U.S. public vehicle records

1995 Volvo 850: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

111 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

114,379 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1995 model year. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 18 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags:Frontal is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 111 complaints (6.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	13	11.7%
Fuel system concerns	8	7.2%
Steering behavior	6	5.4%
Transmission and shifting	4	3.6%
Electrical and battery issues	2	1.8%
Engine operation	1	0.9%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags:Frontal

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Tires

Tires:Sidewall

Electrical System:Horn

Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage

Seat Belts

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Air Bags:Frontal	7
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	7
Tires	5
Tires:Sidewall	5
Electrical System:Horn	4
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner	4
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage	4
Seat Belts	4

Air Bags:Frontal: 7; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 7; Tires: 5; Tires:Sidewall: 5; Electrical System:Horn: 4; Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner: 4; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage: 4; Seat Belts: 4

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 7; 100,000 to 149,999: 8; 150,000 and above: 3

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 93 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2013

1995: 13; 1996: 13; 1997: 4; 1998: 14; 1999: 14; 2000: 15; 2001: 6; 2002: 9; 2003: 3; 2004: 6; 2005: 7; 2007: 1; 2008: 2; 2009: 1; 2010: 1; 2011: 1; 2013: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags:Frontal leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 13 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 8 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10008716 · 2003-02-19 (February 19, 2003)

THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT FROM ITS POSITION.*JB *TS

Owner-reported narrative. 99,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10008716 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10014063 · 2003-04-07 (April 7, 2003)

VOLVO 850 ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC MODULATOR PUMP DEVELOPED A SIGNIFICANT FLUID LEAK (3-6 OZ PER DAY, OR GREATER). THIS PART IS NON-REPAIRABLE AND MUST BE REPLACED AT GREAT COST (QUOTED $1900). AS A KEY BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENT, FAILURE OF THIS PART MAY CAUSE (1) SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF BRAKE FUNCTION DUE TO AIR & MOISTURE INTRUSION INTO THE BRAKE LINES, (2) NON-FUNCTIONING BRAKES WHEN GREATER AMOUNTS OF FLUID ARE SUDDENLY LOST, AND/OR (3) FIRE DANGER, WHEN DRIPPING BRAKE FLUID CONTACTS NEARBY EXHAUST MANIFOLD COMPONENTS. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 81,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10014063 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10038932 · 2003-09-15 (September 15, 2003)

ABS/TRACKS SYSTEM FAILURE ON BOTH 1995, 850 AND 1998, V70. WHEN ABS/TRACK LIGHT(S) COMES ON, NO ABS/TRACK. LEFT FRONT WEEL MAY PULL WHEN BRAKING ON V70. VOLVO CORP. DOES NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM... MADE SEVERAL CALLS, HAD INSPECTION/SERVICE DONE BY "CERTIFIED VOLVO SERVICE TECHNICIAN," VOLVO WILL NOT ACCEPT PROBLEM...

Owner-reported narrative. 120,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10038932 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10057945 · 2004-03-11 (March 11, 2004)

CONSUMER'S HEATED SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE SEATS FABRIC CONTAINED THE FIRE. *AK *NM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10057945 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10063161 · 2004-03-15 (March 15, 2004)

WHEN SHUTTING BOTH FRONTAL DOORS CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DOOR HINGES BROKE FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS CAUSING THE DOORS NOT TO CLOSE. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10063161 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10069615 · 2004-01-15 (January 15, 2004)

THE FRONT SEATS HAVE BROKEN THREE TIMES. THE BAND THAT KEEPS THE BACKS IN POSITION EITHER FAILS AND THE SEAT WILL NOT RETURN TO A PREVIOUS POSITION OR IT SLIPS AND FAILS TO ADJEST THE SEATS. THIS WAS FIXED AND PAID FOR TWICE. NOW WITHIN 15 MONTHS IT HAS FAILED AGAIN AND SMYTHE VOLVO WILL ONLY OFFER A 10% REDUCTION IN THE COST. THIS SHOULD LAST MONGER THEN 15 MONTHS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. WE WEIGH 124 AND 145 RESPECTIVELY. WE HAVEN'T ADJUSTED THE SEATS VERY OFTEN. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW COMMON THIS PRO…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10069615 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10079731 · 2004-06-23 (June 23, 2004)

CONSUMER SAW/SMELLED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 88,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10079731 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10083015 · 2004-07-30 (July 30, 2004)

