Owners have filed 96 complaints
about the 1993 Volvo 850 with NHTSA between 1995 and 2008.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 33
Against the median year of the Volvo 850. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 70
13.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 57
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
233.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
116.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
116.7%
150,000+ miles
233.3%
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.
May 1995peak 6May 2008
NHTSA investigations into the 1993 Volvo 850
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.
EA03008Opened 11 Jun 2003Closed 28 Jul 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
FUEL TANK LEAKS
THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS WAS OPENED ON JUNE 11, 2003, BASED ON 54 REPORTS OF FUEL TANK LEAKS.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE 1993 THROUGH 1996 MODEL YEAR (MY) 850 VEHICLES. MODEL 850 WAS ALSO PRODUCED IN MY 1997 AND WAS INCLUDED IN THIS INVESTIGATION. ANALYSIS OF THE DATA REVEALS TWO DISTINCT ISSUES. FIRST, THE 1994 THROUGH 1997 MY VEHICLES STAND OUT BY ACCOUNTING FOR 95 PERCENT OF THE REPORTED LEAKS.THESE VEHICLES SHARE THE SAME FUEL TANK DESIGN (PN 9142618). THE 1993 MY VEHICLE USES A DIFFERENT FUEL TANK DESIGN (PN 9141101).SECONDLY, THE FAILURES OCCURRED PREDOMINANTLY IN HOT CLIMATES, E.G., CALI...
PE03003Opened 16 Jan 2003Closed 11 Jun 2003FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL TANK LEAKS
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THISINVESTIGATION ON JANUARY 16, 2003.THE BASIS FOR OPENING THE INVESTIGATION WAS 15 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING GASOLINE LEAKING FROM THE FUEL STORAGE TANK.VOLVO PROVIDED 43 ADDITIONAL REPORTS IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION, 4 OF WHICH WERE DUPLICATES OF THE 15 ODI REPORTS. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED FOR FURTHER STUDY.
Recalls on the 1993 Volvo 850
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
96E025000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE BLOCK HEATERS INSTALLED AS ACCESSORIES. THE BLOCK HEATER CONTACT SURFACE DOES NOT MATCH CORRECTLY WITH THE ENGINE BLOCK AS INTENDED. THE BLOCK HEATER COULD COME LOOSE FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK, AND IF BEING USED, COULD POSSIBLY OVERHEAT CAUSING DAMAGE IF IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH OTHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT COMPONENTS.
Risk: ENGINE COMPARTMENT DAMAGE COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Lacombe, LAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 VOLVO 850. AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE. TWO MINUTES LATER, THE HOOD BURST INTO FLAMES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. IT HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS ONLY COVERED FOR LIABILITY INSURANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10229332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newyork, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
DASHBOARD CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IN PARKING GARAGE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8017447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OHFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS
DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE, ONE OF TWO FACTORY INSTALLED "FOG LAMPS" BROKE OUT OF ITS HOLDING BRACKET AND STARTED A FIRE, WHICH BURNED THE PLASTIC FOR THE LAMP HOUSING. DEALERSHIP LATER REPAIRED AND REPLACED THE FOG LAMP. THEN, DURING THE BEGINNING OF AUGUST 2001, THE OTHER FOG LAMP BROKE LOOSE AND BEGAN TO BURN PLASTIC LAMP HOUSING. CONSUMER RECOGNIZED PROBLEM AND TURNED LIGHT OFF. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE FOR THE SECOND OCCURRENCE. *AK DEALER STATES THE SECOND OCCURRENCE WAS CAUSED BY FAULTY BRACKETS ALSO. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #898341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Island, NYCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DURING NORMAL BRAKE APPLICATION PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. NO RESPONSE FROM THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. TT
NHTSA complaint #975949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mamouth Junc, NJCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
HAD A REAREND COLLISION THAT PUSHED VEHICLE INTO ANOTHER CAR, DRIVERS AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT
NHTSA complaint #965529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mamouth Junc, NJCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
HAD A REAREND COLLISION THAT PUSHED VEHICLE INTO ANOTHER CAR, PASSENGERS AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT
NHTSA complaint #965529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lacombe, LAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 VOLVO 850. AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE. TWO MINUTES LATER, THE HOOD BURST INTO FLAMES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. IT HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS ONLY COVERED FOR LIABILITY INSURANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10229332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hooksett, NH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1993 VOLVO 850GLT ENGINE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. NEWSPAPER AD SAID 1999 THROUGH 2001, C70,S60,S80,V70 & V70XC. THE 850 WAS NEVER MENTIONED. HAVE HAD THE CAR SINCE 1998 & IT HAS HAPPENED FOUR TIMES. REAL SCARY, CAN IT BE FIXED?
