- 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
1986 Volvo 240 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 1986 Volvo 240 with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (4) and the lights (3). Those complaints describe 1 crash, 2 fires and 3 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in September 1986 for the vehicle speed control. For comparison, the 1985 has 4 and the 1987 has 6.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 240 year, for its age
#46 most complained-about 1986 vehicle
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 3
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1986 Volvo 240 problems
Share of all 12 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1986 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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12 complaints about the 1986 Volvo 240
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
I owned a 1986 240 gl volvo 4 door sedan. One night last month my wife was driving home and within a block of our house she noticed a fire on the back of the car. The driver's side tail light was on fire. I contacted volvo usa and about a month later they had an "expert" inspect our car. They will not give me a written report. The executive, joseph ([email protected]) called me and left a message saying that we had too large of a fuse in the fuse block and this is what caused the fire. I've tried...
Read the full complaint
repeatedly to tell them that too large of a fuse didn't cause the dead short fire on our tail light. I googled tail light fires on volvo's and found several pages. I've had to scrap the car. The tow truck driver wasn't shocked to see the melted tail light on my volvo. He told me he had a 1984 volvo just like mine as his first car. He said his too had the same melted tail light fire as mine.
When applying brakes brake pedal proceeded to the floor after driving at least 12 miles. Dealer notified. *Ak
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
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Wiring harness has deteriorated. Manufacturer has been notified. *Ak
Upon depressing driver's seat warmer button, driver smelled burning odor followed by flames below driver's seat, vehicle totally destroyed, injury to consumer.
Wiring is failing both inside and out,lights motor ect!!!!
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.
SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T WORK . *AK
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
Sudden and unintended acceleration, resulting in an accident/injuries after recall (86v-129). *Ak
All four shoulder seat belts jam in retractor area w/drivers belt being replaced. Other three still have not been replaced. *Ak
Volvo 240: every year compared
All 240 years1986 Volvo 240 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 Volvo 240 | 12 | 1 | F | |
| 1986 Volvo 740 | 11 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 1986 Volvo 760 | 5 | 3 | B | Compare |
| 1986 Volvo 744 | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1986 Volvo DL | 1 | 0 | A | 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 1986 Volvo 240
Does the 1986 Volvo 240 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1986 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 1986 Volvo 240?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (4), lights (3), seats & seat belts (3).
How many complaints has the 1986 Volvo 240 had?
12 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 28, 1995 and the latest on June 2, 2017. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 3 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1986 Volvo 240 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 12 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than 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 1986 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