IllustrationNO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
1996 Volvo 850
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most 850 years
Owner complaints for the 1996 Volvo 850 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 78.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all 850 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
10–25K
325–50K
850–75K
1475–100K
14100–150K
9150K+
49 reports with mileage · 143 unknown
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.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
12 crash reports20 fire reports9 injury reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
46 reportsTHE ABS/TRACS SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING THAT THIS SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY HAS BEEN ON FOR MANY MONTHS. THE DEALER HAS INDICATED THAT THE ABS/TRACS SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A REPAIR BILL OF $750.00. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE VOLVOS AND I BELIEVE THAT THE VOLVO CORP. SHOULD BE…
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THE ABS/TRACS SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING THAT THIS SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY HAS BEEN ON FOR MANY MONTHS. THE DEALER HAS INDICATED THAT THE ABS/TRACS SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A REPAIR BILL OF $750.00. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE VOLVOS AND I BELIEVE THAT THE VOLVO CORP. SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS DESIGN FLAW.
THIS IS A REPEATED PROBLEM. I AM INFORMED BY VOLVO SPECIALISTS THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON AND THE RESULT OF A FAULTY COMPUTER SYSTEM. THE INDEPENDENT SHOP(S) I HAVE TAKEN IT TO REPORT IT IS CUSTOMARY FOR THEM TO REPAIR AT LEAST 5 OF THESE PER WEEK AND THAT THE PROBLEM IS CONFINED TO THE 1996 AND 1998 850 MODELS. THEY ALSO SUGGE…
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THIS IS A REPEATED PROBLEM. I AM INFORMED BY VOLVO SPECIALISTS THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON AND THE RESULT OF A FAULTY COMPUTER SYSTEM. THE INDEPENDENT SHOP(S) I HAVE TAKEN IT TO REPORT IT IS CUSTOMARY FOR THEM TO REPAIR AT LEAST 5 OF THESE PER WEEK AND THAT THE PROBLEM IS CONFINED TO THE 1996 AND 1998 850 MODELS. THEY ALSO SUGGEST VOLVO IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT REFUSES TO RECALL THE DEFECTIVE PART (COMPUTER SYSTE). NOTE, THIS ALSO GOVENS THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM!*AK
THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS COMMON WITH THIS MODEL DUE TO A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW. THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING FULL REIMBURSEMENT. *YH
FAILURE OF MODULE DISENABLED THE ABS. SPORATIC FAILURE FIRST OCCURRED AT 32000 MI, BUT COMPLETE FAILURE OCCURRED AT 52,000 MILES. CAR REPAIRMAN INDICATES THAT FAILURE OF THIS MODULE IS COMMON FOR 1996-1998 VOLVOS. HE REPLACES 3-4 PER WEEK. *AK
THE FAILURE OF THIS COMPONENT, WHICH IN SEARCHING THE WEB IS VERY COMMON ON THE 1996 MODEL, RESULTS IN FALSE TRIGGERING OF THE ABS SYSTEM, WHICH INCREASES STOPPING DISTANCE SIGNIFICANTLY. A SEARCH OF WWW.BRICKBOARD.COM FOR 850 & ABS WILL TURN UP NUMEROUS EXAMPLES OF THIS FAILURE, WHICH IS FREQUENTLY MISDIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERS. …
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THE FAILURE OF THIS COMPONENT, WHICH IN SEARCHING THE WEB IS VERY COMMON ON THE 1996 MODEL, RESULTS IN FALSE TRIGGERING OF THE ABS SYSTEM, WHICH INCREASES STOPPING DISTANCE SIGNIFICANTLY. A SEARCH OF WWW.BRICKBOARD.COM FOR 850 & ABS WILL TURN UP NUMEROUS EXAMPLES OF THIS FAILURE, WHICH IS FREQUENTLY MISDIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERS. VOLVO KNOWS OF THE FAILURES, AND HAS NOT ADMITTED THAT IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM SINCE THE ABS SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY, AND THE FAILURE CAUSES INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.*AK
