U.S. public vehicle records

1997 Volvo 850: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

107 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

85,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1997 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 43 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 107 complaints (8.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	32	29.9%
Steering behavior	10	9.3%
Electrical and battery issues	8	7.5%
Transmission and shifting	4	3.7%
Fuel system concerns	3	2.8%
Engine operation	2	1.9%

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module

Tires

Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler

Service Brakes, Air:Antilock:Control Unit/Module

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery

Vehicle Speed Control

Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	9
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module	8
Tires	8
Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler	7
Service Brakes, Air:Antilock:Control Unit/Module	6
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery	4
Vehicle Speed Control	4
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator	3

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 9; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module: 8; Tires: 8; Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler: 7; Service Brakes, Air:Antilock:Control Unit/Module: 6; Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery: 4; Vehicle Speed Control: 4; Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator: 3

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: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 14; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 13; 150,000 and above: 7

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (14). 64 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.

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2014

2016

1997: 6; 1998: 2; 1999: 10; 2000: 8; 2001: 7; 2002: 20; 2003: 21; 2004: 12; 2005: 6; 2006: 4; 2007: 2; 2008: 2; 2009: 1; 2010: 3; 2014: 1; 2016: 2

Pattern summary

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 32 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 10 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 8 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 10003214 · 2003-01-22 (January 22, 2003)

I OWN A 1997 VOLVO 850 GLT. IT HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS COMPUTER, ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR I GOT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND TOOK IT IN WITH THIS PROBLEM WITH 10,000 MILES REMAINING ON THE WARRANTY AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND SEVERAL CALLS TO CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS I WAS TOLD THAT WHEN I BOUGHT MY EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED BUT IS COVERED NOW, FOR THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10003214 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10003367 · 2003-01-24 (January 24, 2003)

DEFECTIVE ABS MODULE ON 1997 VOLVO 850 T5

Owner-reported narrative. 45,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10003367 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10009699 · 2003-03-03 (March 3, 2003)

THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT COLLAPSED.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10009699 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10014095 · 2003-04-07 (April 7, 2003)

THE ABS CONTROL UNIT ON MY 1997 VOLVO 850 HAS AN INTERNAL SHORT OR LOOSE CONNECTION AS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP. IF YOU DO RESEARCH INTO THIS MATTER ON THE INTERNET OR BY CALLING THE VOLVO DEALERSHIPS, YOU WILL FIND THIS PROBLEM OCCURS VERY FREQUENTLY IN THESE CARS. WHEN THE ABS LIGHT IS ON THERE IS NO ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, AND THIS CAN CAUSE THE BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING HARD BRAKING APPLICATIONS, AND EASILY ON MOIST OR WET ROADS. AS A MAJOR SAFETY FEATURE ON THESE CARS AND ESPECIALLY A VOLVO, WHO IS KNOWN FOR THEIR SAFE AUTOMOBILES THIS CONTROL MODU…

Owner-reported narrative. 85,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10014095 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10017061 · 2003-05-05 (May 5, 2003)

I HAVE A 1997 VOLVO 850R THAT IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS/TRACS SYSTEM - THE LIGHTS CAME ON FOR THE ABS AND THE TRACS SYSTEM. IN RESEARCHING MY PROBLEM IT HAS BECOME APPARENT THAT THE 850 VOLVO IS KNOWN FOR FAILURES TO ITS ABS MODULE AND THE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM IN GENERAL. THE AMOUNT OF INFORMATION THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND ON THIS COMMON PROBLEM LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALLED ITEM. APPARENTLY VOLVO NOW OFFERS A NEW AND IMPROVED ABS CONTROL MODULE (THAT THEY CHARGE DEARLY FOR) BECAUSE OF THE NUMEROU…

Owner-reported narrative. 66,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10017061 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10019425 · 2003-05-08 (May 8, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLES ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10019425 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10020915 · 2003-06-02 (June 2, 2003)

