Model year record

1995 Volvo 850 recalls & problems

The 1995 Volvo 850 has 3 safety recalls and 111 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (16 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls

Complaints111filed by owners

Crashes · fires11 · 9reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths12 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Fuel system, gasolineJul 30, 2004

Storage

Recall 04V368000226,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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

Engine and engine coolingAug 20, 1996

Engine › Gasoline

Recall 96E025000400 vehicles

Problem: ENGINE BLOCK HEATERS INSTALLED AS ACCESSORIES. THE BLOCK HEATER CONTACT SURFACE DOES NOT MATCH CORRECTLY WITH THE ENGINE BLOCK AS INTENDED. THE BLOCK HEATER COULD COME LOOSE FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK, AND IF BEING USED, COULD POSSIBLY OVERHEAT CAUSING DAMAGE IF IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH OTHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT COMPONENTS.
Risk: ENGINE COMPARTMENT DAMAGE COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BLOCK HEATER AND SECURE THE BOLTS USED TO INSTALL THE HEATER. IN SOME CASES, THE SURFACE TOLERANCES MAY BE SO INAPPROPRIATE THAT THE HEATER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH A HEATER OF A MODIFIED DESIGN.

EquipmentMar 10, 1995

Mechanical › Integrated jack/leveler/stabilizer

Recall 95V05000031,315 vehicles

Problem: SOME OF THE JACKS SUPPLIED WITH THE VEHICLES DO NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY LOAD CAPACITY.
Risk: A RAISED VEHICLE CAN FALL OFF THE JACK INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE SUSPECT JACKS WITH A JACK MEETING THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE CARS.

Components: Equipment › Mechanical › Integrated jack/leveler/stabilizer; Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1995 Volvo 850 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

850

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 5 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

850

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 5 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

850 Wagon

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 5 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

850 Wagon

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 5 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

850

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.3 L · 5 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

850 Wagon

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.3 L · 5 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)	16	0	0	0	—
TiresSidewall; Temporary/emergency spare tire	15	1	0	0	—
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	14	9	0	14	—
Electrical systemHorn; Ignition	14	0	4	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineStorage; Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap	12	0	0	0	112,750 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	11	0	0	0	—
VisibilityWindshield; Windshield wiper/washer	10	0	0	0	—
SeatsFront assembly › Seat heater/cooler; Front assembly › Head restraint	8	0	3	0	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/supercharger	8	0	2	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Retractor; Rear/other	8	0	0	0	—
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner; Mechanical › Accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift	6	1	0	0	—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Rack and pinion	4	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Fuel/propulsion system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 VOLVO 850. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR OF GASOLINE FUEL WAS EMITTED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL HOSE WAS LEAKING. THE HOSE WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO SMELL FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND ANOTHER CRACKED HOSE WAS REPLACED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE COLD SEE GASOLINE FUEL LEAKING FROM UNDER THE FUEL TANK WHENEVER REFUELING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V368000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR. HE WAS…
Dec 12, 2012 · 147,000 miles
Fuel system, gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 VOLVO 850. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER RECEIVING REPAIRS FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V368000 (COMPONENT: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE), THE VEHICLE WAS STILL EXPERIENCING A FUEL LEAKAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AFTER IT FAILED TO PASS A SMOG TEST, AS A RESULT OF AN EVOP LEAKAGE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THEY HAD ALREADY PERFORMED THE RECALL REPAIRS AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING ELSE WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. SINCE THE PROBLEM PERSISTED, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER A THIRD TIME, WHICH DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DECIDED TO…
Jul 11, 2011 · 116,007 miles
Seat belts
1995 VOLVO 850 GLT, DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTING MECHANISM (THE ROLLER NEAR DRIVER'S LEFT SHOULDER) WAS STUCK. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO PULL OUT THE BELT, SOMETIMES PULLING SLOWLY AND LITTLE BY LITTLE SEEMS TO WORK IT AROUND. SPRAYED SOME LUBRICANT CAN FREE IT UP FOR A FEW DAYS, THEN IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO PULL OUT THE SEAT BELT OUT AGAIN ... IT SEEMS TO HAVE A DEFECTED DESIGN SOMEWHERE INSIDE. *TR
Jun 1, 2010 · 110,000 miles
Fuel system, gasoline
MY 1995 VOLVO 850 DEVELOPED A GAS TANK LEAK AT A HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT. THIS IS THE SAME DEFECT THAT LED TO A SAFETY RECALL OF VOLVO 850'S IN CERTAIN SOUTHERN STATES AND A SERVICE RECALL IN THE OTHER STATES IN 2004 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V368000). I WAS NEVER PROVIDED NOTICE OF THIS RECALL, AND VOLVO NOW REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE NECESSARY REPLACEMENT OF THE GAS TANK--A SUBSTANTIAL EXPENSE APPARENTLY CAUSED BY A SAFETY DEFECT THAT THE COMPANY FAILED TO REMEDY. I AM HAVING A NEW GAS TANK PUT IN BY A VOLVO DEALER TODAY. IN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, I SAW THAT OTHER AFFECTED VOLVO OWNERS DID NOT RECEIVE ANY NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL FROM VOLVO. *TR
Apr 27, 2009 · 91,000 miles
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 VOLVO 850. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING ON THE FLOOR OF HIS GARAGE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THROUGH RESEARCH, HE DISCOVERED NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA03008, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V368000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SINCE THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL, HIS VIN SHOULD BE INCLUDED AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 117,900. UPDATED 01/08/09.*JB
Dec 14, 2008 · 117,900 miles
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 VOLVO 850. THE CONTACT NOTICED GAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LEAKED OCCURRED WHERE THE HEAT SHIELD WAS ATTACHED. THERE IS A RECALL FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #04V368000) HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,750 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Jan 30, 2008 · 112,750 miles
Fuel system, gasoline
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 VOLVO 850. HE NOTICED A GAS SMELL COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. HE STATED THAT GAS LEAKS FROM THE GAS TANK WHEN HE FILLS IT UP. HE HAS NOT SPOKEN WITH THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
Jun 3, 2007 · 132,000 miles
Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/coolerFire
MY WIFE & DAUGHTER SMELLED SMOKE WHILE DRIVING ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET. IT SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THEY STOPPED THE CAR RIGHT AWAY AND GOT OUT. AS MY WIFE OPENED THE DOOR TO THE BACK SEAT TO GET HER PURSE, SHE SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THEY RAN TO THE NEAREST HOUSE TO CALL 911. WHILE ON THE PHONE WITH 911, LESS THAN A MINUTE AFTER GETTING OUT OF THE CAR, MY WIFE SAW THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE CAR BECOME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ON THE SCENE WITHIN 3 MINUTES, BUT IT WAS TOO LATE. THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE CAR WAS BURNED BEYOND RECOGNITION. WHAT HAD BEEN LEATHER SEATS WERE NOW METAL FRAMES, THE DASHBOARD HAD EVAPORATED, AND THE…
Nov 6, 2005 · 96,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