CONNECTICUT'S OWN VOLVO IN MILFORD CT SAYS THE ABS SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE. $600 TO FIX. I ASKED WHY I HAD TO PAY FOR A DEFECTIVE COMPUTER AND HE SAID THAT IT WAS BEYOND ITS EXPECTED LIFE. HOWEVER, HE COULD NOT TELL ME WHAT THE EXPECTED LIFE OF THE ABS SYSTEM WAS. THE ABS SYSTEM IS ONE OF THE REASONS I GOT THIS CAR AND IF IT IS DEFE…
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CONNECTICUT'S OWN VOLVO IN MILFORD CT SAYS THE ABS SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE. $600 TO FIX. I ASKED WHY I HAD TO PAY FOR A DEFECTIVE COMPUTER AND HE SAID THAT IT WAS BEYOND ITS EXPECTED LIFE. HOWEVER, HE COULD NOT TELL ME WHAT THE EXPECTED LIFE OF THE ABS SYSTEM WAS. THE ABS SYSTEM IS ONE OF THE REASONS I GOT THIS CAR AND IF IT IS DEFECTIVE AND NO LONGER WORKING, AND VOLVO IS NOT INTERESTED IN REPAIRING IT, THAT SEEMS TO ME TO BE SOMETHING YOU NEED TO LOOK INTO.*AK
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT ANY MPH WOULD STEP ON BRAKE PEDAL AND BRAKES WILL START MAKING NOISE. CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND FOUND THAT BRAKES ROTORS HAD BEEN MALFUNTIONING, AND EVERY 25000 MILES NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED.*AK
LEFT FRONT CALIPER BROKE IN JANUARY 1999, ROGHT FRONT CALIPER BROKE AT THIS TIME. PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER. CONSUMER WAS TOLD IT WOULD TAKE 3 MONTHS TO GET VEHICLE REPAIRED. *AK CONSUMER HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE, INSTRUMENT LIGHTS WERE REPLACED, DASH BULB LIGHTS AND OTHER BULBS REPLACED. HEADLIGHT WIPER AND WINDSHIE…
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LEFT FRONT CALIPER BROKE IN JANUARY 1999, ROGHT FRONT CALIPER BROKE AT THIS TIME. PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER. CONSUMER WAS TOLD IT WOULD TAKE 3 MONTHS TO GET VEHICLE REPAIRED. *AK CONSUMER HAS HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE, INSTRUMENT LIGHTS WERE REPLACED, DASH BULB LIGHTS AND OTHER BULBS REPLACED. HEADLIGHT WIPER AND WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES REPLACED. CONSUMER SMELLED AN ODOR IN THE AIR CONDITIONER AND LATER THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT COOLING PROPERLY, DEALER REPLACED THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR, EVAPORATOR, RECEIVER, AND DRYER. BATTERY FAILED AND WAS REPLACED, CONSUMER HAD A RECALL ON THE CENTRAL ELECTRICAL RELAY AND WHEN RETURNING TO VEHICLE THAT WAS SHUT OFF THE PHONE AND RADIO WERE ON. COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED 4 TIMES, FINALLY DEALER REPLACED THE COOLANT FILLER CAP, ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS ILLUMINATED, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE PNP SWITCH, OXYGEN SENSOR, AIR PUMP, AND CHECK VALVE, THE AIR PUMP AND CHECK VALVE WERE REPLACED TWICE, THE TIMING BELT HAS ALSO BEEN REPLACED. ABS SENSOR CABLE HAS BEEN REPLACED, CALIPERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES, FRONT BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, AND FRONT DISC BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. *SLC
REPAIRED BY DEALER ON 02/02/2001 AT MY COST. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK
Official recalls
204V368000 · 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.
02V314000 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler
Nov 19, 2002
ON SOME SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH SEAT HEATERS, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT EXCESSIVE COMPRESSION OF THE SEAT CUSHION COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRING OF THE SEAT HEATER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL DISCONNECT THE EXISTING WIRES AND INSTALL A NEW ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT AND CABLE HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
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
6EA03008 · 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.
