1993 Volvo 850: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 73 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (30% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 73 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1993 volvo 850. After driving approximately 55 mph, the contact parked the vehicle. Two minutes later, the hood burst into flames. There were no warning indicators prior to the failure. The fire department was called to the scene and a police report was filed. The contact was informed that the cause of the fire was electrical. There were no injuries. It has not yet been determined if the vehicle was destroyed. The contact was only covered for liability insurance. The vehicle was towed to his residence. The current and failure mileages were unavailable.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2008
“1993 volvo 850glt engine stalls without warning. Newspaper ad said 1999 through 2001, c70,s60,s80,v70 & v70xc. The 850 was never mentioned. Have had the car since 1998 & it has happened four times. Real scary, can it be fixed? *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2006
“Good evening;this is more of a question about a potential vehicle that I would like to purchase. I am interested in purchasing a 1993 volvo 850 4 door. Sedan ,auto/a/c,4 cyl,loaded. I went to test drive the car and the engine check lights stayed on while I drove the car. When I returned to the lot the car stalled,but restarted right away. The used car dealer said the car was low on fuel that's why the lights stayed on? I doubt this very much!!are there any recalls on these cars for this problem?if so I would like more information. Thank you! Jm *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“I have a 1993 volvo 850. It has been stalling while driving at high speeds, low speeds, for over 10 years. No one has ever fixed the problem. Since you are investigating current volvo models for this same problem, you should consider investigating the older models. *nm”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2005
“Srs light is on. Brought to lovering volvo and they advised the whole system needs to be replaced at a cost of $1200. In reading past complaints listed on this sight, I see quite a few aribag problems, one being that the wires are crossed from production and that caused the failure. I also see many complaints that airbags are deploying for no reason....is this because of this wiring??? I think volvo needs to look at this issue. Right now I am driving without airbags because of the cost. I wonder how many other people are doing the same!! Volvo needs to look into this issue asap before a lawsuit arises!!*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2004
“The engine will cease suddenly while driving. I have taken the car to a volvo dealership to be fixed, but the problem is still occurring.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2004
“Failed transmission after 45,000 miles. Extended warranty replaced it. Failed control switch for air conditioning a/c and evaporator unit at 135,000. *ak”Owner report · Equipment · Aug 2003
“1993 volvo 850 glt has been just "turning off" during driving, 20-60 mph. Never at idle. You must coast to the side of the road, turn the key off and restart the car. I have had it to the dealer twice and my local garage twice and the problem is still not corrected. This is a very unsafe condition that almost created an accident this past week. I researched the internet to see if others are having the same problem and I found many similar complaints.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2003
“I replace the transmission at 99,000 and now at 27,000 on the orginal volvo replacement transmission I have to replace the second transmission. This transmission of the 850 volvo is a lemon. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2002
“While driving at a low, both front air bags deployed without vehicle being in an accident. This resulted in driver being burnt on their neck and stomach. The dealer and manufacturer has been notified. Please provide more details. Ts”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
ENGINE BLOCK HEATERS INSTALLED AS ACCESSORIES. THE BLOCK HEATER CONTACT SURFACE DOES NOT MATCH CORRECTLY WITH THE ENGINE BLOCK AS INTENDED. THE BLOCK HEATER COULD COME LOOSE FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK, AND IF BEING USED, COULD POSSIBLY OVERHEAT CAUSING DAMAGE IF IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH OTHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT COMPONENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BLOCK HEATER AND SECURE THE BOLTS USED TO INSTALL THE HEATER. IN SOME CASES, THE SURFACE TOLERANCES MAY BE SO INAPPROPRIATE THAT THE HEATER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH A HEATER OF A MODIFIED DESIGN.
How other years compare
Check your exact 850 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 1993 Volvo 850 reliable?
NHTSA has 73 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1993 Volvo 850. The most complained-about area is power train (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 Volvo 850 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 121,000 miles or less.
Does the 1993 Volvo 850 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline. 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.