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1995 Volvo 850

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1995 Volvo 850 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 78.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 18 of 111 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.

  • Tires. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports9 fire reports8 injury reports

Power Train complaints

13 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 30, 2001
Electrical SystemPower Train

GEAR POSITION SENSOR,S1 & S2 SOLENOIDS: VOLVO HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS DEFECT FOR SOME TIME AND SHOULD HAVE DECLARED A RECALL.( VOLVO EVEN LOST A SMALL CLAIMS SUIT IN CALIFORNIA OVER THIS FAILURE) WHILE VOLVO PAID $900 OF THE $1300 REPAIR BILL TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, THEY SHOULD HAVE PAID FOR THE WHOLE BILL. RE: HORN FAILURE, THE VO…

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GEAR POSITION SENSOR,S1 & S2 SOLENOIDS: VOLVO HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS DEFECT FOR SOME TIME AND SHOULD HAVE DECLARED A RECALL.( VOLVO EVEN LOST A SMALL CLAIMS SUIT IN CALIFORNIA OVER THIS FAILURE) WHILE VOLVO PAID $900 OF THE $1300 REPAIR BILL TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, THEY SHOULD HAVE PAID FOR THE WHOLE BILL. RE: HORN FAILURE, THE VOLVO MECHANICS SAID VOLVO HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ALSO, BUT REFUSES TO DO ANY THING ABOUT IT. MY CAR HAS NOT YET REACHED 50,000 MILES AND I HAVE HAD TO SPEND ABOUT $1,400 DOLLARS TO REPAIR A SUNROOF, REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL, AND FIX THE SOLENOIDS AND GEAR POSITION SENSORS. I BELIEVE VOLVO SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THESE EXPENDITURES. I HAVE BEEN A VOLVO OWNER SINCE 1972, AND I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER VOLVO AGAIN. FOR THE AMOUNT OF MONEY SPENT ON A VOLVO, I COULD HAVE HAD A RELIABLE CAR LIKE A SMALL LEXUS!*AK

NHTSA ODI #751419

Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2000
Power Train

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #735864

Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2000
Power Train

THE SOLINOID TRANMISSION FAILED SO THAT IT CAN NOT ENGAGE THE FIRST GEAR. IT CAN ONLY ENGAGE THE SECOND GEAR AND THEREAFTER. I THINK VOLVO SHOULD RECALL THIS COMPONENT BECAUSE THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME IT FAILED TO MY CAR. EVEN THOUGH THE DEALER REPLACE A NEW ONE EVERY TIMEBUT IT FAILS A YEAR OR MORE AFTER THAT. IN A DURATION OF F…

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THE SOLINOID TRANMISSION FAILED SO THAT IT CAN NOT ENGAGE THE FIRST GEAR. IT CAN ONLY ENGAGE THE SECOND GEAR AND THEREAFTER. I THINK VOLVO SHOULD RECALL THIS COMPONENT BECAUSE THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME IT FAILED TO MY CAR. EVEN THOUGH THE DEALER REPLACE A NEW ONE EVERY TIMEBUT IT FAILS A YEAR OR MORE AFTER THAT. IN A DURATION OF FIVE YEARS OWNERSHIP, THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME IT HAPPENS. IT COSTS ME A LOT OF TIME, MONEY AND HASSLE. I TALKED TO OTHER OWNERS AND THEY COMPLAIN THE SAME PROBLEM. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI #734747

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2000
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

IGNITION COIL REPLACED. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #554552

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 1999
Power TrainTiresWheels

TIRE BLOW OUT AND RIM CRACKED COMPLETELY. YH

NHTSA ODI #549448

Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 1999
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN EITHER PARK OR DRIVE, THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE. DEALER REPLACED CONTROL MODE SOLENOID SENSOR AND TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #847932

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 1999
Power Train

WHEN DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS. INDICATOR LIGHT INDICATES CAR IS IN LOWER GEAR WHILE STILL IN THE "D" DRIVE POSITION. CAR CAN MAINTAIN FREEWAY SPEEDS UNTIL CAR BEGINS TO SLOW DOWN FOR TRAFFIC. WHEN TRYING TO REACCELERATE, THE CAR REMAINS IN LOW GEAR. ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO TRY MOVING GEAR SHIFT BY …

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WHEN DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS. INDICATOR LIGHT INDICATES CAR IS IN LOWER GEAR WHILE STILL IN THE "D" DRIVE POSITION. CAR CAN MAINTAIN FREEWAY SPEEDS UNTIL CAR BEGINS TO SLOW DOWN FOR TRAFFIC. WHEN TRYING TO REACCELERATE, THE CAR REMAINS IN LOW GEAR. ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO TRY MOVING GEAR SHIFT BY TURNING OFF INDICATOR, BUT ONLY WAY TO FIX IS TO TURN CAR OFF AND RESTART ENGINE. TURNING POWER APPEARS TO RESET THE ELECTRONIC SHIFTING MECHANISM IN THE CAR. *AK

NHTSA ODI #703019

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 1998
Power Train

WHEN VEHICLE IS IN PARK, GEAR SHIFT LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY. OVERRIDE BUTTON MUST BE USED TO GET VEHICLE INTO GEAR. OOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, BUT DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #533402

Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 1997
Power Train

PUT IN A PARK POSTION THEN NOITICED GEAR WAS IN REVERSE, JUMPED OUT OF GEAR,WHICH CAUSED HITTING THE DOOR. THIS DEFECT CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #819231

Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 1997
Power Train

OWNER CLAIMS THAT CLUTCH MAKES LOUD NOISES, AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED 4 TIMES. *AK

NHTSA ODI #815992

Official recalls

2

04V368000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage

Jul 30, 2004

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.

95V050000 · Equipment:mechanical:accessory Scissor/screw/bottle Jack/lift; Equipment:mechanical:integrated Jack/leveler/stabilizer

Mar 10, 1995

SOME OF THE JACKS SUPPLIED WITH THE VEHICLES DO NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY LOAD CAPACITY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A RAISED VEHICLE CAN FALL OFF THE JACK INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE SUSPECT JACKS WITH A JACK MEETING THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE CARS.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Equipment:mechanical:integrated Jack/leveler/stabilizer

SOME OF THE JACKS SUPPLIED WITH THE VEHICLES DO NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY LOAD CAPACITY.

Consequence: A RAISED VEHICLE CAN FALL OFF THE JACK INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE SUSPECT JACKS WITH A JACK MEETING THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE CARS.

Equipment:mechanical:accessory Scissor/screw/bottle Jack/lift

SOME OF THE JACKS SUPPLIED WITH THE VEHICLES DO NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY LOAD CAPACITY.

Consequence: A RAISED VEHICLE CAN FALL OFF THE JACK INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE SUSPECT JACKS WITH A JACK MEETING THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE CARS.

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

3

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.

PE03003 · Fuel Tank Leaks

Opened Jan 16, 2003 · Closed Jun 11, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

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.

PE99040 · Inadvertent Side Air Bag Deployment

Opened Jun 7, 1999 · Closed Oct 27, 1999

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window

No summary supplied.