Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Volvo 240 brakes problems

20 complaint narratives mention brakes terms.

Key facts

139 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

129,577 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1975 to 1994 model years. Data updated: . 15 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Braking behavior evidence

20 of 139 complaints match this topic (14.4%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 963638 · 1995-04-12 (April 12, 1995)

VEHICLE STALLS AT LOW SPEEDS AND THERE ARE NO BRAKES WHEN THIS HAPPENS. TT

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 963638 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10002964 · 2003-01-19 (January 19, 2003)

I WENT TO THE MIDAS AUTO SHOP LOCATED ON 8888 JAMACHA ROAD TO GET MY BRAKE SYSTEM BLED. WHEN I GOT THERE, THE MANAGER, NANCY, SAID THAT I NEEDED TO GET A THOROUGH BRAKE INSPECTION BEFORE GETTING ANYTHING DONE. I CONSENTED, AND SIGNED A CONSENT FORM. NOTE: PRIOR TO GOING TO THE AUTO SHOP, MY CAR WAS IN TOP RUNNING CONDITION, EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE PROBLEM. AS SOON AS THE BRAKE INSPECTION WAS COMPLETED, NANCY TOLD ME THE OTHER "PROBLEMS" THAT MY CAR HAD TO GET FIXED IN ADDITION TO THE BRAKE SITUATION. IN ADDITION TO THAT SHE SAID THAT THE WHOLE BRA…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10002964 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 484165 · 1995-07-13 (July 13, 1995)

REPLACED BRAKE ROTOR.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 484165 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 980883 · 1996-03-19 (March 19, 1996)

WHILE BACKING OUT, WITH FOOT APPLIED TO BRAKE, WITHOUT PRESSING GAS, SUDDENLY ENGINE SURGED THEN ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, HITTING A HOUSE, IN REVERSE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 980883 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10031239 · 2003-07-28 (July 28, 2003)

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES BRAKE PEDAL PROCEEDED TO THE FLOOR AFTER DRIVING AT LEAST 12 MILES. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10031239 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

10.8%Usable mileage15 / 139 records
77.7%Valid incident date108 / 139 records
100.0%Valid filing date139 / 139 records
77.7%Ordered incident and filing dates108 / 139 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.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19801982198319841985198619871988198919901991199219931994
Vehicle Speed Control
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

125.0%
ODI 980883

WHILE BACKING OUT, WITH FOOT APPLIED TO BRAKE, WITHOUT PRESSING GAS, SUDDENLY ENGINE SURGED THEN ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, HITTING A HOUSE, IN REVERSE. *AK

Look up ODI 980883 at NHTSA ↗

216.7%
ODI 781540

CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUNVISOR/ROCKER PANEL TRIM MOLDING AROUND WHEEL WELLS/VENT LINE FOR GAS TANK, AND ALTERNATOR FAILED.

Look up ODI 781540 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 967674

EXPERIENCE SUDDEN ACCELERATION, VEHICLE GOES INTO OPEN THROTTLE POSTION WHEN TURN IGNITION AND PUT INTO DRIVE. TT

Look up ODI 967674 at NHTSA ↗

220.0%
ODI 727703

WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTO NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY, INTO THEIR GARAGE, CAUSING VEHICLE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. WHEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, VEHICLE AGAIN ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY BACK INTO OUR HOME'S GARAGE, HITTING OUR SECOND VEHICLE. TWO OF OUR VEHICLES DAMAGED (INCLUDING VOLVO), TWO NEIGHBOR'S VEHICLES DAMAGED, AS WELL AS STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO NEIGHBOR'S GARAGE.

Look up ODI 727703 at NHTSA ↗

15.9%
ODI 733799

REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTED. SEE NHTSA ITEM #SB023184,SB028386, SB028388, SB036283,SB019139, SB026140,SB028385. ALSO REFER TO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 225913X ISSUED FEB. 1995.

Look up ODI 733799 at NHTSA ↗

525.0%
ODI 10032134

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO REVERSE AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE ACCELERATED, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 10032134 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.5%
ODI 8019205

CONSUMER STATES WHILE SITTING THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING.*JB CONSUMER STATED THAT DURING THE FIRST INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE CLIMBED OVER THE PARKING LOT BUMPER RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM, LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT, STABILIZER BAR AND BOTH STABILIZER LINKS. IN THE LAST INCIDENT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BROKE. THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE FOR THE VEHICLE'S ACCELERATION. *YH

Look up ODI 8019205 at NHTSA ↗

17.1%
ODI 10130395

DT: CONSUMER STATED THAT A VEHICLE SHE WAS ABOUT TO PURCHASE HAD ODOMETER FRAUD INVOLVED. THE VEHICLE WAS 1993 VOLVO WAGON 240. THE CONSUMER WAS CONSIDERING PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE RAN A CAR FAX ON THE VOLVO. THE CAR FAX SHOWED THAT THE MILEAGE WAS INCREASING. THE ACTUAL MILEAGE WAS INCREASING AND CONSISTENT, COULD TELL THROUGH THE DMV RECORDS. THE LAST MILEAGE SHOWN WAS ON JULY 30, 2004 WITH THE GEORGIA INSPECTION STATION FOR AN EMISSION TEST, THE MILEAGE WAS 298,106 MILES. THE CONSUMER IS POINTING OUT THAT THIS WAS NOT A CLERICAL ACCIDENT. …

Look up ODI 10130395 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 877845

AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK IN OPEN POSITION, CAUSING VEHICLE TO PICK UP MORE AND MORE SPEED. TO STOP, CONSUMER TURNED INTO A DRIVEWAY, AND JAMMED VEHICLE INTO PARK AND SHUT ENGINE OFF. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Look up ODI 877845 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

529.4%
ODI 10094985

WHILE DRIVING AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AUTOMATICALLY AT 10 MPH IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC. THERE WAS ALSO A CHEMICAL BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE SRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. *AK

Look up ODI 10094985 at NHTSA ↗

418.2%
ODI 503575

NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVERS AIR BAG IN HEAD ON COLLISION. *DSH

Look up ODI 503575 at NHTSA ↗

214.3%
ODI 826374

DRIVIER SIDE AIRBAG HAS CRACKED, PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED TWICE. DEALERS HAS CORRECTED PROBLEM, BUT PROBLEM REOCCURRED, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK

Look up ODI 826374 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Ignition:Module
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.9%
ODI 781539

AIR MASS FLOW SENSOR/ COMPUTER AND FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FAILED. 0

Look up ODI 781539 at NHTSA ↗

315.0%
ODI 519583

ECM COMPUTER UNIT FAILED, CAUSING ENGINE STALL.

Look up ODI 519583 at NHTSA ↗

211.8%
ODI 519224

ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FAILED, CAUSING ENGINE TO STALL.

Look up ODI 519224 at NHTSA ↗

14.5%
ODI 482545

INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AW

Look up ODI 482545 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

116.7%
ODI 8010430

THE INSTALLATION OF THE WIRE HARNESS IS CRUMBLING INTO DUST AND THE WIRES ARE EXPOSED UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.*JB. CONSUMER STATED THE MAIN POWER FROM ALTERNATOR TO STARTER HAD BAD INSULATION AND MAJOR PORTIONS OF THE COPPER CABLE WERE EXPOSED, VIRTUALLY THE FUEL INJECTION, IGNITION, AND EMISSION CONTROLS WERE IN THE SAME CONDITION, WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, CONSUMER SAW SPARKS AT NIGHT WHEN HARNESS WAS AGITATED.*JB

Look up ODI 8010430 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

125.0%
ODI 10068043 · 188,192 mi

FOLLOWING MULTIPLE BREAKDOWNS FAILED INSULATION ON EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM AND ALTERNATOR WERE FOUND. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO FIRE AND HAVE TAKEN THE CAR OFF THE ROAD PENDING REPAIR. I SEARCHED GOOGLE FOR VOLVO BAD WIRING AND CAME UP WITH MANY HITS. THIS APPEARS TO BE A SAFETY RELATED DESIGN FAULT RELATED TO THE TYPE OF WIRE USED ONLY IN CERTAIN YEARS IN THE EARLY 1980'S. EARLIER AND LATER CARS SEEM TO BE OK. IT SEEMS THE WIRE IS NOT HEAT RESISTENT.

Look up ODI 10068043 at NHTSA ↗

325.0%
ODI 704411

WIRING IS FAILING BOTH INSIDE AND OUT,LIGHTS MOTOR ECT!!!!

Look up ODI 704411 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 848530

ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS DETERIORATING EXPOSING BARE WIRES. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.

Look up ODI 848530 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.9%
ODI 819019

ELECTRICAL: DRIVING HOME AND VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE, GOT HOME DICSONNECTED THE BATTERY. WIRING FROM DASH TO BACK LIGHTS HAD BURNED OUT. *AK

Look up ODI 819019 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.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Wiring
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

233.3%
ODI 527502

WIRING HARNESS FAILURE.

Look up ODI 527502 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 513367

FRONT WIRING HARNESS MALFUNCTIONED. *AK

Look up ODI 513367 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 535608

POOR WIRE INSULATION FOR ENGINE WIRE HARNESS CRUMBLES AWAY.

Look up ODI 535608 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.

15.9%
ODI 818514

THE DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS MELTED TOGETHER AND SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE VENTS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. DEALE. R CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 818514 at NHTSA ↗

15.0%
ODI 816548

VEHICLE'S ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. OWNER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. *AK

Look up ODI 816548 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.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Tires
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 522491

TIRE SEPARATED ON THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND RIPPED THROUGH THE FENDER WELL AND LOCKED THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL. (YOKOHAMA GS4 1857014)

Look up ODI 522491 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.

18.3%
ODI 567284

WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE, CONSUMER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES.(NO TIRE INFO GIVEN.(OHIO CRASH TRAFFIC REPORT)*JB

Look up ODI 567284 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

110.0%
ODI 560812

THE RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPLODED AND THE OUTER RUNNING SURFACE CAME OFF THE TIRE, AND IT WAS VERY HARD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. (THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS MARSHALL RADIAL TUBELESS SIZE P185/70R 14). *YH

Look up ODI 560812 at NHTSA ↗

15.9%
ODI 10274830 · 16,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 VOLVO 240. THE VEHICLE HAS GOODYEAR EAGLE GPH TIRES, SIZE P195/65/R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE SOUND WAS SIMILAR TO A FLAPPING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN PERFORMING DIFFERENTLY. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS SHREDDED AROUND THE ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS LISTED FOR HER PARTICULAR TIRE SIZE; HOWEVER, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE P195/60/R15 SIZE TIRE. THE …

Look up ODI 10274830 at NHTSA ↗

15.0%
ODI 10433575 · 2,000 mi

GOODYEAR VIVA 2 TIRES FROM WALMART HAVE GONE OUT-OF-ROUND REPEATEDLY. THE MECHANICS AT ANOTHER TIRE SHOP SAY THEY SEE THIS ALL THE TIME WITH WALMART GOODYEARS. I GAVE UP ON WARRANTY REPLACEMENTS, SINCE THEY ALSO FAIL, AND I HAVE TWO DAUGHTERS AND A WIFE DRIVING THESE CARS WITH FAILING TIRES. I SACRIFICED THE WARRANTIES AND PUT KUMHOS ON THE CARS. I HAVE 6 VOLVO 240S AND ALL OF THEM HAVE HAD FAILURES OF WALMART TIRES. GOODYEAR, DOUGLAS AND UNIROYAL. 185 -70 - 14. IN EVERY CASE THE TIRES GO OUT-OF-ROUND AND CANNOT BE BALANCED. THEY WOBBL…

Look up ODI 10433575 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.5%
ODI 895420

WHILE DRIVING, RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPLODED. TWO HOLES WERE IN TIRE ALONG THE SEAM WHERE TREAD MEETS THE SIDEWALL. TIRE MELTED ON RIM AND A BLOW TORCH HAD TO BE USED TO REMOVE TIRE FROM RIM. SIZE P195/70R14/90SMTS. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK *YH

Look up ODI 895420 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seats
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

18.3%
ODI 829068

SEAT ON THE DRIVER SIDE ISN'T FIXED AND THE FRAME IS RUSTED. ALSO BRAKE PEDAL IS CORRODED. THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE BRAKES AND THE SEAT. THE SEAT MIGHT BRAKE AWAY FROM THE FRAME IF THE CONSUMER WAS TO GET INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

Look up ODI 829068 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.9%
ODI 704901

CONDITION OF SEAT IS A SAFETY VIOLATION IN VA AND MUST BE CORRECTED. *AK

Look up ODI 704901 at NHTSA ↗

210.0%
ODI 881513

WHILE SEATING IN DRIVER SEAT NOTICED SEAT ROCKING SOON AFTER WHEN SEAT BROKE IN HALF. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Look up ODI 881513 at NHTSA ↗

15.9%
ODI 10786855

I JUST SAW ON THE NEWS ABOUT SEATS FALLING BACK DURING ACCIDENT WHEN I WAS HIT BY A TRACTOR-TRAILER IN 2002 TWO VOLVO 240 MY SEAT WENT ALL THE WAY BACK LIKE THE NEWS SHOWED LUCKILY NO ONE WAS IN THE REAR SEAT

Look up ODI 10786855 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.

Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

211.8%
ODI 11080808 · 200,000 mi

"TAKATA RECALL" UNKNOWN

Look up ODI 11080808 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

214.3%
ODI 10061074

WHILE VEHICLE WAS JUST PASSING THROUGH A TOLL BOOTH CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING NOISE. THEN, STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO SHAKE, AND SUDDENLY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE TO REAR END VEHICLE IN FRONT. BECAUSE OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CONSUMER SUSTAINED FACE AND CHEST INJURIES, AND WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR ONE WEEK. *AK

Look up ODI 10061074 at NHTSA ↗

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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range129,289 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10650380 · 129,577 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 VOLVO 240. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AND THE BRAKES FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GLASS DOORS OF THE AUTO DEPARTMENT AND THROUGH THE BUILDING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000. UPDATED 01/05/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY BROUGHT IN …

Look up ODI 10650380 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10652550 · 129,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1990 VOLVO 240 WAGON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS CONTINUOUSLY FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE STATION FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE INTO THE SERVICE BAY AREA. AS SOON AS SHE SHIFTED FROM PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT MADE A HARD LEFT TURN TO AVOID CRASHING INTO THE FRONT ENTRANCE OF THE SHOP AND CRASHED INTO A WALL INSTEAD. THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY BECAME FILLED WITH WHITE…

Look up ODI 10652550 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Wiring:Front UnderhoodToo few reports for a range188,192 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10068043 · 188,192 mi

FOLLOWING MULTIPLE BREAKDOWNS FAILED INSULATION ON EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM AND ALTERNATOR WERE FOUND. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO FIRE AND HAVE TAKEN THE CAR OFF THE ROAD PENDING REPAIR. I SEARCHED GOOGLE FOR VOLVO BAD WIRING AND CAME UP WITH MANY HITS. THIS APPEARS TO BE A SAFETY RELATED DESIGN FAULT RELATED TO THE TYPE OF WIRE USED ONLY IN CERTAIN YEARS IN THE EARLY 1980'S. EARLIER AND LATER CARS SEEM TO BE OK. IT SEEMS THE WIRE IS NOT HEAT RESISTENT.

Look up ODI 10068043 at NHTSA ↗

TiresToo few reports for a range9,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10274830 · 16,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 VOLVO 240. THE VEHICLE HAS GOODYEAR EAGLE GPH TIRES, SIZE P195/65/R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE SOUND WAS SIMILAR TO A FLAPPING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN PERFORMING DIFFERENTLY. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS SHREDDED AROUND THE ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS LISTED FOR HER PARTICULAR TIRE SIZE; HOWEVER, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE P195/60/R15 SIZE TIRE. THE …

Look up ODI 10274830 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10433575 · 2,000 mi

GOODYEAR VIVA 2 TIRES FROM WALMART HAVE GONE OUT-OF-ROUND REPEATEDLY. THE MECHANICS AT ANOTHER TIRE SHOP SAY THEY SEE THIS ALL THE TIME WITH WALMART GOODYEARS. I GAVE UP ON WARRANTY REPLACEMENTS, SINCE THEY ALSO FAIL, AND I HAVE TWO DAUGHTERS AND A WIFE DRIVING THESE CARS WITH FAILING TIRES. I SACRIFICED THE WARRANTIES AND PUT KUMHOS ON THE CARS. I HAVE 6 VOLVO 240S AND ALL OF THEM HAVE HAD FAILURES OF WALMART TIRES. GOODYEAR, DOUGLAS AND UNIROYAL. 185 -70 - 14. IN EVERY CASE THE TIRES GO OUT-OF-ROUND AND CANNOT BE BALANCED. THEY WOBBL…

Look up ODI 10433575 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range200,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11080808 · 200,000 mi

"TAKATA RECALL" UNKNOWN

Look up ODI 11080808 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-102026-09

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
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 25 reports

1993: 5 complaints · 1994: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
1993115
1994000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
19931130
1994020

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
ComponentVehicle Speed ControlAir Bags:FrontalElectrical System:Ignition:ModuleElectrical System:Wiring:Front UnderhoodElectrical System:WiringTiresSeatsAir Bags
Vehicle Speed Control—0000000
Air Bags:Frontal0—000000
Electrical System:Ignition:Module00—00000
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood000—0000
Electrical System:Wiring0000—000
Tires00000—00
Seats000000—0
Air Bags0000000—

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.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

7 mentions · 5.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 963638

VEHICLE STALLS AT LOW SPEEDS AND THERE ARE NO BRAKES WHEN THIS HAPPENS. TT

Look up ODI 963638 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10002964

I WENT TO THE MIDAS AUTO SHOP LOCATED ON 8888 JAMACHA ROAD TO GET MY BRAKE SYSTEM BLED. WHEN I GOT THERE, THE MANAGER, NANCY, SAID THAT I NEEDED TO GET A THOROUGH BRAKE INSPECTION BEFORE GETTING ANYTHING DONE. I CONSENTED, AND SIGNED A CONSENT FORM. NOTE: PRIOR TO GOING TO THE AUTO SHOP, MY CAR WAS IN TOP RUNNING CONDITION, EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE PROBLEM. AS SOON AS THE BRAKE INSPECTION WAS COMPLETED, NANCY TOLD ME THE OTHER "PROBLEMS" THAT MY CAR HAD TO GET FIXED IN ADDITION TO THE BRAKE SITUATION. IN ADDITION TO THAT SHE SAID THAT THE WHOLE BRA…

Look up ODI 10002964 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 484630

VEHICLE STALLED. *AK

Look up ODI 484630 at NHTSA ↗

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

Brake response concerns

6 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 116,814 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10031239

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES BRAKE PEDAL PROCEEDED TO THE FLOOR AFTER DRIVING AT LEAST 12 MILES. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 10031239 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 829068

SEAT ON THE DRIVER SIDE ISN'T FIXED AND THE FRAME IS RUSTED. ALSO BRAKE PEDAL IS CORRODED. THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE BRAKES AND THE SEAT. THE SEAT MIGHT BRAKE AWAY FROM THE FRAME IF THE CONSUMER WAS TO GET INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

Look up ODI 829068 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10650380 · 129,577 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 VOLVO 240. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AND THE BRAKES FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GLASS DOORS OF THE AUTO DEPARTMENT AND THROUGH THE BUILDING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000. UPDATED 01/05/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY BROUGHT IN …

Look up ODI 10650380 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10002964

I WENT TO THE MIDAS AUTO SHOP LOCATED ON 8888 JAMACHA ROAD TO GET MY BRAKE SYSTEM BLED. WHEN I GOT THERE, THE MANAGER, NANCY, SAID THAT I NEEDED TO GET A THOROUGH BRAKE INSPECTION BEFORE GETTING ANYTHING DONE. I CONSENTED, AND SIGNED A CONSENT FORM. NOTE: PRIOR TO GOING TO THE AUTO SHOP, MY CAR WAS IN TOP RUNNING CONDITION, EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE PROBLEM. AS SOON AS THE BRAKE INSPECTION WAS COMPLETED, NANCY TOLD ME THE OTHER "PROBLEMS" THAT MY CAR HAD TO GET FIXED IN ADDITION TO THE BRAKE SITUATION. IN ADDITION TO THAT SHE SAID THAT THE WHOLE BRA…

Look up ODI 10002964 at NHTSA ↗

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 803867

THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT WARNING LIGHT IS ON. *AK

Look up ODI 803867 at NHTSA ↗

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