I PURCHASED A USED VEHICLE AND FILLED THE TANK FULL UNTIL AUTO PUMP KICKED OFF, DROVE LESS THAN 1 MILE HOME AND PARKED IN THE GARGE. THE NEXT MORNING, GARAGE FILLED WITH GAS FUME ODOR, NO VISIBLE LEAK, RESEARCHED HAYNED REPAIR MANUAL, FOUND ACCESS COVER TO FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT AND FUEL PUMP INSIDE VEHICLE, REMOVED COVERS, FOUND FUEL LEAK AT FUEL PUMP COVER.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 95,204 miles reported. Look up ODI 10083015 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

04V368000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage

Reported: 2004-07-30 (July 30, 2004)

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.

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

95V050000 · Equipment:Mechanical:Integrated Jack/Leveler/Stabilizer | Equipment:Mechanical:Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift

Reported: 1995-03-10 (March 10, 1995)

SOME OF THE JACKS SUPPLIED WITH THE VEHICLES DO NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY LOAD CAPACITY.

Consequence: A RAISED VEHICLE CAN FALL OFF THE JACK INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE SUSPECT JACKS WITH A JACK MEETING THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE CARS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

111 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

16.2%Usable mileage18 / 111 records

77.5%Valid incident date86 / 111 records

100.0%Valid filing date111 / 111 records

77.5%Ordered incident and filing dates86 / 111 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1999	2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	34.1% ODI 10021565 NAR 05/21/2003. MR DEFECTIVE ANTILOCK BRAKE PUMP. CB Look up ODI 10021565 at NHTSA ↗	44.8% ODI 10056609 · 95,000 mi VOLVO 850 (1994) FAILURE OF ABS BRAKING. *JB Look up ODI 10056609 at NHTSA ↗	32.7% ODI 10138511 · 133,000 mi . I HAVE SPENT $2200 IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS WHILE HERB GORDON TRIES TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, CLEANED AND RESEALED THE BRAKE CALIPERS AND NOW AS A LAST RESORT ARE REPLACING THE INTERNAL ABS SYSTEM, WHICH FINALLY FIXED THE PROBLEM. IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BOLTS CAME LOOSE CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN, AIR SENSORS AND OXYGEN SENSORS SEEM TO NEED REPLACING AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR. *NM Look up ODI 10138511 at NHTSA ↗	3216.7% ODI 10011583 THE ABS FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *JB Look up ODI 10011583 at NHTSA ↗	98.4% ODI 10019425 WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLES ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON. *NLM Look up ODI 10019425 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	1926.0% ODI 10037093 · 150,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10037093 at NHTSA ↗	44.8% ODI 504938 TRANSMISSION FAILS OCCASIONALLY. *DH Look up ODI 504938 at NHTSA ↗	76.3% ODI 549448 SHIFT OVER RIDE ON RECALL BUT THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE THE OWNER TO FIX IT. YH Look up ODI 549448 at NHTSA ↗	94.7% ODI 604209 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GET OUT OF PARK DUE TO COMPUTER CHIP FAILURE. Look up ODI 604209 at NHTSA ↗	32.8% ODI 10234149 · 127,700 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 VOLVO 850 WAGON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE STATION FOR TIRE REPAIR AND THE FOLLOWING FAILURES WERE DISCOVERED: BOTH REAR BRAKES AND CALIPERS WERE SEIZED AND COMPLETELY INOPERABLE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ALSO INOPERABLE, AND BOTH FRONT INNER AND OUTER TIE RODS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST WAS $1,230. THE VOLVO DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FOLLOWING FAILURES: BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND THE DRIVER SIDE TIE RODS FAILED, AN ALIGNMENT WAS NEEDED, THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES FAILED, INCLUDING … Look up ODI 10234149 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly	22.7% ODI 567713 THE PLASTIC GASOLINE TANK LEAKED GASOLINE. *SCC Look up ODI 567713 at NHTSA ↗	67.2% ODI 10017505 THE GAS TANK LEAKED. *JB Look up ODI 10017505 at NHTSA ↗	10.9% ODI 770648 NO SUMMARY. DT Look up ODI 770648 at NHTSA ↗	2010.4% ODI 10004488 · 80,000 mi CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK HAS A LEAK AND IF FILLED OVER 12 GALLONS IT WILL LEAK FUEL, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS *TT Look up ODI 10004488 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Tires	11.4% ODI 759415 REPLACED 7 TIRES. TOO MANY FOR LOW MILES. VOLVO FRONT END CAUSES EXCESSIVE WEAR?