RoadVitals

1997 Volvo 850

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.
107
Latest Sep 24, 2016
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.
3
Latest Jul 30, 2004
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.
3
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.
14
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 107 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1997 Volvo 850, most frequently naming the brakes, electrical and tires & wheels categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 138 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

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

3 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
04V368000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

Jul 30, 2004
226,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: VOLVO WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND REPLACE IT IF ANY EVIDENCE OF FUEL SEEPAGE OR LEAKAGE IS FOUND. ALL VEHICLES WILL RECEIVE NEW REINFORCEMENT BUSHINGS AT THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO PREVENT FUTURE LEAKS. THIS RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED AS A SAFETY RECALL IN THE HOT WEATHER STATES OF ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH CAROLINA, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, AND UTAH, AND AS A SERVICE RECALL IN THE OTHER 33 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2004. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.Manufacturer number 139View on NHTSA.gov
02V314000

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Nov 19, 2002
65,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL DISCONNECT THE EXISTING WIRES AND INSTALL A NEW ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT AND CABLE HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.Manufacturer number 112View on NHTSA.gov
99V235000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

Aug 30, 1999
139,588 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.
The risk: DRIVER'S COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.
VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.Manufacturer number 94View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

EA02019ClosedEngineering Analysis

SEAT FIRES

Opened Aug 22, 2002
Closed Dec 18, 2002

VOLVO IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL BASED ON ITS ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION DEVELOPED DURING ITS INVESTIGATION.VOLVO'SSURVEY OF VEHICLES ROUTINELY BROUGHT IN FOR MAINTENANCE AT EAST-COAST DEALERSHIPS PRODUCED EVIDENCE THAT BARE METAL WIRES (THAT PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE SEAT BOTTOM) CAN CONTACT THE THERMOSTAT AND ELECTRICAL WIRESIN OR BENEATH THE SEAT CUSHION.THIS CAN RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.VOLVO CONFIRMED IN TESTING THAT IF SUCH A CONDITION IS PRESENT, THE SHORT TO THE WIRE SEAT SUPPORT COULD CAUSE BURNING OF THE SEAT CUSHION WITHOUT ACTIVATING (OPENING) THE SEAT HEATER FUSE.VOLVO WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE THERMOSTAT ASSEMBLY WITH AN ELECTRONIC TIMER DELAY UNIT.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMLed to recall 02V314000
PE02029ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRES

Opened Mar 7, 2002
Closed Aug 22, 2002
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PE99040ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

Opened Jun 7, 1999
Closed Oct 27, 1999
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 107
Fuel system
Filed Sep 24, 2016

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 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.

NHTSA ID
10909455
Incident
Jan 1, 2010
Mileage
80,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Aug 2, 2016

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 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.

NHTSA ID
10892591
Incident
Feb 26, 2016
Mileage
225,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 27, 2014
Crash reported

THE TIRE DEALER RECOMMENDED MICHELIN PRIMACY MXV4 AS A REPLACEMENT TIRE FOR MY 1997 VOLVO 850 (NORMALLY ASPIRATED) SEDAN. THE MICHELIN WEBSITE DESCRIBED THIS TIRE AS AN "ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTE" FOR THE TIRES SPECIFIED BY VOLVO BECAUSE MICHELIN NO LONGER OFFERS HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRES IN MY SIZE. STOPPING POWER IS MUCH WORSE WITH THESE NEW MICHELIN TIRES. THEY SQUEAL EASILY, EVEN AT VOLVO'S HIGHEST RECOMMENDED AIR PRESSURE (36PSI). I HAD DIFFICULTY STOPPING FROM 50MPH IN AN EMERGENCY, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY 17 YEAR OWNERSHIP OF THIS VEHICLE. I BLAME THESE NEW "COMFORT ORIENTED" TIRES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10628627
Incident
Jul 3, 2014
Mileage
119,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 15, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 VOLVO 850. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN FUEL WAS DISPENSED INTO THE FUEL TANK TO THE FULL CAPACITY LEVEL, SHE WOULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THERE WOULD BE FUEL LEAKAGE ON THE GROUND UNDERNEATH THE FUEL TANK. THE FUEL WAS DISPENSED TO THREE QUARTERS OF A TANK TO AVOID THE FAILURE. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V368000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE). THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID
10365806
Incident
Jul 12, 2009
Mileage
100,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Jul 7, 2010

UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. CAR IN NORMAL DRIVE, JUST STARTS TO ACCELERATE. ALSO SOMETIMES ENGINE RACES WHILE IN PARK OR IDLE FOR NO REASON. OCCURS RANDOMLY, BUT HAS BEEN RECURRING DAILY FOR TWO WEEKS. HAVEN'T TAKEN TO DEALER YET. *TR

NHTSA ID
10341787
Incident
Jul 1, 2010
Mileage
150,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Mar 15, 2010
Crash reported

IN A PARKING GARAGE I TURNED MY WHEELS TOWARDS THE LEFT TO DRIVE INTO A PARKING SPOT; I GAVE THE CAR A LITTLE GAS WHILE DRIVING OVER A SPEEDBUMP AND SUDDENLY THE CAR ACCELERATED AND SHOT FORWARD AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THANKFULLY THE CAR WENT INTO THAT PARKING SPOT AND HIT THE CEMENT WALL AND STOPPED. I THOUGHT IT WAS A ONE-TIME OCCURRENCE BUT WITH ALL THE REPORTS OF TOYOTA ACCELERATION PROBLEMS, NOW I WONDER IF THIS CAN OCCUR IN ANY CAR AT ANY TIME. I HAVE A 1997 VOLVO STATION WAGON. WITH SPEED BUMPS ON MANY STREETS NEAR SCHOOLS, IF THIS CAN HAPPEN ON ALMOST ANY CAR, THEN THE POTENTIAL FOR MAJOR ACCIDENTS IS UNLIMITED. I WILL ALWAYS KEEP MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE GOING OVER ANY SPEED BUMP FROM NOW ON, AND AM JUST THANKFUL THAT I WAS JUST A COUPLE OF FEET FROM A CEMENT WALL AND HAD ALREADY TURNED MY WHEELS. FOR THOSE REASONS, NO DAMAGE WAS DONE TO EITHER THE WALL, MY CAR OR THE OCCUPANTS. (IN THE MILEAGE AND SPEED INFO. ON THIS FORM I CAN ONLY GUESS AT THE MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT AND THE SPEED AT WHICH THE CAR ACCELERATED.) *TR

NHTSA ID
10320035
Incident
Jan 10, 2007
Mileage
150,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jan 3, 2009

ABS MODULE FAILED. LOOKS LIKE MAJOR DEALER REPAIR. THIS IS A MAJOR COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH AND NO LONGER TREATED AS AN ACCESSORY ITEM. FOR THESE DEVICES TO BE CONSIDERED AN "ACCESSORY" THEY SHOULD THEN BE MADE AS USER REPLACEABLE WHICH IS NOT THE CASE. THEN AGAIN, IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE EVERY SUNDAY-MECHANIC REPLACING SUCH A CRITICAL ITEM? I HAVE HAD AN ABS WARNING LIGHT FOR OVER TWO YEARS NOW. DIAGNOSTICS SAY ITS THE ABS ELECTRONICS. I DO NOT HAVE THE BUDGET OR EXPERIENCE TO REPLACE IT. SEVERAL WEBSITES POINT TO FAILING OR DEFECTIVE CAPACITORS ON THE ELECTRONIC MODULE ITSELF. *TR

NHTSA ID
10253657
Incident
Jan 1, 2005
Mileage
50,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Dec 1, 2008

MY DAUGHTER USED FAMILY CAR, VOLVO 1997, 850 WAGON AND THE ACCELERATOR FAILED WIDE OPEN. SHE NARROWLY MISSED 5 YOUNG CHILDREN PLAYING STREET HOCKEY. CAR IS INOPERABLE AND MUST BE TOWED TO SERVICE STATION FOR EVALUATION AND REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA ID
10250423
Incident
Nov 26, 2008
Mileage
157,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

C00009

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE C00009 DESCRIPTION.

TJ3656330

Rubber cushion

Special Tools Bu

The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve.

Service Manager

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations

356EN01

EQUIPMENT

VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App

Service Manager

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

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

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 850 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2000100—
1999201—
1998001—
1997Viewing1073361.0
19961923664.4
19951113362.1
1994833260.4
1993731247.8
1992000—

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.