I HAVE BEEN GETTING BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN MY 1997 VOLVO FOR A LONG TIME AND EVERY TIME I GO TO THE DEALER I MENTIONED TO THEM AND THEY REPLACED BURNED BULBS AND I MENTIONED TO THEM TO CHECK ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO SEE IF THEY COULD FIX THAT CONTINUOUS PROBLEM. THEIR ANSWERED WAS IT IS OKEY. I WONDER IF YOU HAVE HEARD THIS KIND OF PROBLEM FROM ANY OTHER OWNER.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10020915 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10021944 · 2003-05-30 (May 30, 2003)

THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOWS HAVE A GAP IN THE WINDOW TRACK. A CHILD'S FINGER WAS PINCHED,AS A RESULT OF THE GAPWHILE THE WINDOW WAS BEING ADJUSTED.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10021944 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

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

02V314000 · Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler

Reported: 2002-11-19 (November 19, 2002)

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.

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

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 ↗

99V235000 · Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Switch

Reported: 1999-08-30 (August 30, 1999)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.

Consequence: DRIVER'S COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.

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

107 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

40.2%Usable mileage43 / 107 records

78.5%Valid incident date84 / 107 records

100.0%Valid filing date107 / 107 records

78.5%Ordered incident and filing dates84 / 107 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
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	Too few reports for a range	58,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10091051 · 58,000 mi I HAVE A 1997 VOLVO 850R THAT IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS/TRACS SYSTEM - THE LIGHTS CAME ON FOR THE ABS AND THE TRACS SYSTEM. IN RESEARCHING MY PROBLEM IT HAS BECOME APPARENT THAT THE 850 VOLVO IS KNOWN FOR FAILURES TO ITS ABS MODULE AND THE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM IN GENERAL. THE AMOUNT OF INFORMATION THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND ON THIS COMMON PROBLEM LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALLED ITEM. APPARENTLY VOLVO NOW OFFERS A NEW AND IMPROVED ABS CONTROL MODULE (THAT THEY CHARGE DEARLY FOR) BECAUSE OF THE NUMERO… Look up ODI 10091051 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module	55,387–90,341 mi	68,500 mi	8	ODI 10003367 · 45,000 mi DEFECTIVE ABS MODULE ON 1997 VOLVO 850 T5 Look up ODI 10003367 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10014095 · 85,000 mi THE ABS CONTROL UNIT ON MY 1997 VOLVO 850 HAS AN INTERNAL SHORT OR LOOSE CONNECTION AS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP. IF YOU DO RESEARCH INTO THIS MATTER ON THE INTERNET OR BY CALLING THE VOLVO DEALERSHIPS, YOU WILL FIND THIS PROBLEM OCCURS VERY FREQUENTLY IN THESE CARS. WHEN THE ABS LIGHT IS ON THERE IS NO ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, AND THIS CAN CAUSE THE BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING HARD BRAKING APPLICATIONS, AND EASILY ON MOIST OR WET ROADS. AS A MAJOR SAFETY FEATURE ON THESE CARS AND ESPECIALLY A VOLVO, WHO IS KNOWN FOR THEIR SAFE AUTOMOBILES THIS CONTROL MODU… Look up ODI 10014095 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10017061 · 66,000 mi I HAVE A 1997 VOLVO 850R THAT IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS/TRACS SYSTEM - THE LIGHTS CAME ON FOR THE ABS AND THE TRACS SYSTEM. IN RESEARCHING MY PROBLEM IT HAS BECOME APPARENT THAT THE 850 VOLVO IS KNOWN FOR FAILURES TO ITS ABS MODULE AND THE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM IN GENERAL. THE AMOUNT OF INFORMATION THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND ON THIS COMMON PROBLEM LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALLED ITEM. APPARENTLY VOLVO NOW OFFERS A NEW AND IMPROVED ABS CONTROL MODULE (THAT THEY CHARGE DEARLY FOR) BECAUSE OF THE NUMEROU… Look up ODI 10017061 at NHTSA ↗
Tires	Too few reports for a range	89,500 mi	2 (sparse)	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 ↗ ODI 10628627 · 119,000 mi THE TIRE DEALER RECOMMENDED MICHELIN PRIMACY MXV4 AS A REPLACEMENT TIRE FOR MY 1997 VOLVO 850 (NORMALLY ASPIRATED) SEDAN. THE MICHELIN WEBSITE DESCRIBED THIS TIRE AS AN "ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTE" FOR THE TIRES SPECIFIED BY VOLVO BECAUSE MICHELIN NO LONGER OFFERS HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRES IN MY SIZE. STOPPING POWER IS MUCH WORSE WITH THESE NEW MICHELIN TIRES. THEY SQUEAL EASILY, EVEN AT VOLVO'S HIGHEST RECOMMENDED AIR PRESSURE (36PSI). I HAD DIFFICULTY STOPPING FROM 50MPH IN AN EMERGENCY, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY 17 YEAR OWNERSHIP OF THIS VEHICLE. I B… Look up ODI 10628627 at NHTSA ↗
Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler	Too few reports for a range	31,900 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10029382 · 59,000 mi PRIOR TO BEING NOTIFIED FOR THE ELECTRICAL SEAT HEATER, RECALL 02 V 314 000, THE DEFECT ACCRUED AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.AK Look up ODI 10029382 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10059149 · 4,800 mi DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER DID NOT OPERATE. FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 02V314000, BUT CONSUMER MUST PAY TO GET THE DRIVER'S SEAT REPAIRED. AK Look up ODI 10059149 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Air:Antilock:Control Unit/Module	51,000–63,000 mi	57,183 mi	5	ODI 10028913 · 63,000 mi MY ABS LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND I GOT IT CHECKED AT MY MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED OF THE REOCCURING PROBLEM WITH THE MODULE ON MY MAKE AND YEAR. I WAS ALSO INFORMED OF THE AROUND $600 BILL IT WILL BE TO REPLACE SOMETHING THAT SEEMS TO BE SERIOUS ENOUGH FOR VOLVO TO RECALL. - NB.AK Look up ODI 10028913 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10057138 · 64,000 mi 1997 VOLVO 850 MODEL ABS CONTROL MODULE FAILS MAKING THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES MALFUNCTION. AK Look up ODI 10057138 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10082600 · 50,000 mi ABS CONTROL UNIT FAILURE. *AK Look up ODI 10082600 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	Too few reports for a range	150,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10174142 · 150,000 mi 1. LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND SOMETIMES STALLING DURING FREEWAY TRANSITION FROM ON RAMP TO FREEWAY AND OR DURING LEFT TURNING AGAINST TRAFFIC. 2. THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE ACTION OF PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO DOWN SHIFT CAUSING THE EXTREME SLOWING AND SOMETIMES STALLING. THE CONSEQUENCES WERE THAT TRAFFIC WAS GOING CONSIDERABLY FASTER AND HAD TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION TO AVOID HITTING THE SLOWING CAR. 3. TODAY THE MEDIA REPORTED A POTENTIAL RECALL OF VOLVO'S DUE TO THIS PROBLEM AND I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE EXTE… Look up ODI 10174142 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10320035 · 150,000 mi IN A PARKING GARAGE I TURNED MY WHEELS TOWARDS THE LEFT TO DRIVE INTO A PARKING SPOT; I GAVE THE CAR A LITTLE GAS WHILE DRIVING OVER A SPEEDBUMP AND SUDDENLY THE CAR ACCELERATED AND SHOT FORWARD AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THANKFULLY THE CAR WENT INTO THAT PARKING SPOT AND HIT THE CEMENT WALL AND STOPPED. I THOUGHT IT WAS A ONE-TIME OCCURRENCE BUT WITH ALL THE REPORTS OF TOYOTA ACCELERATION PROBLEMS, NOW I WONDER IF THIS CAN OCCUR IN ANY CAR AT ANY TIME. I HAVE A 1997 VOLVO STATION WAGON. WITH SPEED BUMPS ON MANY STREETS NEAR SCHOOLS, IF THIS … Look up ODI 10320035 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10341787 · 150,000 mi UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. CAR IN NORMAL DRIVE, JUST STARTS TO ACCELERATE. ALSO SOMETIMES ENGINE RACES WHILE IN PARK OR IDLE FOR NO REASON. OCCURS RANDOMLY, BUT HAS BEEN RECURRING DAILY FOR TWO WEEKS. HAVEN'T TAKEN TO DEALER YET. *TR Look up ODI 10341787 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
2024-11	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	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (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	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module	Tires	Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler	Service Brakes, Air:Antilock:Control Unit/Module	Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery	Vehicle Speed Control	Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	—	0	1 ODI 567248 CONSUMER STATES THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED AND THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED TWICE.*JB Look up ODI 567248 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 564487 CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS REPLACED.*NLM Look up ODI 564487 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Tires	1 ODI 567248 CONSUMER STATES THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED AND THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED TWICE.*JB Look up ODI 567248 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler	1 ODI 564487 CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS REPLACED.*NLM Look up ODI 564487 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes, Air:Antilock:Control Unit/Module	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	2 ODI 607517 THE ALTERNATOR FAILED, ON TWO OCCASIONS. *YC Look up ODI 607517 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 609960 KEY LESS ENTRY FAILED. YH Look up ODI 609960 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator	0	0	0	0	0	2 ODI 607517 THE ALTERNATOR FAILED, ON TWO OCCASIONS. *YC Look up ODI 607517 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 609960 KEY LESS ENTRY FAILED. YH Look up ODI 609960 at NHTSA ↗	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