*AK (TIRESIZE: 195/60VR15) Look up ODI 759415 at NHTSA ↗	56.0% ODI 482943 THREE MICHELIN TIRES BLEW OUT. *SKD Look up ODI 482943 at NHTSA ↗	54.5% ODI 501223 TIRES BLOW OUT DUE TO RIM BEING MADE OF A SOFT ALLOY/RUBBER BEING TOO THIN. *DSH Look up ODI 501223 at NHTSA ↗	94.7% ODI 10394382 · 96,000 mi ON FEBRUARY 9, 2008 I PURCHASED AT MAVIS TIRE FOUR (4) NEW COOPER ZEON TIRES WITH A RATING OF 400 AAA. IN APPROXIMATELY SIX THOUSAND (6,000) I FIND ONE PAIR COMPLETELY WORN WHILE THE OTHER SET FULL THREAD. I CALLED MAVIS TIRE AND SPOKE WITH STU WHO SAID HE IS THE MANAGER. HE SUGGESTED I COME INTO THE TIRE SHOP SO HE MAY INSPECT THE TIRES. ON MARCH 2011, I DROVE TO LONG BEACH, LONG ISLAND WHERE THE SHOP IS LOCATED. STU INSPECTED THE TIRES AND AGREED WITH ME THAT SOMETHING WAS DEFECTIVE WITH THE TWO TIRES IN QUESTION. STU THEN TOLD ME HE WOULD C… Look up ODI 10394382 at NHTSA ↗	87.5% ODI 10165735 · 60,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND THE STEERING WAS ERRATIC. THE CONTACT NOTICED UNUSUAL HYDROPLANING IN SMALL PUDDLES OF WATER ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT NOTICED CHUNKS ON THE OUTSIDE RIM OF THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THERE WAS UNUSUAL WEAR ON THE TIRES. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE ALIGNMENT WAS BAD ON THE VEHICLE THAT WAS THE PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS MICHELIN. MODEL: ENERGY. SIZE: 195/60/R15.AK Look up ODI 10165735 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	33.6% ODI 10010637 · 100,000 mi INTERIOR FIRE IN CAR, MOST LIKELY CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE SEAT HEATERS. CAR SEATS WERE SOURCE OF FIRE. CAR WAS INCINERATED. *JB Look up ODI 10010637 at NHTSA ↗	43.6% ODI 10057945 CONSUMER'S HEATED SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE SEATS FABRIC CONTAINED THE FIRE. AK NM Look up ODI 10057945 at NHTSA ↗	94.7% ODI 10005430 · 85,000 mi 1996 VOLVO 850 - DRIVERS SIDE SEAT, HOLE BURNED IN SEAT DUE TO HEATED SEAT FAILURE. Look up ODI 10005430 at NHTSA ↗	76.5% ODI 10025051 CONSUMER'S COMPLAINT REGARDING RECALL CAMPAIGN 112. MR (RECALL # 02V314000) THE SEAT HEATER DID NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A NOTICE WHICH INDICATED THAT IN THE INSTANCE WHERE THE SEAT HEATERS DIDN'T OPERATE, THE CORRECTIVE ACTION MAY NOT RESTORE FULL FUNCTIONALITY. THE REMEDY DID NOT RESTORE THE FULL BENEFIT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED COMPENSATION. THERE WAS ALSO AN A/C PROBLEM. SCC *JB Look up ODI 10025051 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags:Frontal	68.2% ODI 546691 AIR BAG WAS SUPPOSEDLY FOUND SPLIT WHEN HORN, STEERING COLUMN, AND STEERING WHEEL WAS BEING REPLACED. VOLVO MAY BE USING POOR QUALITY COMPONENTS IN VEHICLES. Look up ODI 546691 at NHTSA ↗	56.0% ODI 10238103 I OWN A 1994 VOLVO 850 SEDAN. I WAS PARKED ON A BUSY DOWNTOWN PORTLAND ST. AND GOT IN MY CAR, TURNED ON THE IGNITION AND MY AIRBAG DEPLOYED. IT WAS SO LOUD I THOUGHT I HAD BEEN SHOT. (AS DID PASSERSBY) MY CAR FILLED WITH WHAT I THOUGHT WAS SMOKE (DUE TO GUNPOWDER SMELL) AND GOT OUT QUICKLY. I WAS VERY DISTRAUGHT AND IN SHOCK...MY ARMS AND CHEST HAD BURNS AND CUTS AND BRUISES INSTANTLY. I WENT TO THE ER..THANKFULLY NOTHING BROKEN BUT NOW MY INSURANCE COMPANY (FARMER'S) IS SAYING IT'S NOT COVERED SINCE IT IS "SO RARE" AND THEY FEEL "DEFECTIVE EQU… Look up ODI 10238103 at NHTSA ↗	76.3% ODI 533291 NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION, RESULTING IN INJURIES AND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. 533194 DUP OF 533291; POSTED ON 09-07-1999. *AK Look up ODI 533291 at NHTSA ↗	42.1% ODI 539946 BOTH AIRBAG'S DEPLOYED AFTER RUNNING OVER A MANHOLE THAT HAD IT'S COVER MISSING, BREAKING THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, AND INJURED THE DRIVER'S RIGHT WRIST. THERE WAS REAR SUSPENSION DAMAGE. Look up ODI 539946 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner	68.2% ODI 10037093 · 150,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10037093 at NHTSA ↗	22.4% ODI 523964 ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL MODULE FAILED. IN ADDITION, DEFROSTER MALFUNCTIONED, LEAVING WINDSHIELD COVERED WITH ICE AND SNOW, CREATING A DANGEROUS VISIBILITY PROBLEM. *AK Look up ODI 523964 at NHTSA ↗	43.6% ODI 539366 FLUID IN AIR CONDITIONER UNIT WAS CORRODING THE EVAPORATOR RESULTING IN LEAKING. Look up ODI 539366 at NHTSA ↗	73.6% ODI 10010196 · 89,000 mi MECHANIC INFORMED OWNER THAT AC EVAPORATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THAT R7R REQUIRES REMOVAL OF DASH. ESTIMATED COST IS $2,000. AC ONLY USED OCCASIONALLY. THIS IS A VERY HIGH COST FOR REPLACING A RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE PART DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. WOULD LIKE VOLVO NA TO ASSIST. *NLM Look up ODI 10010196 at NHTSA ↗	32.8% ODI 10025051 CONSUMER'S COMPLAINT REGARDING RECALL CAMPAIGN 112. MR (RECALL # 02V314000) THE SEAT HEATER DID NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A NOTICE WHICH INDICATED THAT IN THE INSTANCE WHERE THE SEAT HEATERS DIDN'T OPERATE, THE CORRECTIVE ACTION MAY NOT RESTORE FULL FUNCTIONALITY. THE REMEDY DID NOT RESTORE THE FULL BENEFIT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED COMPENSATION. THERE WAS ALSO AN A/C PROBLEM. SCC *JB Look up ODI 10025051 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	