EA02019 · Seat Fires
Opened Aug 22, 2002 · Closed Dec 18, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler
VOLVO IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL BASED ON ITS ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION DEVELOPED DURING ITS INVESTIGATION.VOLVO'SSURVEY OF VEHICLES ROUTINELY BROUGHT IN FOR MAINTENANCE AT EAST-COAST DEALERSHIPS PRODUCED EVIDENCE THAT BARE METAL WIRES (THAT PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE SEAT BOTTOM) CAN CONTACT THE THERMOSTAT AND ELECTRICAL WIRESIN OR BENEATH THE SEAT CUSHION.THIS CAN RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.VOLVO CONFIRMED IN TESTING THAT IF SUCH A CONDITION IS PRESENT, THE SHORT TO THE WIRE SEAT SUPPORT COULD CAUSE BURNING OF THE SEAT CUSHION WITHOUT ACTIVATING (OPENING) THE SEAT HEATER FUSE.VOLVO WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE THERMOSTAT ASSEMBLY WITH AN ELECTRONIC TIMER DELAY UNIT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System
VOLVO IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL BASED ON ITS ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION DEVELOPED DURING ITS INVESTIGATION.VOLVO'SSURVEY OF VEHICLES ROUTINELY BROUGHT IN FOR MAINTENANCE AT EAST-COAST DEALERSHIPS PRODUCED EVIDENCE THAT BARE METAL WIRES (THAT PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE SEAT BOTTOM) CAN CONTACT THE THERMOSTAT AND ELECTRICAL WIRESIN OR BENEATH THE SEAT CUSHION.THIS CAN RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.VOLVO CONFIRMED IN TESTING THAT IF SUCH A CONDITION IS PRESENT, THE SHORT TO THE WIRE SEAT SUPPORT COULD CAUSE BURNING OF THE SEAT CUSHION WITHOUT ACTIVATING (OPENING) THE SEAT HEATER FUSE.VOLVO WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE THERMOSTAT ASSEMBLY WITH AN ELECTRONIC TIMER DELAY UNIT.
Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler
VOLVO IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL BASED ON ITS ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION DEVELOPED DURING ITS INVESTIGATION.VOLVO'SSURVEY OF VEHICLES ROUTINELY BROUGHT IN FOR MAINTENANCE AT EAST-COAST DEALERSHIPS PRODUCED EVIDENCE THAT BARE METAL WIRES (THAT PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE SEAT BOTTOM) CAN CONTACT THE THERMOSTAT AND ELECTRICAL WIRESIN OR BENEATH THE SEAT CUSHION.THIS CAN RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.VOLVO CONFIRMED IN TESTING THAT IF SUCH A CONDITION IS PRESENT, THE SHORT TO THE WIRE SEAT SUPPORT COULD CAUSE BURNING OF THE SEAT CUSHION WITHOUT ACTIVATING (OPENING) THE SEAT HEATER FUSE.VOLVO WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE THERMOSTAT ASSEMBLY WITH AN ELECTRONIC TIMER DELAY UNIT.
PE02029 · Passenger Compartment Fires
Opened Mar 7, 2002 · Closed Aug 22, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
No summary supplied.
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.
PE97045 · Engine Compartment Fire
Opened Oct 23, 1997 · Closed Feb 13, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
ODI HAS RECEIVED FOUR OWNER COMPLAINTS OF VOLVO 850 ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES, ALL INVOLVING 1996 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES.TABLE 1 SHOWS THE DISTRIBUTION OF FIRE INCIDENTS KNOWN TO ODI AND VOLVO BY MODEL YEAR AND INCIDENT YEAR FOR ALL 1993-97 VOLVO 850 VEHICLES.VOLVO HAS CLASSIFIED MOST OF THE FIRES AS OCCURRING FROM UNDETERMINED CAUSES.IN THOSE FEW CASES WHERE PROBABLE OR POSSIBLE CAUSES WERE IDENTIFIED, NO COMMON DEFECT PATTERN OR TREND HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED, BUT ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE ISSUE THROUGH 11998 WITH QUARTERLY REPORTS FROM VOLVO.