NHTSA complaint #10171591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesDenver, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
GOOD EVENING;THIS IS MORE OF A QUESTION ABOUT A POTENTIAL VEHICLE THAT I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE. I AM INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A 1993 VOLVO 850 4 DOOR. SEDAN ,AUTO/A/C,4 CYL,LOADED. I WENT TO TEST DRIVE THE CAR AND THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHTS STAYED ON WHILE I DROVE THE CAR. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE LOT THE CAR STALLED,BUT RESTARTED RIGHT AWAY. THE USED CAR DEALER SAID THE CAR WAS LOW ON FUEL THAT'S WHY THE LIGHTS STAYED ON? I DOUBT THIS VERY MUCH!!ARE THERE ANY RECALLS ON THESE CARS FOR THIS PROBLEM?IF SO I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION. THANK YOU! JM
NHTSA complaint #10152813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesDenver, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
GOOD EVENING;THIS IS MORE OF A QUESTION ABOUT A POTENTIAL VEHICLE THAT I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE. I AM INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A 1993 VOLVO 850 4 DOOR. SEDAN ,AUTO/A/C,4 CYL,LOADED. I WENT TO TEST DRIVE THE CAR AND THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHTS STAYED ON WHILE I DROVE THE CAR. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE LOT THE CAR STALLED,BUT RESTARTED RIGHT AWAY. THE USED CAR DEALER SAID THE CAR WAS LOW ON FUEL THAT'S WHY THE LIGHTS STAYED ON? I DOUBT THIS VERY MUCH!!ARE THERE ANY RECALLS ON THESE CARS FOR THIS PROBLEM?IF SO I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION. THANK YOU! JM
NHTSA complaint #10152813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesRockaway, NJ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I HAVE A 1993 VOLVO 850. IT HAS BEEN STALLING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS, LOW SPEEDS, FOR OVER 10 YEARS. NO ONE HAS EVER FIXED THE PROBLEM. SINCE YOU ARE INVESTIGATING CURRENT VOLVO MODELS FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER INVESTIGATING THE OLDER MODELS.
NHTSA complaint #10131485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashua, NH
AIR BAGS
SRS LIGHT IS ON. BROUGHT TO LOVERING VOLVO AND THEY ADVISED THE WHOLE SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1200. IN READING PAST COMPLAINTS LISTED ON THIS SIGHT, I SEE QUITE A FEW ARIBAG PROBLEMS, ONE BEING THAT THE WIRES ARE CROSSED FROM PRODUCTION AND THAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. I ALSO SEE MANY COMPLAINTS THAT AIRBAGS ARE DEPLOYING FOR NO REASON....IS THIS BECAUSE OF THIS WIRING??? I THINK VOLVO NEEDS TO LOOK AT THIS ISSUE. RIGHT NOW I AM DRIVING WITHOUT AIRBAGS BECAUSE OF THE COST. I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE DOING THE SAME!! VOLVO NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE ASAP BEFORE A LAWSUIT ARISES!!