11.2% ODI 10141944 DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL BUT HE WAS UNSURE WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. THE DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED CHANGING THE MASTER CYLINDER AND IT WAS CHANGED AT A LOCAL SERVICE STATION, HOWEVER THE LEAK CONTINUED. THE CONTACT CLAIMED THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE ABS. THE MODULE WAS CHANGED, THE LEAK STOPPED AND THE BRAKES WORKED PROPERLY. HE THEN RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 04V368000 CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM. RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED BUT THERE WAS STILL A SMELL OF FUEL. THIS HAPPENED WITH THE WINDOWS UP OR DOWN. THE CHECK EN… Look up ODI 10141944 at NHTSA ↗	21.8% ODI 10014063 · 81,500 mi VOLVO 850 ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC MODULATOR PUMP DEVELOPED A SIGNIFICANT FLUID LEAK (3-6 OZ PER DAY, OR GREATER). THIS PART IS NON-REPAIRABLE AND MUST BE REPLACED AT GREAT COST (QUOTED $1900). AS A KEY BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENT, FAILURE OF THIS PART MAY CAUSE (1) SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF BRAKE FUNCTION DUE TO AIR & MOISTURE INTRUSION INTO THE BRAKE LINES, (2) NON-FUNCTIONING BRAKES WHEN GREATER AMOUNTS OF FLUID ARE SUDDENLY LOST, AND/OR (3) FIRE DANGER, WHEN DRIPPING BRAKE FLUID CONTACTS NEARBY EXHAUST MANIFOLD COMPONENTS. *JB Look up ODI 10014063 at NHTSA ↗	63.1% ODI 10013776 · 97,000 mi I NOTICED AN ODD NOISE WHICH SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING ROLLING AROUND IN THE BACK OF THE CAR, BUT NOTHING WAS. AT TIME OF STATE INSPECTION, I ALERTED THE INSPECTORS. THEY FELT SOMETHING BUMPING FROM WITHIN THE GAS TANK. I DISASSEMBLED THE FLOOR COVERINGS AND INSPECTION PORTS FOR FUEL PUMP AND GAUGE SENDER. I REMOVED THE GAUGE SENDER AND LOOKED INTO THE TANK AND OBSERVED A PLASTIC BOWL-LIKE OBJECT SURROUNDING THE FUEL PUMP. I ROCKED THE CAR AND THIS BOWL WOULD SLOSH AGAINST THE PUMP. THIS OBJECT APPEARS TO BE A BAFFLE TO REDUCE SLOSHING AROUN… Look up ODI 10013776 at NHTSA ↗	87.5% ODI 10003367 · 45,000 mi DEFECTIVE ABS MODULE ON 1997 VOLVO 850 T5 Look up ODI 10003367 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage	Too few reports for a range	112,750 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10217052 · 112,750 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 VOLVO 850. THE CONTACT NOTICED GAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LEAKED OCCURRED WHERE THE HEAT SHIELD WAS ATTACHED. THERE IS A RECALL FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #04V368000) HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,750 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10217052 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10251949 · 117,900 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 VOLVO 850. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING ON THE FLOOR OF HIS GARAGE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THROUGH RESEARCH, HE DISCOVERED NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA03008, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V368000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SINCE THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL, HIS VIN SHOULD BE INCLUDED AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 117,900. UPDATED 01/08/09.*JB Look up ODI 10251949 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10267336 · 91,000 mi MY 1995 VOLVO 850 DEVELOPED A GAS TANK LEAK AT A HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT. THIS IS THE SAME DEFECT THAT LED TO A SAFETY RECALL OF VOLVO 850'S IN CERTAIN SOUTHERN STATES AND A SERVICE RECALL IN THE OTHER STATES IN 2004 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V368000). I WAS NEVER PROVIDED NOTICE OF THIS RECALL, AND VOLVO NOW REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE NECESSARY REPLACEMENT OF THE GAS TANK--A SUBSTANTIAL EXPENSE APPARENTLY CAUSED BY A SAFETY DEFECT THAT THE COMPANY FAILED TO REMEDY. I AM HAVING A NEW GAS TANK PUT IN BY A VOLVO DEALER TODAY. IN RESEARCHING THIS PROB… Look up ODI 10267336 at NHTSA ↗
Seat Belts	Too few reports for a range	104,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10008716 · 99,000 mi THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT FROM ITS POSITION.JB TS Look up ODI 10008716 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10350322 · 110,000 mi 1995 VOLVO 850 GLT, DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTING MECHANISM (THE ROLLER NEAR DRIVER'S LEFT SHOULDER) WAS STUCK. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO PULL OUT THE BELT, SOMETIMES PULLING SLOWLY AND LITTLE BY LITTLE SEEMS TO WORK IT AROUND. SPRAYED SOME LUBRICANT CAN FREE IT UP FOR A FEW DAYS, THEN IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO PULL OUT THE SEAT BELT OUT AGAIN ... IT SEEMS TO HAVE A DEFECTED DESIGN SOMEWHERE INSIDE. *TR Look up ODI 10350322 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

