1996 Volvo 960: problems, recalls and reliability

“I live in ga and last friday I was coming home from work in the rain, I hit a big puddle and my car stalled out then came back on after I cleared the puddle, I checked underneath when I got home and there was nothing loose that I could see. This was the first time this has ever happened to me. My car is a 1996 volvo 960 with 177,000 miles on it, it runs good but does have other electrical issues too. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2009

“The fuel rail began leaking from plug in front end of rail. I was able to smell the leak in the passenger compartment and was able to avoid a fire or other damage. Local independent parts store indicated that this is a common problem with the 960. Bought a new, redesigned fuel rail from local volvo dealer. It was in stock and they indicated that they sell a fair number of these. They indicated that there is not a recall on this part. The new part has a different design of the end plug which leaked on my car. I no longer have the old part available. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2005

“As of july 29, 2005, my 1996 volvo 960 started losing speed and the engine stalls without warning! Thus far, no injuries have been sustained. The car has been taken off the road. On august 1, 2005, wbal-tv reported the same problems with 1999-2001 volvos. My car has always been maintained and up to now has been in excellent working condition. Please advise. *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2005

“Dt: the consumer stated that 1996 volvo 960 vehicle was involved in a crash. While traveling at 40 mph. Upon impact, frontal and side airbags did not deploy. Consumer's vehicle hit a car that did not stop at a stop sign. There were 2 injuries. The consumer contacted volvo dealership and the manufacturer. The car was totaled. A police and insurance report were taken. Also, there are pictures of the collision. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2005

“1996 volvo 960 sedan - fuel rail leakage problem, front of fuel rail developed a leak at a factory plug (metal). Fuel was pouring out between metal plug and fuel rail onto the (hot) engine intake manifold and thermostat housing. Inquired about parts to replace fuel rail ass'y for a 1996 volvo 960, fuel rail ass'y has been superceded by a 1998 up design. This is a serious hazard which could result in a fire and possible death.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2005

“Dt: consumer states while driving his vehicle the fan relay switch melted, causing the vehicle to start smoking. After stopping the vehicle and disconnection of the battery the smoke ended after about 20 minutes. *tt”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2005

“Twice, in my 1996 volvo 960, I experienced sudden acceleration. In both circumstances I was on a highway and it was late at night. I was unable to slow my car down in order to take an exit ramp. I eventually put the car in neutral and turned it off. I was able to stop the car safely, but these were the most frightening driving experiences of my life. After the first incident, my dealership replaced the accelerator cable (which appeared normal) and replaced my brakes (which I destroyed trying to stop the car). After the second incident (two weeks later), the dealership disconnected the cruise control. The problem has not reoccurred. I had never used the cruise control on that car.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2004