1985 Volvo 740
Only 10 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 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 10 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 11 |
| 1987 | 15 |
| 1988 | 16 |
| 1989 | 41 |
| 1990 | 47 |
| 1991 | 19 |
| 1992 | 8 |
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2002 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Vehicle speed control
3 of 10 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cables.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle was in idle position, changed from park to drive, vehicle went into open throttle position rpms unknown, impact 12:00 position.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-08-19
When pressing on the accelerator pedal vehicle did not accelerate. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership for inspection, mechanic determined that the wiring harness failed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-05-06
When pressing on the accelerator pedal vehicle did not accelerate. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic determined that wiring harness failed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-05-06
Electrical system
2 of 10 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
After driving from the grocery store, I stopped at a store and let my granddaughter run in for a coke. While she was inside,I let the car idle. Within 3 minutes, the engine compartment was on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-06
Structure
1 of 10 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Steering
1 of 10 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.
Service brakes
1 of 10 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1985-01-21Engine and engine cooling85V002000 Certain vehicles are equipped with water pump pulleys which may contain a manufacturing defect, reducing the durability of the pulley.
Remedy: Inspect and replace the pulley where necessary.
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1987-06-08Electrical system87V064000 Engine wiring harness could chafe against an air conditioning pipe.
Remedy: Relocate wiring harness and secure with a new bracket and clamp.
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1991-05-13Seat belts91V075000 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…
Remedy: Install labels to instruct the user in proper safety belt routing; also replace safety belt buckles.
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Volvo 740 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 85V002000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 87V064000 · Electrical system
- Recall 91V075000 · Seat belts
FAQ
- Is the 1985 Volvo 740 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 740?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Volvo 740 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.