6 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

6 mentions · 5.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 80,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10019425

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLES ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON. *NLM

Look up ODI 10019425 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10032756 · 101,800 mi

MY CAR IS A 1997 VOLVO 850. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. I AM TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THERE HAVE BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS COMPUTERS. AN INDEPENDENT VOLVO OWNERS WEBSITE NOTED OTHER 850 OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE QUESTION IS VOLVO GOING TO DO A RECALL?*AK

Look up ODI 10032756 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10253657 · 50,000 mi

ABS MODULE FAILED. LOOKS LIKE MAJOR DEALER REPAIR. THIS IS A MAJOR COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH AND NO LONGER TREATED AS AN ACCESSORY ITEM. FOR THESE DEVICES TO BE CONSIDERED AN "ACCESSORY" THEY SHOULD THEN BE MADE AS USER REPLACEABLE WHICH IS NOT THE CASE. THEN AGAIN, IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE EVERY SUNDAY-MECHANIC REPLACING SUCH A CRITICAL ITEM? I HAVE HAD AN ABS WARNING LIGHT FOR OVER TWO YEARS NOW. DIAGNOSTICS SAY ITS THE ABS ELECTRONICS. I DO NOT HAVE THE BUDGET OR EXPERIENCE TO REPLACE IT. SEVERAL WEBSITES POINT …

Look up ODI 10253657 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Brake response concerns

5 mentions · 4.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 117,032 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10024182

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN THE FLOOR. *AK

Look up ODI 10024182 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10028994 · 106,364 mi

1997 VOLVO 850. THE ABS AND TRACS LIGHTS ARE ON APPROX. 90% OF THE TIME WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. WHEN LIGHTS ARE ON, BRAKE PEDAL IS VERY SOFT AND STOPPING DISTANCE IS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED. WHEN LIGHTS ARE OFF, BRAKE PEDAL GETS FIRMER AFTER PUMPING AND BRAKING DISTANCE IS REDUCED. THIS PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER THE PAST 24 MONTHS. DEALER AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WERE ABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM DURING REPEATED VISITS. INEFFECTIVE BRAKES AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHILE BRAKING CONTRIBUTED TO A SERIOU…

Look up ODI 10028994 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10050628 · 80,000 mi

1997 VOLVO 850R. GRADUAL INCREASE IN FREQUENCY OF INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WHERE ABS AND TRACS LIGHTS ILLUMINATE AND THEN GO OFF. THERE SEEM TO BE SO MANY OF THESE COMPLAINTS THAT THIS ISN'T AN UNUSUAL PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE. HAVING UNPREDICTABLE BRAKES IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. ALSO I'VE GONE THROUGH 4 SETS OF FRONT BRAKE DISCS AND 5 SETS OF FRONT BRAKE PADS IN 90,000 MILES. EVEN WHEN THE DISCS ARE NOT WORN OUT THE BRAKE PEDAL IS SPONGY EVEN THOUGH THE SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY BLED OF AIR. THE DISCS ALSO WARP VERY EASILY EASILY. HOW CA…

Look up ODI 10050628 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

4 mentions · 3.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 39,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10055547 · 39,000 mi

WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT WORKING WHILE IN USE. THE ARM FELL OFF. WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WAS REPLACED. ALSO, THE POWER STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE STEERING FLUID WAS LEAKING. *AK

Look up ODI 10055547 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 528520

DURING THE RAIN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP.

