Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 17 of 83 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Electrical System. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
6 crash reports3 fire reports9 injury reports
What owners actually said
83 reports
120,000 miles · Aug 4, 2005
Electrical System
RECENTLY READ AN ARTICLE IN USA TODAY ABOUT VOLVO'S STALLING, LOSING SPEED AND ETC. THAT PERFECTLY DESCRIBES MY PROBLEM WITH MY 1994 VOLVO 850 SEDAN. OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS WE HAVE HAD VERY SIMILAR OCCURRENCES WITH OUR CAR LOSING SPEED AND DYING IN TRAFFIC. AFTER EACH INCIDENT IT HAS RESTARTED AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES AND WIL…
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RECENTLY READ AN ARTICLE IN USA TODAY ABOUT VOLVO'S STALLING, LOSING SPEED AND ETC. THAT PERFECTLY DESCRIBES MY PROBLEM WITH MY 1994 VOLVO 850 SEDAN. OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS WE HAVE HAD VERY SIMILAR OCCURRENCES WITH OUR CAR LOSING SPEED AND DYING IN TRAFFIC. AFTER EACH INCIDENT IT HAS RESTARTED AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES AND WILL NOT REPEAT THE FAILURE WITH ANY FREQUENCY. I HAVE HAD THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND TO A VOLVO DEALERSHIP. BOTH PLACES HAVE NO CLUE WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM AND SINCE WE CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM IT MAKES IT MORE DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE. I REALIZE THE INVESTIGATION IS FOR THE YEAR 1999 - 2001 BUT I HOPE THERE ARE OTHERS OUT THERE LIKE ME AND YOU MIGHT CONSIDER EXTENDING THE NUMBER OF YEARS YOUR ARE INVESTIGATING. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10131600
130,000 miles · Jul 29, 2005
Power TrainWheels
DT: WHILE HE WAS IN A PARKING LOT THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL FELL OFF. THE BOLTS THAT HELD THE FRONT ASSEMBLY BROKE OFF, AND THE AXLE BROKE. DEALER SAID HE SAW THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. ANOTHER DEALER SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM, AND GAVE HIM THEIR PHONE NUMBER. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10130550
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2005
Fuel System, Gasoline
LTR FM OWNER OF A VOLVO WHO REPAIRED LINK IN THE GAS TANK SEAL. CONSUMER SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT REPAIR COVERED BY RECALL.*MR *NM
NHTSA ODI #10125798
131,000 miles · Apr 2, 2005
SeatsFire
1. SEATS FELT VERY HOT TO THE POINT OF BURNING. HAD TO TURN HEATER OFF. . BURNED HOLES IN BOTH SEATS AND IN COAT OF PASSENGER. 3. SEAT HEATERS REPLACED. ONE ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO BY VOLVO DEALER. PART WAS NOT RETURNED. OTHER HEATER REPLACED LAST MONTH BY LOCAL GARAGE. I HAVE OLD HEATER, WHICH HAS A BARE WIRE STICKING OUT…
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1. SEATS FELT VERY HOT TO THE POINT OF BURNING. HAD TO TURN HEATER OFF. . BURNED HOLES IN BOTH SEATS AND IN COAT OF PASSENGER. 3. SEAT HEATERS REPLACED. ONE ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO BY VOLVO DEALER. PART WAS NOT RETURNED. OTHER HEATER REPLACED LAST MONTH BY LOCAL GARAGE. I HAVE OLD HEATER, WHICH HAS A BARE WIRE STICKING OUT FROM BURNED HOLE IN HEATER PAD.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10116263
80,354 miles · Mar 30, 2005
Fuel System, Gasoline
ON JUNE 1, 2004, MY 1994 VOLVO 850 WAS LEAKING GAS ON MY DRIVEWAY. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO VOLVO VILLAGE IN CLEARWATER FOR REPAIR AND THEY REPLACED THE GAS TANK. I PAID $790. I LEARNED ON 2/1/05 THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR VOLVO 850 FOR THE GAS TANK, RECALL R139, INVOLVING 226,000 VOLVO 850S INCLUDING MY 1994 YEAR. RECALL NUMB…
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ON JUNE 1, 2004, MY 1994 VOLVO 850 WAS LEAKING GAS ON MY DRIVEWAY. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO VOLVO VILLAGE IN CLEARWATER FOR REPAIR AND THEY REPLACED THE GAS TANK. I PAID $790. I LEARNED ON 2/1/05 THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR VOLVO 850 FOR THE GAS TANK, RECALL R139, INVOLVING 226,000 VOLVO 850S INCLUDING MY 1994 YEAR. RECALL NUMBER: 04V368000. MAKE : VOLVO MODEL : 850 YEAR : 1994 MANUFACTURER : VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V368000 RECALL DATE : JUL 23, 2004 COMPONENT: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED : 226000 I CALLED VOLVO CUSTOMER CARE 1-800-458-1552 AND THEY SAID THE RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VIN # AND REFUSE TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THIS REPAIR. I WANT TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THIS REPAIR AS PER THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. PLEASE HELP ME GET MY REIMBURSEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER HAS PROVIDED REIMBURSEMENT. *AK *NM
