On certain passenger vehicles, after prolonged exposure to heat, the fuel tank may seep or leak fuel at the points where the heat shield is attached.
1993-2000 · 7 model years
Volvo 850 Problems by year
Owners have filed 629 complaints about the Volvo 850 across 7 model years, and it has 6 recalls. The 1996 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (207), while 1999, 2000 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the brakes, followed by the fuel system.
- Complaints
- 629
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 44
- Fires
- 42
- Injuries
- 39
- Deaths
- 2
850 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 850 problems
Volvo 850 recalls 6
On some sedans and station wagons equipped with seat heaters, it is possible that excessive compression of the seat cushion could cause damage to the electrical wiring of the seat heater.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Operation of the headlight switch, over an extended period of time, can result in inconsistent operation of the switch.
Engine block heaters installed as accessories. The block heater contact surface does not match correctly with the engine block as intended. The block heater could come loose from the engine block, and if being used, could possibly overheat causing damage if...
Some of the jacks supplied with the vehicles do not have the necessary load capacity.
Under very cold weather conditions, ice crystals can form at the throttle in the engine intake system, and prevent the throttle from returning to idle.
Covers1994 Volvo 850
Latest 850 complaints
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 volvo 854. When the contact filled up the tank with fuel, he smelled fuel fumes without getting close to the vehicle. The contact called dyer & dyer volvo cars (5260 peachtree blvd, chamblee, ga 30341, (800) 552-7023) and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 225,000.
I have a 1994 volvo 850. I have a leak where the heat shield is attached to the gas tank. Volvo is well aware of this problem but my vin does not show the recall. The leak of gas is 100% from the recalled spot heatshield side of the gas tank. This is a safety issue because it could blow back on the exhaust and cause a fire.
My fuel tank started leaking exactly as the recall # 04v368000 describes, where the heat shield connects to the fuel tank. I filled up, drove 3 miles home, parked in my driveway, and smelled gas, but did not *see* anything at that time. It lost 6 gallons of fuen in about 3 hours hours. Volvo says this recall does not pertain to my vehicle, because they do it by specific vin numbers, but would not say anything further. It is in my local shop parking lot, I was unable to photograph the leak as I am disabled and could not climb under the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 volvo 854. The contact stated that there was a strong odor of fuel progressing for an extended period of time. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Similar to nhtsa id number: 10365806. When fuel tank is filled completely, there is a strong odor of fuel outside the vehicle and some fuel odor in the trunk. No odor when tank is only partially full, e.G., 80% Full. Odor noticed when vehicle stationary. No odor in passenger compartment. Issue ongoing for roughly last 7 years (not sure). No dripping fuel observed. Leak may be at fuel pump quick-disconnect fittings. Leak may have started as a result of evap system repair in late 2009--not sure. Dealer claimed to...
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have fixed leak at fuel pump fittings in 2011, but odor issue persists if tank completely full. No check engine light issues since 2011. I avoid filling tank completely to avoid odor. If I inadvertently fill tank completely, odor returns. "When did this happen" date I entered is just a rough guess of when the issue started. Vehicle is stored outdoors and driven infrequently, ~ once per week average. Odor is easily noticeable outdoors when tank is completely full.
General altimax rt43. I had 4 tires in less than 6 months and 6,000 miles develop side wall bubbles caused by tire play separation and bands breaking. I tire hade been replaced and it developed a bubble in less than a month. No hard driving on the car and no potholes or railroad track impacts. This is a common thread and it is time for the nhtsa to investigate. I have now bought six tires in six months to replace the damaged tires. I am still waiting to here if general will replace one under warranty and have...
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another in the trunk of my car that needs to be replaced while I drive around on the spare tire. This should not happen under normal use. Prior to this I have driven approximately 1million miles and have never had to replace a tire due to side wall bubbles.
Questions about the Volvo 850
Which Volvo 850 years have the most problems?
Which Volvo 850 years have the fewest complaints?
What are the most common Volvo 850 problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the brakes (123), fuel system (70), transmission & drivetrain (69) most often.
How many recalls does the Volvo 850 have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls across all Volvo 850 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