1989 Volvo 240
Only 17 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 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 17
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1989: 17 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 6 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 12 |
| 1987 | 6 |
| 1988 | 10 |
| 1989 | 17 |
| 1990 | 20 |
| 1991 | 17 |
| 1992 | 22 |
| 1993 | 14 |
| 1994 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
5 of 17 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
Electrical: driving home and vehicle filled with smoke, got home dicsonnected the battery. Wiring from dash to back lights had burned out.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-11-14
Vehicle speed control
3 of 17 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages and cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
After starting vehicle, the throttle and/or linkage stuck, causing the vehicle to increase in speed, resulting in an accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-05-12
Vehicle went into open throttle position, impact 12:00 position speed unknown. Replaced idle air control valve. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-31
Seats
2 of 17 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing recliner.
Power train
2 of 17 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing differential unit and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1989 Volvo 240 DL. The contact stated that differential fluid was leaking from the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-12-20
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 17 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel injection system and carburetor system.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1989 Volvo 240 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 2 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1989 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 1989 Volvo 240?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 Volvo 240 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.