Safety belts are designed to be routed under a diagonal cross brace during fastening. The instructional labels for the belt routing are inadequate, and can result in inadvertent release of the belt buckle.
1985-2002 · 13 model years
Volvo 740 Problems by year
Owners have filed 177 complaints about the Volvo 740 across 13 model years, and it has 6 recalls. The 1990 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (47), while 1993, 1995, 2002 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the electrical system, followed by the acceleration & cruise control.
- Complaints
- 177
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 36
- Fires
- 38
- Injuries
- 24
- Deaths
- 0
740 complaints by model year
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
Most common 740 problems
Volvo 740 recalls 6
Fuel damper located behind the fuel line and the fuel rail may be improperly assembled. Over time, the solder joints could allow a small amount of fuel to leak.
Covers1990 Volvo 740
Driveshaft could contact the fuel tank and score and scrape outer surfaces of the tank at the point of contact.
Engine wiring harness could chafe against an air conditioning pipe.
The tailgate child lock can be opened from inside when the child lock is engaged. The feature to prevent the tailgate from being operated from the inside of the station wagon may not function properly...
Certain vehicles are equipped with water pump pulleys which may contain a manufacturing defect, reducing the durability of the pulley...
Latest 740 complaints
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
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.
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.
While braking at this speed or higher the car steering wheel began to shack and pull to the left. Took it to volvo and they said the caliber was not releasing properly. Had calibers replaced several years prior due to a similar malfunction. *Js
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...
Read the full complaint
over the course of several months and am still closely monitored by the eye doctor for the damage to my eye (which I have been told will almost certainly result in glaucoma). Volvo refused to take any responsibility or made any reimbursement for damages, medical or loss of my vehicle and stalled all efforts through the court system, even after initially indicating to my attorney that they wouldn't contest settlement. My vehicle was 17 years old but was in excellent condition and well-maintained and had relatively low mileage according to all volvo's pr claims. I ended up not having my vehicle at all, because volvo directed that the car could not be repaired until the case was settled and the storage fee at the service shop accumulated to over $3600, more than the value of the car and I finally signed the title over to the service shop. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1986 volvo 740 gle (na). The contact stated that the mass air flow sensor malfunctioned. As a result, the vehicle was unable to pass state emissions standards. The vehicle was taken to a state certified mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the mass air flow sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Questions about the Volvo 740
Which Volvo 740 years have the most problems?
Which Volvo 740 years have the fewest complaints?
What are the most common Volvo 740 problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the electrical system (43), acceleration & cruise control (32), airbags (28) most often.
How many recalls does the Volvo 740 have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls across all Volvo 740 model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
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