1994 Volvo 940: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 41 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (46% of complaints); the 1993 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
41
owner complaints
0
fire reports
165,673
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No fire reportsNo recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 165,673 mi)Weak spot: air bags (46%)
Common problems
Computed from 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)46% · 19 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)10% · 4 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)7% · 3 complaints
Tires7% · 3 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)7% · 3 complaints
Seat Belts2% · 1 complaint
“Tl* the contact owns a 1994 volvo 940. While driving 40 mph, an abnormal noise was heard coming from the seat belt panel as the front driver's side air bag deployed. There were no injuries. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 285,633.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 1994 volvo 940. The contact stated that the driver and passenger side front air bags deployed without warning while stopped at a traffic light. The contact sustained injury to the face. The air bags also fractured the front windshield. A police report was filed of the incident and the vehicle was driven to the contact's home. The vehicle was neither inspected for the air bag deployment failure or repaired. The failure and current mileage was 152,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 1994 volvo 940. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and shut off when the airbags inadvertently deployed. The dealer and manufacturer were notified, but were unable to give a diagnosis of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 220,000 and the current mileage was 246,676.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1994 volvo 940. After starting the vehicle the drivers side air bag deployed without warrant. She sustained injuries to the left side of her face, a black eye, and injury to her chest. The vehicle was being inspected by the insurance company. The manufacturer was contacted, and a representative was coming out to inspect the vehicle. No repairs were made. The failure mileage was 132,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2009
“While driving a loud noise was heard coming from the front. Consumer pulled over, and noticed that driver's side tire tread separated from the sidewall. Consumer was able to change the tire, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Michelin, mxv4, 195/65r15.*ak”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2004
“While driving 60 mph tread separated on rear passenger's side tire. Consumer pulled over, and changed the tire. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Bridgestone, 185/65r15. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2004
“Seat belt latch is cracked. Contacted volvo by email, said item not under warranty, thought this might be a safety issue. *nlm”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 2003
“Driver's air bag inadvertently deployed while driving 35 mph.t dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2002
“Vehicle was parked and consumer was unloading grociers from truck. Hydraulic bar snapped/ fell down, and hit her in head.”Owner report · Structure · May 2001
“Airbags deployed without impact. Car stopped at light. Driver lost control of brake and car impacted at low speed car in front also stoped at light. No damage to van in front, small silver dollar size dent in front bumper 1/4 inch deep (est.) airbag broke windshield and seatbelt was activate and require replacement.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 11 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
Check your exact 940 by VIN
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Is the 1994 Volvo 940 reliable?
NHTSA has 41 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Volvo 940. The most complained-about area is air bags (46% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Volvo 940 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 165,673 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.