- The problem
- In the event of a low speed frontal impact, engine movement could cause the throttle cable sleeve to be pulled out of the adjusting fitting and not return to its original position or idle position. Consequence of defect: if this occurs an increase in engine speed would result, making car difficult to control in a post collision environment, which can cause more serious damage and/or injuries.
- The fix
- REPLACE THROTTLE CABLES.
Vehicle safety record
1985 Volvo 240 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 1985 Volvo 240 with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (2) and the acceleration & cruise control (1). Those complaints describe 1 crash. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in September 1986 for the vehicle speed control. For comparison, the 1984 has 6 and the 1986 has 12.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical 240 year, for its age
#67 most complained-about 1985 vehicle
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1985 Volvo 240 problems
Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1985 Volvo 240 recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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4 complaints about the 1985 Volvo 240
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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.
Poor wire insulation for engine wire harness crumbles away.
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
RADIATOR FAILURE.
Volvo 240: every year compared
All 240 years1985 Volvo 240 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 Volvo 240 | 4 | 1 | C | |
| 1985 Volvo 740 | 10 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 1985 Volvo 760 | 2 | 3 | A | Compare |
| 1985 Volvo 245 | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1985 Volvo DL | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1985 Volvo 744 | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1985 Volvo 240
Does the 1985 Volvo 240 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1985 Volvo 240: vehicle speed control (September 1986). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Volvo 240?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (2), acceleration & cruise control (1), engine & cooling (1).
How many complaints has the 1985 Volvo 240 had?
4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 13, 1995 and the latest on April 29, 2004. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1985 Volvo 240 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 41 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Volvo 240 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Volvo 240 years have the most complaints?
1990 (20), 1989 (17), 1991 (17). See every Volvo 240 year compared.
What should I do if my 1985 Volvo 240 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data