NHTSA complaint #10100022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tigard, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
NHTSA complaint #10021565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesSAN Luis Obispo, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE ENGINE WILL CEASE SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO A VOLVO DEALERSHIP TO BE FIXED, BUT THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING.
NHTSA complaint #10086281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesWarner Robins, GA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FAILED TRANSMISSION AFTER 45,000 MILES. EXTENDED WARRANTY REPLACED IT. FAILED CONTROL SWITCH FOR AIR CONDITIONING A/C AND EVAPORATOR UNIT AT 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #10037093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesWarner Robins, GA
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
FAILED TRANSMISSION AFTER 45,000 MILES. EXTENDED WARRANTY REPLACED IT. FAILED CONTROL SWITCH FOR AIR CONDITIONING A/C AND EVAPORATOR UNIT AT 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #10037093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fleetwood, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
1993 VOLVO 850 GLT HAS BEEN JUST "TURNING OFF" DURING DRIVING, 20-60 MPH. NEVER AT IDLE. YOU MUST COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURN THE KEY OFF AND RESTART THE CAR. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER TWICE AND MY LOCAL GARAGE TWICE AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL NOT CORRECTED. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION THAT ALMOST CREATED AN ACCIDENT THIS PAST WEEK. I RESEARCHED THE INTERNET TO SEE IF OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND I FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS.
NHTSA complaint #10032928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHILED BLADES WERE REPLACED, THE GASOLINE TANK WAS LEAKING, AND THE HOOD LATCHES WERE ADJUSTED.
NHTSA complaint #568577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER
CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHILED BLADES WERE REPLACED, THE GASOLINE TANK WAS LEAKING, AND THE HOOD LATCHES WERE ADJUSTED.
NHTSA complaint #568577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHILED BLADES WERE REPLACED, THE GASOLINE TANK WAS LEAKING, AND THE HOOD LATCHES WERE ADJUSTED.
NHTSA complaint #568577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
THE PLASTIC GASOLINE TANK LEAKED GASOLINE. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #567713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Staten Island, NY
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW, BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT VEHICLE BEING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS RESULTED IN DRIVER BEING BURNT ON THEIR NECK AND STOMACH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS
NHTSA complaint #8023575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomsburg, PA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT 99,000 AND NOW AT 27,000 ON THE ORGINAL VOLVO REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION I HAVE TO REPLACE THE SECOND TRANSMISSION. THIS TRANSMISSION OF THE 850 VOLVO IS A LEMON.
NHTSA complaint #767578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newyork, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
DASHBOARD CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IN PARKING GARAGE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8017447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CONSUMER WAS JACKING VEHICLE UP AND JACK BROKE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #8016467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anaheim, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK, DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, CONSUMER STATES THAT CLOSE EXAMINATION SHOWED THE PLASTIC CASING WAS DISENTEGRATING, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #566450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anaheim, CA
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER CYCLES OFF AND ON TOO FREQUENTLY, DEALER STATED SYSTEM WAS LOW ON FREON CHARGE AND INSPECTED FOR LEAKS, HOWEVER COULD NOT FIND ANY. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #566450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Cruz, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
REPLACED 7 TIRES. TOO MANY FOR LOW MILES. VOLVO FRONT END CAUSES EXCESSIVE WEAR?*AK (TIRESIZE: 195/60VR15)
NHTSA complaint #759415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Cruz, CA
TIRES
REPLACED 7 TIRES. TOO MANY FOR LOW MILES. VOLVO FRONT END CAUSES EXCESSIVE WEAR?*AK (TIRESIZE: 195/60VR15)
NHTSA complaint #759415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancleave, AL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
DRIVER'S SIDE BELT WILL NOT ENGAGE, REAR LEFT BELT WILL NOT DISENGAGE, REAR RIGHT BELT VERY HARD TO DISENGAGE.
NHTSA complaint #757870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntsville, AL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
WHILE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT IS LOCKED IN PLACE, IT WOULD UNLOCK WHEN LEANING FORWARD. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #8002375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.