FUEL TANK LEAKSClosedLed to recall 04V368000
THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS WAS OPENED ON JUNE 11, 2003, BASED ON 54 REPORTS OF FUEL TANK LEAKS.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE 1993 THROUGH 1996 MODEL YEAR (MY) 850 VEHICLES. MODEL 850 WAS ALSO PRODUCED IN MY 1997 AND WAS INCLUDED IN THIS INVESTIGATION. ANALYSIS OF THE DATA REVEALS TWO DISTINCT ISSUES. FIRST, THE 1994 THROUGH 1997 MY VEHICLES STAND OUT BY ACCOUNTING FOR 95 PERCENT OF THE REPORTED LEAKS.THESE VEHICLES SHARE THE SAME FUEL TANK DESIGN (PN 9142618). THE 1993 MY VEHICLE USES A DIFFERENT FUEL TANK DESIGN (PN 9141101).SECONDLY, THE FAILURES OCCURRED PREDOMINANTLY IN HOT CLIMATES, E.G., CALIFORNIA, ARIZONA, TEXAS, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, LOUISIANA, ETC.TESTING OF FUEL TANKS FROM CONSUMER VEHICLES AT THE VEHICLE RESEARCH AND TEST CENTER CONFIRMED LEAKS THROUGH CRACKS IN THE FUEL TANK WALL AT A HEAT SHIELD MOUNTING ATTACHMENT IN THE 1994 THROUGH 1997 MY FUEL TANKS (PN9142618). DETAILS OF THE…
EA03008 · opened Jun 11, 2003 · closed Jul 28, 2004
FUEL TANK LEAKSClosed
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THISINVESTIGATION ON JANUARY 16, 2003.THE BASIS FOR OPENING THE INVESTIGATION WAS 15 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING GASOLINE LEAKING FROM THE FUEL STORAGE TANK.VOLVO PROVIDED 43 ADDITIONAL REPORTS IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION, 4 OF WHICH WERE DUPLICATES OF THE 15 ODI REPORTS. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED FOR FURTHER STUDY.
PE03003 · opened Jan 16, 2003 · closed Jun 11, 2003
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTClosed
PE99040 · opened Jun 7, 1999 · closed Oct 27, 1999