MYRModel Year Report

1985 Volvo 240

○ Not enough data
1985 Volvo 240
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:57:16.707Z

Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
4

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1985

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 1 complaint 1980 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 6 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 4 complaints 1985 4 1986: 12 complaints 1987: 6 complaints 1987 1988: 10 complaints 1989: 17 complaints 1989 1990: 20 complaints 1991: 17 complaints 1991 1992: 22 complaints 1993: 14 complaints 1993 1994: 2 complaints
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 6 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1985 4 1986: 12 complaints 1986 1987: 6 complaints 1987 1988: 10 complaints 1988 1989: 17 complaints 1989 1990: 20 complaints 1990 1991: 17 complaints 1991 1992: 22 complaints 1992 1993: 14 complaints 1993 1994: 2 complaints 1994
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 6 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1985 4 1986: 12 complaints 1986 1987: 6 complaints 1987 1988: 10 complaints 1988 1989: 17 complaints 1989 1990: 20 complaints 1990 1991: 17 complaints 1991 1992: 22 complaints 1992 1993: 14 complaints 1993 1994: 2 complaints 1994

1985: 4 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19801
19822
19836
19845
19854
198612
19876
198810
198917
199020
199117
199222
199314
19942

Known problem areas

Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Service brakes

2 of 4 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 4 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing turbo/supercharger and radiator assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Radiator failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-02

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Electrical system

2 of 4 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.

Show complaint excerpts

Following multiple breakdowns failed insulation on exposed electrical wires in close proximity to the fuel injection system and alternator were found.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-29

Vehicle speed control

1 of 4 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

While backing out, with foot applied to brake, without pressing gas, suddenly engine surged then accelerated out of control, hitting a house, in reverse.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-19

Power train

1 of 4 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1986-04-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 1986-10-01 Sudden acceleration
  2. R
    1986-10-27Vehicle speed control86V129000 In the event of a low speed frontal impact, engine movement could cause the throttle cable sleeve to be pulled out of the adjusting fitting and not return to its original position…

    Remedy: Replace throttle cables.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1989-06-13Defect petitionClosed 1989-10-18 Fuel system reliability

Buy-smart checklist

1985 Volvo 240 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 86V129000 · Vehicle speed control
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1985 Volvo 240 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Volvo 240?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Volvo 240 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.