1999: 1 complaints · 2000: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
1999	1	1	1
2000	0	1	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
1999	2	0	0
2000	0	1	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Air Bags:Frontal	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Tires	Tires:Sidewall	Electrical System:Horn	Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner	Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage	Seat Belts
Air Bags:Frontal	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	0	—	1 ODI 549448 SHIFT OVER RIDE ON RECALL BUT THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE THE OWNER TO FIX IT. YH Look up ODI 549448 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 751419 GEAR POSITION SENSOR,S1 & S2 SOLENOIDS: VOLVO HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS DEFECT FOR SOME TIME AND SHOULD HAVE DECLARED A RECALL.( VOLVO EVEN LOST A SMALL CLAIMS SUIT IN CALIFORNIA OVER THIS FAILURE) WHILE VOLVO PAID $900 OF THE $1300 REPAIR BILL TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, THEY SHOULD HAVE PAID FOR THE WHOLE BILL. RE: HORN FAILURE, THE VOLVO MECHANICS SAID VOLVO HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ALSO, BUT REFUSES TO DO ANY THING ABOUT IT. MY CAR HAS NOT YET REACHED 50,000 MILES AND I HAVE HAD TO SPEND ABOUT $1,400 DOLLARS TO REPAIR A SUNROOF, REPLACE THE STE… Look up ODI 751419 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Tires	0	1 ODI 549448 SHIFT OVER RIDE ON RECALL BUT THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE THE OWNER TO FIX IT. YH Look up ODI 549448 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0	0
Tires:Sidewall	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Electrical System:Horn	0	1 ODI 751419 GEAR POSITION SENSOR,S1 & S2 SOLENOIDS: VOLVO HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS DEFECT FOR SOME TIME AND SHOULD HAVE DECLARED A RECALL.( VOLVO EVEN LOST A SMALL CLAIMS SUIT IN CALIFORNIA OVER THIS FAILURE) WHILE VOLVO PAID $900 OF THE $1300 REPAIR BILL TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, THEY SHOULD HAVE PAID FOR THE WHOLE BILL. RE: HORN FAILURE, THE VOLVO MECHANICS SAID VOLVO HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ALSO, BUT REFUSES TO DO ANY THING ABOUT IT. MY CAR HAS NOT YET REACHED 50,000 MILES AND I HAVE HAD TO SPEND ABOUT $1,400 DOLLARS TO REPAIR A SUNROOF, REPLACE THE STE… Look up ODI 751419 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0	0
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Seat Belts	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

