Increased resistance in the system wiring connectors due to the possible presence of lacquer, plastic residue on the pins and imperfect pin diameters, may cause ignition misfiring and, in extreme cases, intermittent stalling.
1981-1990 · 7 model years
Volvo DL Problems by year
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the Volvo DL across 7 model years, and it has 2 recalls. The 1982 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (1), while 1985, 1986 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the electrical system, followed by the equipment & accessories.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
DL 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 DL problems
Volvo DL recalls 2
Due to insufficient grounding of the internal ignition distributor parts, the ignition could misfire. This could adversely affect vehicle driveability and longevity of the distributor components.
Covers1981 Volvo DL
Latest DL complaints
My car would stall in traffic, stall while idling at stop lights, various things were replaced in the last year, including the speed sensor, and it still is doing it. It loses power at times while maintaining 60 mph, shimmies and shakes at idle when stopped in traffic, it sometimes "hiccips", appears to stop then accelerates again while driving on the highway. *Nm
Dear nhtsa, my complaint is directed towards all modern automobile headlights, and is two-fold. The first part of my complaint involves non-sealed beam headlamps. Since about 1984, autos have been permitted to use this type of head lamp, and it is becoming more and more evident that the plastic used for the lenses of these headlamps deteriorates, eventually making the lens more and more opaque. (I've noticed this especially on volvo's and chrysler minivans made in the late 1980's.) The formerly used sealed...
Read the full complaint
beam headlamps were made of glass and seldom clouded over. Any safety advantage of changing from glass to plastic construction is overridden by the loss of visibility with clouded lenses. It would be so great if shatter-proof glass sealed beams would make a comeback! The second part of my complaint involves the hid high intensity lights on some newer cars. They are so annoying and distracting to oncoming traffic! It was my understanding that blue lights were permitted only on highway vehicles like snow plows, but these cars with the blinding blue headlights are becoming more and more prevalent. Perhaps they do improve forward visibility for the driver, but that only encourages the driver to go faster. I would recommend that they be limited to freeway or highway use, if at all. Thanks for letting me vent my wrath at the current state of auto headlamp design! *Jb
STEERING WHEEL LOCK ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING. *AK
Left rear tire blewout while driving, the car suddenly swerved to the left and crossed the shoulder and was heading towards oncomming traffic, consumer was unanle to control the vehicle and it rolled several times, consumer sustained broken bones (toyo/les schwab spectrum tire size p195/75r14). Nlm
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Engine wiring harness failed. Insulation crumbled off of wires causing wires to short out. Effects included starter engaging at road speed causing part failure, vehicle would cease running at road speeds and fail to restart.
Questions about the Volvo DL
Which Volvo DL years have the most problems?
Which Volvo DL years have the fewest complaints?
What are the most common Volvo DL problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the electrical system (4), equipment & accessories (2), acceleration & cruise control (2) most often.
How many recalls does the Volvo DL have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls across all Volvo DL 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