1990 Volvo 740: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 47 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is vehicle speed control (28% of complaints); the 1991 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 1991
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owned a 1990 volvo 740. While the vehicle was in the garage, it suddenly accelerated to approximately 60 mph. The vehicle slammed into a brick wall. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The brake pedal was soft and would not respond. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact was bleeding from his head and required medical attention. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 1990 volvo 740. While reversing into a parking space, the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into a parked vehicle. The service brakes and emergency brake failed to stop the vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The contact had to remove the keys from the ignition in order to stop the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 170,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2015
“Dt*: the contact stated while traveling over a hill at 45 mph, a deer entered the path of the vehicle. The brakes were applied, but the vehicle struck the deer. The vehicle went off the road and down an embankment striking trees. The front end was damaged in the collision. The contact was wearing a seat belt, but sustained minor injuries. There was a police report taken at the scene. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer sent a technician who determined, based on the speed and angle the vehicle made contact, the airbags should not deploy. There have been no repairs to the vehicle. Updated 03/28/06. *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“The radiator opening to which the hose attaches [for return of the coolant to the engine] cracked and broke off. There are cracks in the plastic portion of the radiator where the hose attaches. The failure is not the result of any impact or other external forces. The plastic out of which the radiator is made is either defective of inadequately designed for normal wear and tear. I am told that no repair is possible. The entire radiator must be replaced.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2004
“The rear wheel cracked in half, which caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Which resulted in an accident.*jb”Owner report · Wheels · Oct 2002
“Consumer states the air bag spontaneously deployed as the vehicle slowed down going 5-10mph to a stop. No air bag warning light illuminated to specify a problem. Dealer was notified. Please provide more information. Ts”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2002
“While driving 30 mph thick smoke came from air conditioner's vents, shortly after, consumer saw flames. Vehicle was totally burned before fire department got to scene. Driver suffered smoke inhalation.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2002
“While rounding a curve at 20mph vehicle suddenly and uncontrollably accelerated to 50-60mph. Brakes were ineffective to slow acceleration. Vehicle flew over curb, into park crashing into tree. Thankfully, airbag deployed saving elderly driver. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2001
“While driving at a low rate of speed and when attemtping to turn around a curve vehicle suddenly accelerated, causing unwanted and unexpected acceleration, resulting in an accident. Consumer has contacted volvo. *ak the brakes failed to stop the accelerating vehicle. *yh”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2001
“Vehicle accelerated from about 20 to 65mph due to a piece of a broken gasket falling into the throttle body. Driver had to turn ignition off in order to stop vehicle. Dealer took out the piece of gasket and replaced gasket. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 16 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
FUEL DAMPER LOCATED BEHIND THE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL RAIL MAY BE IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED. OVER TIME, THE SOLDER JOINTS COULD ALLOW A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL TO LEAK.
Remedy: REPLACE FUEL DAMPER.
SAFETY BELTS ARE DESIGNED TO BE ROUTED UNDER A DIAGONAL CROSS BRACE DURING FASTENING. THE INSTRUCTIONAL LABELS FOR THE BELT ROUTING ARE INADEQUATE, AND CAN RESULT IN INADVERTENT RELEASE OF THE BELT BUCKLE.
Remedy: INSTALL LABELS TO INSTRUCT THE USER IN PROPER SAFETY BELT ROUTING; ALSO REPLACE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES.
How other years compare
Check your exact 740 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Volvo 740 reliable?
NHTSA has 47 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Volvo 740. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Volvo 740 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 115,000 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Volvo 740 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.