NHTSA ODI #10108431
159,000 miles · Oct 13, 2004
Parking BrakeCrashInjury
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE COMMENCED TO ROLL INTO THE CONSUMER. THE CONSUMER JUMP INTO THE TRUNK WHILE THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL DOWN THE STREET UNTIL IT RAN INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER NECK AND MINOR CUTS AND BRUISES. THE VEHICLE WAS ON…
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WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE COMMENCED TO ROLL INTO THE CONSUMER. THE CONSUMER JUMP INTO THE TRUNK WHILE THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL DOWN THE STREET UNTIL IT RAN INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER NECK AND MINOR CUTS AND BRUISES. THE VEHICLE WAS ON AN INCLINE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10096726
Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingCrash
WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN VEHICLE ENGINE STALLED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10058002
95,000 miles · Feb 5, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
VOLVO 850 (1994) FAILURE OF ABS BRAKING. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10056609
Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2003
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL RETURN LINE AT THE FRONT TOP OF ENGINE HAS SLOWLY DETERIORATED. CONSUMER FEELS IF IT BREAKS A FIRE COULD START.*AK *CB *NLM
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AFTER PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO HEAT, THE FUEL TANK MAY SEEP OR LEAK FUEL AT THE POINTS WHERE THE HEAT SHIELD IS ATTACHED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: VOLVO WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND REPLACE IT IF ANY EVIDENCE OF FUEL SEEPAGE OR LEAKAGE IS FOUND. ALL VEHICLES WILL RECEIVE NEW REINFORCEMENT BUSHINGS AT THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO PREVENT FUTURE LEAKS. THIS RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED AS A SAFETY RECALL IN THE HOT WEATHER STATES OF ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH CAROLINA, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, AND UTAH, AND AS A SERVICE RECALL IN THE OTHER 33 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2004. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
UNDER VERY COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, ICE CRYSTALS CAN FORM AT THE THROTTLE IN THE ENGINE INTAKE SYSTEM, AND PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF SPEED CONTROL AND CAN RESULT IN UNWANTED ACCELERATION AND A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY, THROTTLE CABLE, CHARGE AIR COOLER PIPING AND CRANKCASE VENTILATION HOSES.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
EA03008 · Fuel Tank Leaks
Opened Jun 11, 2003 · Closed Jul 28, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
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., CALIFORNIA, ARIZONA, TEXAS, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, LOUISIANA, ETC.TESTING OF FUEL TANKS FROM CONSUMER VEHICLES AT THE VEHICLE RESEARCH AND TEST CENTER CONFIRMED LEAKS THROUGH CRACKS IN THE FUEL TANK WALL AT A HEAT SHIELD MOUNTING ATTACHMENT IN THE 1994 THROUGH 1997 MY FUEL TANKS (PN9142618). DETAILS OF THE TESTS ARE AVAILABLE IN TEST REPORT VRTC-DCD3060.VOLVO WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON ALL MY 1994 THROUGH 1997 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING 17 HOT STATES: CA, AZ, NM, TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, SC, FL, NC, TN, AR, OK, UT, NV, AND HI.ALL 1994 THROUGH 1997 MY VEHICLES IN ALL OTHER STATES WILL BE REMEDIED UNDER A SERVICE CAMPAIGN.THE REMEDY FOR BOTH THE RECALL AND SERVICE CAMPAIGN IS TO INSTALL A NEW BUSHING AT EACH HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT POINT (3 PER TANK).ALSO, ALL TANKS (VEHICLES IN ALL STATES) WILL BE INSPECTED FOR FUEL SEEPAGE AT THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT POINTS AND VOLVO WILL REPLACE ANY TANK SHOWING SIGNS OF FUEL SEEPAGE.THE NEW BUSHINGS WILL PREVENT HEAT SHIELD STRESSES FROM BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE THREE HEAT SHIELD MOUNTING ATTACHMENTS ON THE FUEL TANK.THE SAFETY RECALL IS FILED UNDER NHTSA SAFETY RECALL NUMBER 04V368.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
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.
1994 Volvo 850 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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