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 PER YEAR
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.
2 of 10 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040506
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040506
1 of 10 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS IN IDLE POSITION, CHANGED FROM PARK TO DRIVE, VEHICLE WENT INTO OPEN THROTTLE POSITION RPMS UNKNOWN, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960819
1 of 10 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 10 total reports mentions: steering.
1 of 10 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
PROBLEM WITH BRAKES. *AW
NHTSA ODI report, 19950721
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 85V002000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE WIRING HARNESS COULD CHAFE AGAINST AN AIR CONDITIONING PIPE.
Remedy: RELOCATE WIRING HARNESS AND SECURE WITH A NEW BRACKET AND CLAMP.
Campaign 87V064000 — check if this car was fixed
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 BU
Remedy: INSTALL LABELS TO INSTRUCT THE USER IN PROPER SAFETY BELT ROUTING; ALSO REPLACE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES.
Campaign 91V075000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Volvo 740 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 85V002000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V064000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V075000 (seat belts) has been completed.
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:cables, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Volvo 740 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.