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1997 Volvo 850

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1997 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

43 reports with mileage · 64 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 25 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 →
  • Seats. 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.

7 crash reports6 fire reports2 injury reports

Exterior Lighting complaints

6 reports
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100,000 miles · Oct 31, 2007
Exterior Lighting

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 VOLVO 850. THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD ALSO NOT DIM WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE, BUT IT WAS NEVER USED BY THE CONTACT. WHEN THE SWITCH WAS ENGAGED, THE HIGH BEAMS WOULD MOMENTARILY ILLUMINATE. HER VI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 VOLVO 850. THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD ALSO NOT DIM WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE, BUT IT WAS NEVER USED BY THE CONTACT. WHEN THE SWITCH WAS ENGAGED, THE HIGH BEAMS WOULD MOMENTARILY ILLUMINATE. HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V235000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH). THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10207507

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2005
Exterior Lighting

HEADLIGHTS FAILED WHILE ON HIGHWAY. HEADLIGHT SWITCH DID NOT WORK. I PHONED VOLVO TO HONOR THE RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 99V235000. VOLVO INFORMED ME THIS VOLVO DID NOT QUALIFY.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10118863

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2003
Exterior Lighting

I HAVE BEEN GETTING BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN MY 1997 VOLVO FOR A LONG TIME AND EVERY TIME I GO TO THE DEALER I MENTIONED TO THEM AND THEY REPLACED BURNED BULBS AND I MENTIONED TO THEM TO CHECK ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO SEE IF THEY COULD FIX THAT CONTINUOUS PROBLEM. THEIR ANSWERED WAS IT IS OKEY. I WONDER IF YOU HAVE HEARD THIS KI…

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I HAVE BEEN GETTING BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN MY 1997 VOLVO FOR A LONG TIME AND EVERY TIME I GO TO THE DEALER I MENTIONED TO THEM AND THEY REPLACED BURNED BULBS AND I MENTIONED TO THEM TO CHECK ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO SEE IF THEY COULD FIX THAT CONTINUOUS PROBLEM. THEIR ANSWERED WAS IT IS OKEY. I WONDER IF YOU HAVE HEARD THIS KIND OF PROBLEM FROM ANY OTHER OWNER.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10020915

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2001
Exterior Lighting

THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON THE VEHICLE FAILED. THIS IS A RECALL ITEM UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V235000. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION WAS MANUFACTURED DURING THE DATE RANGE ON THE RECALL NOTICE AS VERIFIED BY VOLVO'S "CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN". HOWEVER, WHEN THIS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS OF THE RECALLED ITEM T…

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THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON THE VEHICLE FAILED. THIS IS A RECALL ITEM UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V235000. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION WAS MANUFACTURED DURING THE DATE RANGE ON THE RECALL NOTICE AS VERIFIED BY VOLVO'S "CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN". HOWEVER, WHEN THIS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS OF THE RECALLED ITEM THE VOLVO DEALER (355 - ROCKVILLE, MD) REFUSED TO REPLACE THE ITEM WITHOUT COST. THE VOLVO DEAL STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL, BUT WAS UNABLE TO PRESENT ANYTHING TO ADEQUATELY DEMONSTATE THAT FACT. IN SPITE OF (1) THE FAILED ITEM WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL, (2) THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION WAS MANUFACTURED DURING THE RECALL TIMEFRAME; THE OWNER WAS FORCED TO PAY THE REPAIR BILL.*AK

NHTSA ODI #752123

Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 1999
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSteering

BATTERY IS DEAD. YH

NHTSA ODI #609960

Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 1997
Exterior Lighting

THIRD BRAKE LIGHT IS NOT WORKING, BLINKERS DO NOT COME ON INTERMITTENTLY, AND DASHBOARD LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON TO WARN HER THAT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT IS NOT WORKING. CAUSE UNKNOWN, *AKTOOK TO DEALER TO CHECK AND REPAIR. RESULT, TAKING TO DEALER TO CHECK AND REPAIR.

NHTSA ODI #809784

Official recalls

3

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.

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.

99V235000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

Aug 30, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DRIVER'S COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.

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

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.