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Engine & cooling

1996 Volvo 960 Engine problems

Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 1996 Volvo 960's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 10% of all its complaints, most recently on February 9, 2007. They describe 0 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
2
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Engine & cooling

At 110k I noticed coolant level dropping faster than usual, and coolant on garage floor. Dealer removed side engine cover and showed me a line of pinhole leaks in the aluminum block. Technician said this was a manufacturing defect he had seen before, and that the engine would have to be replaced. Volvo offered no help, "out of warranty." I purchased a used 1998 960 engine for $1900 and dealer installed for $1800, including incidental parts. Soon thereafter, radiator blew and ruined cylinder head. The 1 year...

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used engine warranty covered cylinder head and I paid about $800 for new radiator. Total outlay $4500! I folded my cards and got $3500 for volvo toward a new toyota corolla. No more volvos for me! *Nm

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10182120
Engine & cooling

As of july 29, 2005, my 1996 volvo 960 started losing speed and the engine stalls without warning! Thus far, no injuries have been sustained. The car has been taken off the road. On august 1, 2005, wbal-tv reported the same problems with 1999-2001 volvos. My car has always been maintained and up to now has been in excellent working condition. Please advise. *Nm

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10131502
Engine & cooling

Consumer was traveling about 40mph on higway in rush hour traffic and engine check light came on dashboard panel. She pulled over to the shoulders. Vehicle started overheating. Dealership was aware of problem. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Unknown or otherNHTSA 8002428
Engine & coolingElectrical systemFire

Upon starting up vehicle engine would not start. A neighbor started yelling for her husband to get out of vehicle. Vehicle had caught on fire, and flames were coming from below the vehicle while engine attempted to start, even though the key was removed from ignition. No determination has been made as to cause of this fire. Insurance company was going to have vehicle removed. *Ak area of fire origin was in the engine are, possible engine failure. *Slc

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical systemNHTSA 891869
BrakesEngine & coolingElectrical systemBody, doors & structure

Thermostat was sticking, causing vehicle to overheat, when consumer got vehicle back, he had to take it back because the coolant cap and reservoir were not holding pressure. Radiator neck was broken. Ignition coils had hair line fractures. Inside door handle was loose and needed replaced. Brake pads and rotors were replaced. Battery failed. *Slc

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · Engine and engine cooling · Electrical system · StructureNHTSA 875034
Engine & cooling2 injuries

Volvo car is not reliable anymore. No safety defect listed within summary. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 736367

Volvo 960 engine complaints by year

960 engine problems, every year

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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

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