MYRModel Year Report

1986 Volvo 240

○ Not enough data
1986 Volvo 240
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:40.888Z

Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
12

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
1

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 1986: 12 complaints 1986 12 1987: 6 complaints 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 1986: 12 complaints 1986 12 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 1986: 12 complaints 1986 12 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

1986: 12 complaints

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

Known problem areas

Only 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

4 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and alternator/generator/regulator.

Exterior lighting

4 of 12 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing tail lights and headlights.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

I owned a 1986 240 gl Volvo 4 door sedan. One night last month my wife was driving home and within a block of our house she noticed a fire on the back of the car. The driver's side tail light was on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-06-02

Engine and engine cooling

4 of 12 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing catalytic convertor and exhaust system.

Vehicle speed control

3 of 12 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cables.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Sudden and unintended acceleration, resulting in an accident/injuries after recall (86V-129).

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-14

Power train

2 of 12 total reports mention: power train.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. 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 →

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

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Volvo 240 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

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

FAQ

Is the 1986 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 1986 Volvo 240?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 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.