RoadVitals

1988 Volvo 740

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
16
Latest Dec 4, 2014
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest May 6, 1991
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 16 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1988 Volvo 740, most frequently naming the electrical, airbags and driver assistance categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 64 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical637.5%
  • Airbags425.0%
  • Driver assistance212.5%
  • Fuel system212.5%
  • Engine16.3%
  • Visibility16.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
91V075000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

May 6, 1991
485 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: INSTALL LABELS TO INSTRUCT THE USER IN PROPER SAFETY BELT ROUTING; ALSO REPLACE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES.
VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
89V204000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Nov 17, 1989
38,000 units potentially affected
The defect: DRIVESHAFT COULD CONTACT THE FUEL TANK AND SCORE AND SCRAPE OUTER SURFACES OF THE TANK AT THE POINT OF CONTACT.
The risk: A SMALL LEAK COULD DEVELOP WHICH COULD , IN THE PRESENCEOF AN IGNITION SOURCE, RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: REPLACE FUEL TANK AND/OR INSTALL PROTECTIVE DEVICE BETWEEN DRIVESHAFT AND THE TANK.
VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE96019ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

BATTERY CABLE SHORT

Opened Mar 4, 1996
Closed May 21, 1996

BATTERY CABLES MAY SUFFER INSULATION DAMAGE THAT COULD RESULT IN A ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLESLed to recall 96V085000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 16
Airbags
Filed Dec 4, 2014
1 injury reported

I TURNED THE IGNITION KEY AND THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED, STRIKING ME IN THE FACE AND CHEST, KNOCKING ME UNCONSCIOUS AND DAMAGING MY RIGHT EYE AND BREAST AND CAUSING CHEMICAL BURNS ON MY FACE AND NECK. I WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND SPENT MOST OF THE NIGHT AT THE HOSPITAL AND FOLLOWUP THE FOLLOWING DAY BY EYE SURGEONS AND RETINA SPECIALISTS. I SUSTAINED PERMANENT DAMAGE TO MY RIGHT EYE WHICH RESULTED IN A BLIND-SPOT. I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE OR WORK FOR A WEEK. I REQUIRED EXTENSIVE MEDICAL TREATMENT OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL MONTHS AND AM STILL CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE EYE DOCTOR FOR THE DAMAGE TO MY EYE (WHICH I HAVE BEEN TOLD WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY RESULT IN GLAUCOMA). VOLVO REFUSED TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR MADE ANY REIMBURSEMENT FOR DAMAGES, MEDICAL OR LOSS OF MY VEHICLE AND STALLED ALL EFFORTS THROUGH THE COURT SYSTEM, EVEN AFTER INITIALLY INDICATING TO MY ATTORNEY THAT THEY WOULDN'T CONTEST SETTLEMENT. MY VEHICLE WAS 17 YEARS OLD BUT WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND WELL-MAINTAINED AND HAD RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE ACCORDING TO ALL VOLVO'S PR CLAIMS. I ENDED UP NOT HAVING MY VEHICLE AT ALL, BECAUSE VOLVO DIRECTED THAT THE CAR COULD NOT BE REPAIRED UNTIL THE CASE WAS SETTLED AND THE STORAGE FEE AT THE SERVICE SHOP ACCUMULATED TO OVER $3600, MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE CAR AND I FINALLY SIGNED THE TITLE OVER TO THE SERVICE SHOP. *TR

NHTSA ID
10662195
Incident
Mar 21, 2005
Mileage
163,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Sep 6, 2006
1 injury reported

1988 740 AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONED. *TS WHEN THE CONSUMER TURN ON THE IGNITION THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE DEPLOYMENT MOMENTARILY KNOCKED THE CONSUMER UNCONSCIOUS. THE AIR BAG SLAMMED INTO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CONSUMER'S FACE AND LEFT BREAST. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED A BLOODY NOSE AND EYE, CHEMICAL BURNS AND IMMEDIATE SWELLING OF HER FACE. THE CONSUMER HAS ALSO SUSTAINED 20% LOSS OF VISION IN HER RIGHT EYE. *NM

NHTSA ID
10168035
Incident
Mar 21, 2005
Airbags
Filed May 21, 2001
1 injury reported

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT, MY AIRBAG DEPLOYED AT JUST A FEW MILES PER HOUR WITHOUT HITTING ANYTHING.*AK

NHTSA ID
745654
Incident
Apr 6, 2001
Electrical
Filed Sep 5, 2000
Fire reported

VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR OVER TWO HOURS SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM HOOD AREA. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME, OPENED THE HOOD, AND IT BURSTED INTO FLAMES. IT MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A SHORT CIRCUT OF THE WIRE HARNESS. VOLVO HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.*AK

NHTSA ID
869529
Incident
Sep 3, 2000
Electrical
Filed Feb 4, 1998
Fire reported1 injury reported

BATTERY CABLES FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE RESULTING IN AND ENGINE FIRE CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO RECIEVE BURNS TO THE ARM AND WRIST WHILE EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE.

NHTSA ID
529949
Electrical
Filed Jan 21, 1998

RECALL ON THE INSULATION ON THE BATTERY CABLES WHICH COULD LEAD TO A SHORT CIRCUIT, RECALL NOT DONE BECAUSE OF DEALER LOCATION PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ID
528650
Visibility
Filed Oct 21, 1997

WINSHIELD WASHERS FAILED, AFFECTING VISIBILITY. ALSO CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE. *AK

NHTSA ID
513844
Incident
Jan 1, 1997
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 15, 1997

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE INTO GARAGEVEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. OWNER TURNED OFF VEHICLE AND VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK *NLM

NHTSA ID
817114

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

356EN01

EQUIPMENT

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Service Manager

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)

ST-001-2020-09-1

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. Tools are classified as mandatory because associated repairs and/or diagnostics cannot be completed properly without them.

ST-001-2020-06-2

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. Tools are classified as mandatory because associated repairs and/or diagnostics cannot be completed properly without them.

ST-001-2020-01-2

EQUIPMENT

Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. Tools are classified as mandatory because associated repairs and/or diagnostics cannot be completed properly without them.

TJ31946.1.2-2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in the vehicle. Swapping the Driver Information Module (DIM) is strictly forbidden as the DIM it is the main carrier of the odometer function, and will, in case of swapping, result in manipulated odometer value. Service: Please do NOT swap any control modules from vehicle to vehicle for testing, unless instructed to do so in a Vehicle Report by the Technical Helpdesk

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volvo 740 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2002100—
2000200—
1998200—
1995100—
1993201—
1992801—
1991191260.8
1990472165.6
1989411159.9
1988Viewing162165.0
1987153063.0
1986114167.8
1985103055.6

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.