEAVILY CORRODED DUE TO THE EXPOSURE TO WATER. IT IS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SENSOR THAT CAUSED THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY." I LIVE IN BUFFALO, NEW YORK. WE RECEIVE LARGE AMOUNTS OF SNOW IN THE WINTER. IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO HAVE WATER ACCUMULATE ON THE FRONT FLOORING. THE SENSOR IS LOCATED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT. ONE WOULD EXPECT THAT IT WOULD BE SUBJECTED TO THE ACCUMULATED WATER. THE QUESTION ARISES IN MY MIND WHY IS SUCH A CRITICAL SENSOR PLACED IN AN AREA THAT IS VULNERABLE TO WATER CORROSION? IT APPEARS TO ME TO BE A DESIGN ERROR. MY AUTO IS 13 YEARS OLD AND HAS OVER 200,000 MILES ON IT. MAYBE IT TAKES THAT LONG TO CORROD. THE POINT IS THAT IT DID BECAUSE IT WAS ON THE FLOOR WHERE WATER CAN SOAK THE CARPETING. I SHUTTER TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE RESULT IF I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MILES PER HOUR WHEN IT DEPLOYED. ONE THING WOULD BE CERTAIN, I WOULDN'T BE WRITING THIS LETTER. I WOULD LIKE VOLVO TO REPLACE MY STEERING WHEEL WITH A NEW BAG AND A NEW SENSOR. I ALSO THINK THEY SHOULD CONSIDER PLACING THE SENSOR IN A MORE SECURE AREA. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
NHTSA complaint #762690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Augustine, FL
TIRES
4 TIRES DELAMINATE---DEALER JUST GAVE ME A PRO RATING WOULD NOT REPLACE FREE EVEN THOUGH ITS OBVIOUS THE TIRES ARE CRAP. *AK (TIRESIZE: 205/60/15)
NHTSA complaint #752922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chino Hills, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE REAR WHILE DRIVING, PRIOR TO THIS FIRE THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PLAGUED WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS AND SHORT CIRCUITS, NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #561576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dunedin, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #744557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deatsville, AL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS BRAKE SYSTEM MAKES SOME STRANGE SOUNDS AND VIBRATION AT LOW SPEEDS OR STOPPING. YH
NHTSA complaint #782002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MT. Vernon, NH
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AT 40 MPH AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. VOLVO MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #862038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boca Raton, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEICLE STOPPED, FAILED TO FUNCTION DUE TO FAULTY TIMING BELT. HAD TO BE TOWED TO MECHANIC.
NHTSA complaint #850312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boca Raton, FL
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
VEICLE STOPPED, FAILED TO FUNCTION DUE TO FAULTY TIMING BELT. HAD TO BE TOWED TO MECHANIC.
NHTSA complaint #850312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE TIMING BELT HAD BROKEN WHILE WAITING AT STOP LIGHT. HAD STARTED FORWARD WHEN VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. WAS TOWED TO MECHANIC & WAS INFORMED THE PROBLEM WAS THE TIMING GEAR. THE TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #849602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, KYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
FIRE--SHORT CIRCUIT CAUSED BY BATTERY CABLES.
NHTSA complaint #508083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
BATTERY CABLES FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE RESULTING IN ELECTRICAL FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #532626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deatsville, AL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS BRAKE SYSTEM MAKES SOME STRANGE SOUNDS AND VIBRATION AT LOW SPEEDS OR STOPPING. YH
NHTSA complaint #782002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unknown, UNFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE FAILED RESULTING IN FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #539947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oradell, NJ
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
AIR CONDITIONER DESIGN IS DEFECTIVE. IT WAS DESIGNED TO BRING INTO VEHICLE COOL AIR. THE ENGINE DESIGN IS CURVED, PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE COILS. MANUFACTURER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #824606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE VEHICLE HAD SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE PUTTING CAR INTO GEAR WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE.
NHTSA complaint #521648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilkes Barre, PA1 injured
AIR BAGS
FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG, CAUSING BURNS ON BOTH ARMS, FACE, AND CHEST.
NHTSA complaint #514904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilkes Barre, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DASHBOARD CRACKED.
NHTSA complaint #514904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, NYFire
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
STARTED VEHICLE, BRUSHED SNOW OFF VEHICLE, OPENED DOOR & NOTICED DARK GREY SMOKE NEAR GEAR SHIFT AREA, TRIED PUTTING SMOKE OUT, FLAMES SHOT OUT. FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT IN LEFT FRONT SEAT HEATER SWITCH. VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #807354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mahopac, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
INTERMITTENT STALLING.
NHTSA complaint #510376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cape Elizabeth, MEFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #512524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ANTILOCK BRAKE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #510414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.