Look up ODI 528520 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 533799

WHEN DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLES ALL OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS COME ON AND POWER STEERING DEACTIVATES,STEERING IS POSSIBLE BUT DIFFICULT. DEALER INSTALLED SOME TYPE OF SPLASH GUARD TO CORRECT PROBLEM, BUT THIS HAS NOT RESOLVED SITUATION. VOLVE INSISTS NOTHING IS WRON GWITH VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 533799 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

2 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 100,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10365806 · 100,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 VOLVO 850. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN FUEL WAS DISPENSED INTO THE FUEL TANK TO THE FULL CAPACITY LEVEL, SHE WOULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THERE WOULD BE FUEL LEAKAGE ON THE GROUND UNDERNEATH THE FUEL TANK. THE FUEL WAS DISPENSED TO THREE QUARTERS OF A TANK TO AVOID THE FAILURE. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V368000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE). THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MI…

Look up ODI 10365806 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8006356

AFTER NOTICING A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER . DEALER FOUND THAT LEAKAGE WAS COMING FROM FUEL LINES, WICH HAD TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

Look up ODI 8006356 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 150,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10174142 · 150,000 mi

1. LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND SOMETIMES STALLING DURING FREEWAY TRANSITION FROM ON RAMP TO FREEWAY AND OR DURING LEFT TURNING AGAINST TRAFFIC. 2. THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE ACTION OF PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO DOWN SHIFT CAUSING THE EXTREME SLOWING AND SOMETIMES STALLING. THE CONSEQUENCES WERE THAT TRAFFIC WAS GOING CONSIDERABLY FASTER AND HAD TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION TO AVOID HITTING THE SLOWING CAR. 3. TODAY THE MEDIA REPORTED A POTENTIAL RECALL OF VOLVO'S DUE TO THIS PROBLEM AND I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE EXTE…

Look up ODI 10174142 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 869541

BOTH VEHICLES ARE THE SAME MODELS AND YEARS, BUT ONE VEHICLE IS A SEDAN, AND THE OTHER IS WAGON, # [XXX], WHILE DRIVING OVER LARGE PUDDLES WATER ENTERED POWER STEERING BELT, CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH. IT USUALLY LASTED UP TO 30 SECONDS BEFORE POWER STEERING WAS BACK TO NORMAL. DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. *AK DRIVING IN RAIN OR LARGE PUDDLES CAUSE THE BELT TO SLIP ON THE PULLEYS RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD COMING ON. *YH INFORMATION REDA…

Look up ODI 869541 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 103,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10138908 · 103,000 mi

CAR WOULD NOT START - APPEARED TO BE DEAD BATTERY - REPLACED BATTERY - CAR STARTED, NEXT DAY CAR BATTERY DEAD - JUMPED BATTERY, CAR STARTED-2 HOURS LATER CAR BATTERY DEAD - TESTED NEW BATTERY TESTED OK. JUMPED BATTERY TOOK CAR TO VOLVO DEALER - LAWRENCE MOTORS IN WALNUT CREEK - TOOK SERVICE DEPARTMENT 1 DAY? TO DIAGNOSE - "WIRING HARNESS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT $2,000 COST!! CAR TO BE READY IN 3 TO 4 WEEKS (SEPTEMBER 1ST), THEN DELAYED (UNKNOWN REASONS), DELAYED TO OCT 1ST, AS OF TODAYS CALL OCT 6, 2005 WAS ADVISED CAR NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL POSSI…

Look up ODI 10138908 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule