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U.S. public vehicle records

1990 Volvo 740 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

47 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

115,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1990 model year. Data updated: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Vehicle Speed Control is the most frequently named component, appearing in 14 of 47 complaints (29.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior1225.5%
Electrical and battery issues612.8%
Transmission and shifting48.5%
Steering behavior24.3%
Engine operation12.1%
Fuel system concerns12.1%

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.

Vehicle Speed Control
14
Air Bags
4
Air Bags:Frontal
4
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables
3
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
3
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
2
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Vehicle Speed Control14
Air Bags4
Air Bags:Frontal4
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables3
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components3
Power Train:Automatic Transmission2
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module1

Vehicle Speed Control: 14; Air Bags: 4; Air Bags:Frontal: 4; Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables: 3; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 3; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components: 3; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 2; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
1
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
3
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9993
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 2

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 41 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
7
1996
6
1997
9
1998
2
1999
5
2000
5
2001
2
2002
2
2003
2
2004
1
2006
1
2007
1
2010
2
2015
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19957
19966
19979
19982
19995
20005
20012
20022
20032
20041
20061
20071
20102
20152

1995: 7; 1996: 6; 1997: 9; 1998: 2; 1999: 5; 2000: 5; 2001: 2; 2002: 2; 2003: 2; 2004: 1; 2006: 1; 2007: 1; 2010: 2; 2015: 2

Pattern summary

Vehicle Speed Control leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 12 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 6 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 4 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.

Complaint evidence

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

Owner report 10152406 · 2006-03-10 (March 10, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING OVER A HILL AT 45 MPH, A DEER ENTERED THE PATH OF THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE DEER. THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD AND DOWN AN EMBANKMENT STRIKING TREES. THE FRONT END WAS DAMAGED IN THE COLLISION. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER SENT A TECHNICIAN WHO DETERMINED, BASED ON THE SPEED AND ANGLE THE VEHICLE MADE CONTACT,…

Owner-reported narrative. 100,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10152406 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10185465 · 2007-03-18 (March 18, 2007)

IN A PARKING LOT AT A LOCAL GROCERY STORE, MY DAUGHTER AND I WENT INTO THE CAR, STARTED IT AND SHIFTED THE GEAR, WHILE HOLDING THE BRAKE, FROM PARK MODE TO REVERS MODE TO GET OUT OF THE PARKING LOT. AS SOON AS I SHIFTED IT, THE CAR TOOK OFF IN FULL SPEED BACKWARD AS IF IT WAS CRAZY, HITTING A CAR AND A PASSENGER THAT WAS COMING OUT OF THE CAR. AS MY CAR HIT THE 2ND VEHICLE'S OPEN DOOR, IT BOUNCED FORWARD, ALSO IN FULL SPEED. BY THIS TIME, I SHIFTED THE GEAR TO PARK MODE IN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE CAR. NEVERTHELESS, THE CAR FLEW AND HIT A SUV AND AS…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10185465 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10044474 · 2003-10-20 (October 20, 2003)

VEHICLE FIRE AS A RESULT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS.*MR VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AT WORK FOUR HOURS AFTER IT WAS PARKED. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED UPON DISCOVERING IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME THAT NIGHT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC THE NEXT DAY. CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS THE RESULT OF THE BATTERY CABLES. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND LEARNED OF A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE 740 MODELS. CONSUMER BELIEVED THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE BATTER CABLE CAME TOGETHER AND RAN DOWN A RUBBER TUB …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10044474 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 478219 · 1995-01-04 (January 4, 1995)

OTHER: AIRBAG SENSORS ARE NOT WATER RESISTANT AND COULD INFLATE IF VEHICLE HAS WATER DAMAGED IF BATTERY IS NOT DISCONNECTED. *SKD

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 478219 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10319236 · 2010-03-12 (March 12, 2010)

RAPID ACCELERATION INCIDENT IN A 1990 VOLVO 740 TURBO SEDAN. GIVEN THE RECENT PRESS RE TOYOTA, I WOULD JUST LIKE IT KNOWN THAT THE ISSUE MAY EXTEND TO OTHER MANUFACTURERS AS WELL. MY VEHICLE BECAME "POSSESSED" IN A PARKING GARAGE IN DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS IN 1996. I WAS ABOUT TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, AND IT WENT INTO A SUPER HIGH SPEED REVERSE (ON ITS OWN FROM ZERO TO PERHAPS 40 MPH?) WHILE MY FOOT WAS JAMMED IN TERROR ON THE BRAKE. I WAS ABLE TO THROW THE TRANSMISSION INTO FIRST GEAR, WHICH DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM, AND SHUT OFF THE …

Owner-reported narrative. 65,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10319236 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 488271 · 1995-09-27 (September 27, 1995)

SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *SD

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 488271 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 703487 · 1999-02-18 (February 18, 1999)

I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT GOING AT LEAST 40MPH, AND I WAS HIT IN THE FRONT. MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE MULTIPLE INJURIES DUE TO ME BEING THROWN INTO THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE DASHBOARD, AND MY HEAD HIT THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 703487 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 605510 · 1997-10-20 (October 20, 1997)

FUEL PUMP FAILURE CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL. YH

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 605510 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

12.8%Usable mileage6 / 47 records
83.0%Valid incident date39 / 47 records
100.0%Valid filing date47 / 47 records
83.0%Ordered incident and filing dates39 / 47 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
Component1988198919901991199219931995199820002002
Vehicle Speed Control
212.5%
ODI 811583

ENGINE EXPERIENCES SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITHOUT WARNING. *AK

Look up ODI 811583 at NHTSA ↗

24.9%
ODI 521648

THE VEHICLE HAD SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE PUTTING CAR INTO GEAR WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE.

Look up ODI 521648 at NHTSA ↗

1429.8%
ODI 10185465

IN A PARKING LOT AT A LOCAL GROCERY STORE, MY DAUGHTER AND I WENT INTO THE CAR, STARTED IT AND SHIFTED THE GEAR, WHILE HOLDING THE BRAKE, FROM PARK MODE TO REVERS MODE TO GET OUT OF THE PARKING LOT. AS SOON AS I SHIFTED IT, THE CAR TOOK OFF IN FULL SPEED BACKWARD AS IF IT WAS CRAZY, HITTING A CAR AND A PASSENGER THAT WAS COMING OUT OF THE CAR. AS MY CAR HIT THE 2ND VEHICLE'S OPEN DOOR, IT BOUNCED FORWARD, ALSO IN FULL SPEED. BY THIS TIME, I SHIFTED THE GEAR TO PARK MODE IN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE CAR. NEVERTHELESS, THE CAR FLEW AND HIT A SUV AND AS…

Look up ODI 10185465 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10124303 · 140,000 mi

DT: THE OWNER TRIED TO PARK CAR AND WAS SLOWY GOING INTO THE PARKING SPACE. ALL OF SUDDEN THE CAR ACCERELATED AND IT CRASHED INTO A WALL OF A BUILDING. THEN, CAR SMOKED. OWNER SUSTAINED INJURIES . BEFORE THE CAR TOOK OFF THE OWNER WAS GOING 1-2 MPH. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND INJURED THE OWNER'S ARM.*AK

Look up ODI 10124303 at NHTSA ↗

225.0%
ODI 481187

SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURY. *AW

Look up ODI 481187 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 486369

UPON TURNING IGNITION OFF AND REMOVING FOOT FROM BRAKE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD OR BACKWARDS, DEPENDING ON WHICH GEAR VEHICLE WAS LAST DRIVEN IN. *AW

Look up ODI 486369 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 10144652 · 52,589 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON I-95 IN MA AT 65 MPH DURING RUSH-HOUR,WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHATSOEVER, THE ETM LIGHT ON MY 2000 VOLVO XC V70 CAME ON AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER. I NARROWLY ESCAPED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WITH MY WIFE AND TWO CHILDREN (AGES 9 AND 1). I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AT MAXIMUM 35 MPH TO THE NEAREST EXIT RAMP AND CALL FOR HELP. THE REPAIRS (REPLACED ELECTRONIC THROTTLE MODULE) COST $1100. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. *NM

Look up ODI 10144652 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
16.3%
ODI 478182

HOLE BURNED THROUGH CYLINDER HEAD, CAUSING ENGINE/RADIATOR TO FAIL. *SKD

Look up ODI 478182 at NHTSA ↗

819.5%
ODI 510376

INTERMITTENT STALLING.

Look up ODI 510376 at NHTSA ↗

12.1%
ODI 515469

THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING ACCIDENT.

Look up ODI 515469 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 552489

AIR BAG MALFUNCTONED. YH

Look up ODI 552489 at NHTSA ↗

112.5%
ODI 967527

SHORT BLOCK IS DEFECTIVE, HAD TO REPLACE ENGINE. TT

Look up ODI 967527 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.

Air Bags:Frontal
212.5%
ODI 10168035

1988 740 AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONED. *TS WHEN THE CONSUMER TURN ON THE IGNITION THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE DEPLOYMENT MOMENTARILY KNOCKED THE CONSUMER UNCONSCIOUS. THE AIR BAG SLAMMED INTO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CONSUMER'S FACE AND LEFT BREAST. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED A BLOODY NOSE AND EYE, CHEMICAL BURNS AND IMMEDIATE SWELLING OF HER FACE. THE CONSUMER HAS ALSO SUSTAINED 20% LOSS OF VISION IN HER RIGHT EYE. *NM

Look up ODI 10168035 at NHTSA ↗

24.9%
ODI 762690

I ENTERED MY CAR AND PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. WHEN I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE ENGINE, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. MY LEFT HAND WAS RESTING ON THE STEERING WHELL AS I TURNED THE KEY. THE AIR BAG RIPPED MY WATCH FROM MY WRIST AND LACERATED THE WRIST IN NUMEROUS PLACES. MY NECK, CHEST AND BOTH ARMS WERE ABRAISED. VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA WAS NOTIFIED. THEY SENT A "TECHNICAL SPECIALIST TO INSPECT THE CAR. VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA SENT ME A REPORT OF HIS FINDINGS WHICH STATED, "OUR TECNHICAL SPECIALIST DID OBSERVE THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGE…

Look up ODI 762690 at NHTSA ↗

48.5%
ODI 703487

I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT GOING AT LEAST 40MPH, AND I WAS HIT IN THE FRONT. MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE MULTIPLE INJURIES DUE TO ME BEING THROWN INTO THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE DASHBOARD, AND MY HEAD HIT THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. *AK

Look up ODI 703487 at NHTSA ↗

631.6%
ODI 549042

FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG CAUSED INJURY TO CONSUMER. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER). MJS

Look up ODI 549042 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 874496

WHILE STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT FRONT DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING, CAUSING FACIAL INJURIES TO CONSUMER. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER SAID THAT THEY HAD TO WAIT FOR A VOLVO REPRESENTATIVE TO COME AND TAKE A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE BEFORE ANYTHING COULD BE DONE. PROBLEM HAS NOT YET BEEN RESOLVED.*AK

Look up ODI 874496 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.

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables
318.8%
ODI 528650

RECALL ON THE INSULATION ON THE BATTERY CABLES WHICH COULD LEAD TO A SHORT CIRCUIT, RECALL NOT DONE BECAUSE OF DEALER LOCATION PROBLEMS.

Look up ODI 528650 at NHTSA ↗

717.1%
ODI 10100165

MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH VOLVOVILLE USA FOR RECALL CAMPAIGN 96V08500 FOR DATE BELOW. SHOWED UP ON TIME AND PROVIDED VIN # FOR VEHICLE THAT WAS PURCHASED FROM VOLVOVILLE (AS A NEW CAR BY MY WIFE PENNIE WILFONG ) AND ALL OTHER DATA REQUESTED BY SERVICE WRITER. I STATED I WAS NOT INTERESTED IN ANY OTHER SERVICE AND ONLY WANTED THE RECALL ITEM TAKEN CARE OF. THE SERVICE WRITER WENT INTO HER DATABASE AND INFORMED ME THERE WAS NOTHING THERE AND DID NOT PROVIDE ANY EXPLANATION EVEN WHEN ONE WAS REQUESTED. THE CAR WAS NEVER IN THE SERVICE BAY FOR INS…

Look up ODI 10100165 at NHTSA ↗

36.4%
ODI 10044474

VEHICLE FIRE AS A RESULT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS.*MR VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AT WORK FOUR HOURS AFTER IT WAS PARKED. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED UPON DISCOVERING IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME THAT NIGHT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC THE NEXT DAY. CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS THE RESULT OF THE BATTERY CABLES. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND LEARNED OF A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE 740 MODELS. CONSUMER BELIEVED THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE BATTER CABLE CAME TOGETHER AND RAN DOWN A RUBBER TUB …

Look up ODI 10044474 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.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
212.5%
ODI 10662195 · 163,000 mi

I TURNED THE IGNITION KEY AND THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED, STRIKING ME IN THE FACE AND CHEST, KNOCKING ME UNCONSCIOUS AND DAMAGING MY RIGHT EYE AND BREAST AND CAUSING CHEMICAL BURNS ON MY FACE AND NECK. I WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND SPENT MOST OF THE NIGHT AT THE HOSPITAL AND FOLLOWUP THE FOLLOWING DAY BY EYE SURGEONS AND RETINA SPECIALISTS. I SUSTAINED PERMANENT DAMAGE TO MY RIGHT EYE WHICH RESULTED IN A BLIND-SPOT. I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE OR WORK FOR A WEEK. I REQUIRED EXTENSIVE MEDICAL TREATMENT OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL MONTHS…

Look up ODI 10662195 at NHTSA ↗

12.4%
ODI 514904

FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG, CAUSING BURNS ON BOTH ARMS, FACE, AND CHEST.

Look up ODI 514904 at NHTSA ↗

48.5%
ODI 10152406 · 100,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING OVER A HILL AT 45 MPH, A DEER ENTERED THE PATH OF THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE DEER. THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD AND DOWN AN EMBANKMENT STRIKING TREES. THE FRONT END WAS DAMAGED IN THE COLLISION. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER SENT A TECHNICIAN WHO DETERMINED, BASED ON THE SPEED AND ANGLE THE VEHICLE MADE CONTACT,…

Look up ODI 10152406 at NHTSA ↗

315.8%
ODI 10849810 · 248,865 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 VOLVO 740GL (NA). WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO BOTH ARMS, THE LEFT SHOULDER, AND BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH AIR BAG DEBRIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 248,865. UPDATED 05/03/16*LJ *CN

Look up ODI 10849810 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 705698

1993 VOLVO 740 STATION WAGON HAS APPROXIMATELY 48000 MILES. NO FRONTAL COLLISION. THE S.R.S. DASH LIGHT WENT ON WHILE DRIVING. INDEPENDENT VOLVO MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT AS A "CRASH SENSOR MALFUNCTION." SENSOR IS LOCATED UNDER DRIVER'S SEAT. THE SENSOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IN CASE OF FRONTAL COLLISION. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BRINGING IT TO A AUTHORIZED VOLVO DEALER FOR ANOTHER DIAGNOSIS IN A FEW DAYS. WE WERE TOLD THAT WHILE LIGHT IS ON, THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY. THIS SEEMS LIKE A SEROUS SAFETY HAZARD. THE VEHICLE IS …

Look up ODI 705698 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.

Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

49.8%
ODI 561576

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE REAR WHILE DRIVING, PRIOR TO THIS FIRE THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PLAGUED WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS AND SHORT CIRCUITS, NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. NLM

Look up ODI 561576 at NHTSA ↗

12.1%
ODI 10319236 · 65,000 mi

RAPID ACCELERATION INCIDENT IN A 1990 VOLVO 740 TURBO SEDAN. GIVEN THE RECENT PRESS RE TOYOTA, I WOULD JUST LIKE IT KNOWN THAT THE ISSUE MAY EXTEND TO OTHER MANUFACTURERS AS WELL. MY VEHICLE BECAME "POSSESSED" IN A PARKING GARAGE IN DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS IN 1996. I WAS ABOUT TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, AND IT WENT INTO A SUPER HIGH SPEED REVERSE (ON ITS OWN FROM ZERO TO PERHAPS 40 MPH?) WHILE MY FOOT WAS JAMMED IN TERROR ON THE BRAKE. I WAS ABLE TO THROW THE TRANSMISSION INTO FIRST GEAR, WHICH DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM, AND SHUT OFF THE …

Look up ODI 10319236 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.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood
212.5%
ODI 869529

VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR OVER TWO HOURS SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM HOOD AREA. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME, OPENED THE HOOD, AND IT BURSTED INTO FLAMES. IT MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A SHORT CIRCUT OF THE WIRE HARNESS. VOLVO HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.*AK

Look up ODI 869529 at NHTSA ↗

12.4%
ODI 987298

CAR WAS SITTING FOR OVER TWO HOURS AND CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. ELECTRICAL FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 987298 at NHTSA ↗

12.1%
ODI 827428

WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE HOOD CAUGHT FIRE . THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILES. *AK

Look up ODI 827428 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.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

37.3%
ODI 10239177

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 VOLVO 740. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXCESSIVELY OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED AN OIL LEAK UNDER THE HOOD. WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PC VALVE FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

Look up ODI 10239177 at NHTSA ↗

36.4%
ODI 508062

OIL LEAK CAUSED BY HEAT/DETERIORATION OF THE O-RING SEALS USED TO SEAL THE OIL FILTER MOUNTING BOSS TO THE ENGINE BLOCK. *AK

Look up ODI 508062 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.

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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range170,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10319236 · 65,000 mi

RAPID ACCELERATION INCIDENT IN A 1990 VOLVO 740 TURBO SEDAN. GIVEN THE RECENT PRESS RE TOYOTA, I WOULD JUST LIKE IT KNOWN THAT THE ISSUE MAY EXTEND TO OTHER MANUFACTURERS AS WELL. MY VEHICLE BECAME "POSSESSED" IN A PARKING GARAGE IN DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS IN 1996. I WAS ABOUT TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, AND IT WENT INTO A SUPER HIGH SPEED REVERSE (ON ITS OWN FROM ZERO TO PERHAPS 40 MPH?) WHILE MY FOOT WAS JAMMED IN TERROR ON THE BRAKE. I WAS ABLE TO THROW THE TRANSMISSION INTO FIRST GEAR, WHICH DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM, AND SHUT OFF THE …

Look up ODI 10319236 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10730707 · 170,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 VOLVO 740. WHILE REVERSING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE SERVICE BRAKES AND EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO REMOVE THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Look up ODI 10730707 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10816574 · 200,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1990 VOLVO 740. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE GARAGE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT AND WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS BLEEDING FROM HIS HEAD AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

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Air BagsToo few reports for a range100,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10152406 · 100,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING OVER A HILL AT 45 MPH, A DEER ENTERED THE PATH OF THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE DEER. THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD AND DOWN AN EMBANKMENT STRIKING TREES. THE FRONT END WAS DAMAGED IN THE COLLISION. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER SENT A TECHNICIAN WHO DETERMINED, BASED ON THE SPEED AND ANGLE THE VEHICLE MADE CONTACT,…

Look up ODI 10152406 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-112026-10

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
2024-110None

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.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (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 21 reports

2000: 1 complaints · 2002: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2000011
2002111
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2000200
2002100

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 BagsAir Bags:FrontalElectrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:CablesEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineService Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation ComponentsPower Train:Automatic TransmissionAir Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module
Vehicle Speed Control—0000
1
ODI 879198

WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED AND WHEN ATTEMTPING TO TURN AROUND A CURVE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING UNWANTED AND UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED VOLVO. *AK THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE ACCELERATING VEHICLE. *YH

Look up ODI 879198 at NHTSA ↗

00
Air Bags0—000000
Air Bags:Frontal00—00000
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables000—0000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine0000—000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
1
ODI 879198

WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED AND WHEN ATTEMTPING TO TURN AROUND A CURVE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING UNWANTED AND UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED VOLVO. *AK THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE ACCELERATING VEHICLE. *YH

Look up ODI 879198 at NHTSA ↗

0000—
1
ODI 962262

STARTED VEHICLE WHILE IN PARK, IT WENT IN REVERSE, HAD NO BRAKES. TT

Look up ODI 962262 at NHTSA ↗

0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission00000
1
ODI 962262

STARTED VEHICLE WHILE IN PARK, IT WENT IN REVERSE, HAD NO BRAKES. TT

Look up ODI 962262 at NHTSA ↗

—0
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module0000000—

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.

Brake response concerns

5 mentions · 10.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 185,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10730707 · 170,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 VOLVO 740. WHILE REVERSING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE SERVICE BRAKES AND EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO REMOVE THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

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ODI 10816574 · 200,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1990 VOLVO 740. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE GARAGE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT AND WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS BLEEDING FROM HIS HEAD AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

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ODI 842344

WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITH THE DRIVERS FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN THE TOTALED VEHICLE. *AK

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 703625

I FEEL STRONLY THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A REPAIR SERVICE (TAILLIGHT SENSOR PROBLEM) THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED PERMANENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THE SRS WARNING LIGHT PROBLEM IS NOT ONLY A MECHANICAL ISSUE, BUT ALSO A SAFETY HAZARD TO THE DRIVER, LEAVING THE AIRBAG INOPERABLE. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT A CONSUMER SHOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT $1200 TO SERVICE THE SRS WARNING LIGHT EVERY TIME THE OWNER DISCONNECTS AND RECONNECTS THE BATTERY.

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ODI 8021035

CONSUMER STATES THE AIR BAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED AS THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN GOING 5-10MPH TO A STOP. NO AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED TO SPECIFY A PROBLEM. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. TS

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

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 605510

FUEL PUMP FAILURE CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL. YH

Look up ODI 605510 at NHTSA ↗

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

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10044474

VEHICLE FIRE AS A RESULT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS.*MR VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AT WORK FOUR HOURS AFTER IT WAS PARKED. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED UPON DISCOVERING IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME THAT NIGHT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC THE NEXT DAY. CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS THE RESULT OF THE BATTERY CABLES. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND LEARNED OF A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE 740 MODELS. CONSUMER BELIEVED THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE BATTER CABLE CAME TOGETHER AND RAN DOWN A RUBBER TUB …

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