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Electrical system

Volvo 240 Electrical problems by year

29 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Volvo 240's electrical system. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.

Electrical complaints by model year

YearElectrical complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
19914000
19907210
19895000
19871000
19864000
19852000
19841000
19835000

Latest 240 electrical complaints

1990 Volvo 240Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlCrashFire1 injury

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...

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immediately became filled with white smoke and a strong odor of burning rubber. The vehicle only came to a stop due to the obstructions but was still attempting to accelerate. The contact had to be extracted from the vehicle by emergency responders with a sledge hammer, and the wall had to be opened in order to remove the contact from the vehicle. The vehicle was still attempting to accelerate when the contact was removed. However, the vehicle was unable to move any further due to the obstruction of the wall. The ambulance arrived to the scene but because the contact was in a state of shock, refused medical transport. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a police report was filed of the incident. The failure was neither diagnosed nor duplicated. The failure mileage was 129,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10652550
1990 Volvo 240Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlBrakesCrash

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 for repairs due to the vehicle constantly shutting off.*Js

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · Service brakesNHTSA 10650380
1991 Volvo 240Electrical systemFire

Car was in driveway warming up prior to driving for school. After about 5 to 10 minutes dash caught fire and flames were coming for heater vents. Used a garden hose to extinguish fire and fire department was called. Dash and interior was damaged buy smoke, water and fire. *Nm

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10149443
1985 Volvo 240Electrical system

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.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10068043
1983 Volvo 240Electrical system

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

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 8010430
1983 Volvo 240Electrical system

I need recall #84v017000 dated 03/84 on this 1983 volvo glt please. I want to be able to read the recall verbatim that was published re:electrical system,alternator;regulator;starter. Thank you very much for help to me on this matter.

Filed Electrical systemNHTSA 712726
1987 Volvo 240Electrical system

Engine wiring harness is deteriorating exposing bare wires. The manufacturer has been notified.

Filed Electrical systemNHTSA 848530
1986 Volvo 240Engine & coolingFuel systemTransmission & drivetrainElectrical systemLightsVisibility & wipersBody, doors & structureAcceleration & cruise controlWheels & tiresEquipment & accessories

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.

Filed Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline · Power train · Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Visibility · Structure · Vehicle speed control · Wheels · Interior lighting · EquipmentNHTSA 781540
1989 Volvo 240Electrical systemFire

Electrical: driving home and vehicle filled with smoke, got home dicsonnected the battery. Wiring from dash to back lights had burned out. *Ak

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 819019

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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