1996 Volvo 850: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 192 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (23% of complaints); the 1994 and 1995 and 1997 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 192 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My fuel tank started leaking exactly as the recall # 04v368000 describes, where the heat shield connects to the fuel tank. I filled up, drove 3 miles home, parked in my driveway, and smelled gas, but did not *see* anything at that time. It lost 6 gallons of fuen in about 3 hours hours. Volvo says this recall does not pertain to my vehicle, because they do it by specific VIN numbers, but would not say anything further. It is in my local shop parking lot, I was unable to photograph the leak as I am disabled and could not climb under the car.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2018
“This vehicle has a leak at a seam of the gas tank. Chen engine light is on with obo 11 code p0455 evaporative emission system leak detected large leak no flow. A certified volvo repair facility has verified crack at seam from gas tank. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2015
“Runaway accelerator ? On entering interstate, I quickly realized that the accelerator was locked into the floored position. I had a runaway situation with traffic. I was unable to slow the car or release the accelerator. Fortunately, I had the knowledge and sense to slow the car. Pumping the brakes did not help. I managed to hold the brakes while downshifting into the low and then lowest gear in automatic transmission. I managed to negotiate the car toward the shoulder and eventually threw the transmission into the park gear. The car jolted, then stopped. This was a life threatening situation for me and others on the road. *tt”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns four cooper zeon spt tires, size 205 55 r16. The contact was rotating the tires, when he noticed the front drivers side tire was bald. The tires were inspected and the contact was advised that the tires were down to the wear bar. The tires were not replaced. The tire manufacturer was notified of the failure. The current vehicle mileage was 100,00 and the approximate tire mileage was 8,000.”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 volvo 850 glt. While parked in the contact's driveway, the vehicle burst into flames unexpectedly. The fire department was called to the scene and a report was filed. The report indicated that the fire originated from the engine compartment. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The garage door, house siding, and driveway surface were damaged. In addition, a small area of the lawn was damaged by the fire. There were no personal injuries. The insurance company and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle is currently being investigated and has not been towed from the scene. The failure and current mileages were 155,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2009
“Consumer has issues about 1996 volvo 850 engine. *nj the consumer stated that carbon monoxide seeped into the vehicle and white smoke emitted from the tailpipe. The vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil. A mechanic informed the consumer the vehicle needed serious engine work. The consumer was informed a one-time recall had been performed one year before she purchased the vehicle. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2008
“1996 volvo 850 - ABS light intermittent - not sure if ABS is working or not - told by volvo repair specialists that this is a common occurrence on the 96 & 97 models - also told that ABS computer has tendency to burn out relatively quickly on this model & year - told to go ahead and replace it - again - had it replaced less than 4 years ago - *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2008
“Heat generated in the engine compartment causes ABS control module and traction control module to fail in my '96 volvo 850r. As of today, there's 3 modules already replaced (each costing $800). The dealer said that the control module fails because it's not designed by the manufacturer to withstand typical engine heat. The chatroom of volvo owners (www.brickboard.com) is filled with the same complaint from various model years. The failure of the braking system is especially dangerous since the failure causes intermittent braking capability and hazardous during winter/snowy road conditions. The failure is sudden and without warning.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2007
“Customer states that she began to detect creaking sounds every time she opened and closed the front door on the driver' side**cc the consumer was informed there was a crack in the frame of the door. *jb”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated without warning, the speedometer became inoperable. The dealership determined the speedometer needed to be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Aug 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
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 1996 Volvo 850 reliable?
NHTSA has 192 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Volvo 850. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Volvo 850 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 97,000 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Volvo 850 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler. 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.