- The problem
- 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 it comes in contact with other engine compartment components.
- The risk
- Engine compartment damage could occur increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the block heater and secure the bolts used to install the heater. In some cases, the surface tolerances may be so inappropriate that the heater would need to be replaced with a heater of a modified design.
Engine & cooling
1996 Volvo 850 Engine problems
Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 1996 Volvo 850's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 10% of all its complaints, most recently on April 6, 2009. They describe 0 crashes, 6 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Engine recalls for the 1996 Volvo 850
Engine complaints
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 volvo 850 glt. While parked in the contact's driveway, the vehicle burst into flames unexpectedly. The fire department was called to the scene and a report was filed. The report indicated that the fire originated from the engine compartment. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The garage door, house siding, and driveway surface were damaged. In addition, a small area of the lawn was damaged by the fire. There were no personal injuries. The insurance company and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle is currently being investigated and has not been towed from the scene. The failure and current mileages were 155,000.
Consumer has issues about 1996 volvo 850 engine. *Nj the consumer stated that carbon monoxide seeped into the vehicle and white smoke emitted from the tailpipe. The vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil. A mechanic informed the consumer the vehicle needed serious engine work. The consumer was informed a one-time recall had been performed one year before she purchased the vehicle. *Jb
Heat generated in the engine compartment causes abs control module and traction control module to fail in my '96 volvo 850r. As of today, there's 3 modules already replaced (each costing $800). The dealer said that the control module fails because it's not designed by the manufacturer to withstand typical engine heat. The chatroom of volvo owners (www.Brickboard.Com) is filled with the same complaint from various model years. The failure of the braking system is especially dangerous since the failure causes intermittent braking capability and hazardous during winter/snowy road conditions. The failure is sudden and without warning.
Rear main seal failure, which appears to be a common occurrence with this particular vehicle, presents fire hazard and calls durability reputation of manufacturer into serious question. *Jb
Exhaust: catalytic convertewr failed/plugged up. Transmission: shift lock release button on shifter locked up.
The entire alternator wiring harness was melted and destroyed before the fuseable link opened the circuit. This clearly is not an acceptable electrical design. In fact, it is my contention that if my wife had not turned the car off when she did, due to the white smoke from the fan, the wiring harness would have caught on fire. Most likely the resulting fire would have destroyed the car as the melted wiring harness is directly under and around the engines fuel injection system. Personally inspected the electrical...
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damage, and was appalled by how much of the wiring was fused together. If the safety design (fuseable link) of the fan circuit had worked properly the alternator wiring harness would never have been damaged to the extent I saw and more importantly my wife would never have been in personal danger.I have reported this issue to volvo america and they contend that a loose fan mount caused this issue. The repair shop was at a lose to explain this position to me as they could not understand how this was relevent to the extensive damage caused as the wiring harness melted down.*Ak
Rear main seal failure causing oil to leak over underside of car, including exhaust, potentially causing fire. Numerous other owners have reported the same failure at various mileage intervals. *Jb
This isn't safety related, but emission's problem. Started latter part of nov.,2002. Tech hasn't been able to make satisfactory repair to date. Auto has been in shop over 30 days and is in shop at present. Tech has replaced almost all emission related parts,some more than once, but auto still running extremely rich, only about 10 mpg(city), normally gets 21-22 mpg. Engine has been checked on latest diag. Equipment to no avail. Am I the only one that has a problem with our 96 volvo(model 850)???? *Nlm
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.*JB
Rear main seal failure causing engine oil to leak onto exhaust system. Possible fire hazard as this is a very common problem with the 850. Volvo does not authorize out of warranty repairs on this component. Various consumer websites contain multiple postings of this failure that volvo does not admit as a manufacturers defect. Dt
Left front caliper broke in january 1999, roght front caliper broke at this time. Parts were on back order. Consumer was told it would take 3 months to get vehicle repaired. *Ak consumer has had many problems with vehicle, instrument lights were replaced, dash bulb lights and other bulbs replaced. Headlight wiper and windshield wiper blades replaced. Consumer smelled an odor in the air conditioner and later the air conditioner was not cooling properly, dealer replaced the temperature sensor, evaporator,...
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receiver, and dryer. Battery failed and was replaced, consumer had a recall on the central electrical relay and when returning to vehicle that was shut off the phone and radio were on. Coolant light illuminated 4 times, finally dealer replaced the coolant filler cap, engine light keeps illuminated, dealer has replaced the pnp switch, oxygen sensor, air pump, and check valve, the air pump and check valve were replaced twice, the timing belt has also been replaced. Abs sensor cable has been replaced, calipers have been replaced 3 times, front brake pads, rotors, and front disc brakes have been replaced. *Slc
NO SUMMARY
Since the vehicle was purchased owners have experienced problems with the exhaust smell/fumes entering the vehicle, not able to remedy fume smell. *Mjs
While driving consumer can smell strong odor of sulphur. This causes nausea. Consumer feels this is unsafe. Volvo has been contacted. *Ak *ml
The beverage holder is located directly above the electrical power control. If liquids spills within the system, the power windows become inoperable. Please give any further details. *Ak *mjs
While driving the vehicle the engine stalled and then caught fire. Dealer is currently looking at vehicle. *Ak
Driver was doing 55mph and vehicle engine caught fire. Car is with dealer. *Ak
EVAPORATOR PUMP FAN RELAY FOR MANIFOLD FAILED.
Vehicle stalls on freeway and on streets at any time. Owner took vehicle to dealers and problem could not be duplicated. Owner is very concerned for safety. This has occurred 5 times. *Ak
Vehicle suddenly loses power and steam/smoke pours from engine, resulting in a fire. *Ak
ENGINE COOLING FAN FAILED.
Volvo 850 engine complaints by year
850 engine problems, every yearSource: 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