- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Consequence of defect: safety belt misuse could cause the seat occupant to face greater risk of injury in a sudden stop or vehicle accident if an inadvertent release of the safety belt occurred.
- The fix
- Install labels to instruct the user in proper safety belt routing; also replace safety belt buckles.
Vehicle safety record
1985 Volvo 740 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 1985 Volvo 740 with NHTSA, most often about the acceleration & cruise control (3) and the electrical system (2). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 1 fire. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in May 1991 for the anchorage. For comparison, the 1986 has 11.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical 740 year, for its age
#25 most complained-about 1985 vehicle
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1985 Volvo 740 problems
Share of all 10 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1985 Volvo 740 recalls 3
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
- The problem
- Engine wiring harness could chafe against an air conditioning pipe.
- The risk
- A short circuit and malfunctioning of the electricalsystem, as well as charring of the wiring insulation, could result.
- The fix
- Relocate wiring harness and secure with a new bracket and clamp.
- The problem
- Certain vehicles are equipped with water pump pulleys which may contain a manufacturing defect, reducing the durability of the pulley. Consequence of defect: if the pulley fails, pieces may be thrown about inside the engine compartment and cause damage to engine components. If the hood should be opened it is possible a pulley failure could cause injury to persons in the area.
- The fix
- INSPECT AND REPLACE THE PULLEY WHERE NECESSARY.
What owners say
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10 complaints about the 1985 Volvo 740
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
When pressing on the accelerator pedal vehicle did not accelerate. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic determined that wiring harness failed. *Ak
When pressing on the accelerator pedal vehicle did not accelerate. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership for inspection, mechanic determined that the wiring harness failed. *Ak
The wire plastic insulation around engine is continuously disintegrating and falling off. *Ak
PART FAILED AGAIN 12/28/2000
After driving from the grocery store, I stopped at a store and let my granddaughter run in for a coke. While she was inside,i let the car idle. Within 3 minutes, the engine compartment was on fire. No warning lights came on and the motor never gave any indication of a problem. The people in the parking lot told me to get out of the car ,it was on fire, I cut off the car , popped the hood and then started to open the hood but the smoke was so thick, dark tan and peppered with black, that I couldn't get close. The...
Read the full complaint
store employees called the fire department, they came and put out the fire. The wiring, plastic containers,hoses, insulation, etc. Were burnt to a crisp. We still don't know what caused the fire, I could have been killed!
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
There is a short within electrical system which is draining the battery, and vehicle won't start unless the consumer gives vehicle a boost. Dealer is aware of problem. *Ak
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *AK
Vehicle was in idle position, changed from park to drive, vehicle went into open throttle position rpms unknown, impact 12:00 position. *Ak
PROBLEM WITH BRAKES. *AW
Volvo 740: every year compared
All 740 years1985 Volvo 740 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 Volvo 740 | 10 | 3 | C | |
| 1985 Volvo 240 | 4 | 1 | 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 740
Does the 1985 Volvo 740 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1985 Volvo 740: anchorage (May 1991); front underhood (May 1987); cooling system (December 1985). 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 740?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the acceleration & cruise control (3), electrical system (2), engine & cooling (1).
How many complaints has the 1985 Volvo 740 had?
10 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 13, 1995 and the latest on May 6, 2004. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1985 Volvo 740 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Volvo 740 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 740 years have the most complaints?
1990 (47), 1989 (41), 1991 (19). See every Volvo 740 year compared.
What should I do if my 1985 Volvo 740 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