4 patterns with matching reports.

Fuel smell or leak mentions

8 mentions · 7.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 116,954 mi (8 usable records).

ODI 10079731 · 88,000 mi

CONSUMER SAW/SMELLED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10079731 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10083015 · 95,204 mi

Look up ODI 10083015 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10113069 · 168,000 mi

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE IT CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE FUEL LEAKAGE. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

Look up ODI 10113069 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Brake response concerns

3 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 536345

BRAKE PEDAL REJECTED BACK ON IMPACT SHATTERING DRIVER'S ANKLE.

Look up ODI 536345 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 705744

STOPPED AT TRAIN CROSSING, PUT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL TO WAIT FOR TRAIN. WHEN THE END OF THE TRAIN WAS SPOTTED I PLACED CAR IN DRIVE WITH MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CAR SURGED AS IF SOMEONE PUT THEIR FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR WHILE MY RIGHT FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR SURGED THROUGH THE CROSSING GATE AND INTO THE LAST FOUR CARS OF THE TRAIN. IT HAPPENED SO FAST I WAS IN SHOCKED, BUT I DO REMEMBER TRYING TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL "THROUGH THE FLOOR BOARD". VOLVO NORTH AMERICA HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND WILL EXAMINE THE VEH…

Look up ODI 705744 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 746380

WHEN BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED, DOOR LOCKS WOULD CYCLE TO LOCKED AND CENTER BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. WHE BRAKE PEDAL RELEASED, DOORS WOULD UNLOCK. POTENTIAL OF LOCKS FAILING IN EITHER POSITION. *AK

Look up ODI 746380 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 980005

THE VEHICLE STALLS/HESITATES/STUMBLES, CAN NOT ACCELERAT THE VEHICLE IN 5TH GEAR. *AK

Look up ODI 980005 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 725252

PHONED DEALERSHIP TWICE AND INFORMED THEM THAT I HAD DISCOVERED A CRACK IN MY CARS RADIATOR OVERFLOW CAP, AND ALSO NEEDED TO COME IN FOR SERVICE. MY CAR ENGINE BURNED UP AND FROZE ON THE WAY UP TO THE DEALERSHIP. APPEARANTLY THE CAP IT IS NOT A COVERED ITEM IN MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. DAMAGE CAUSED BY A NONE COVERED PART IS ALSO NOT APPLICABLE. THE DEALERSHIP MADE NO ATTEMPT TO WARN ME OF A POSSIBLE OVERHEAT FROM DRIVING MY CAR TO THEM. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $11,000 TO REPLACE ENGINE AND BURNT COMPONANTS. I SAW NO WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR TO ENGIN…

Look up ODI 725252 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b