1986 Volvo 740
Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1986
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 11 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 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 11 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
Electrical system
3 of 11 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring and cables.
Show complaint excerpts
This particular model has defective battery cable which caused a vehicle fire, however vehicle not included in the recall due to model year. (Representative of auto shop)
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-09-18
Structure
1 of 11 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing hood.
Seat belts
1 of 11 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer was in an accident and the driver side seat belt restraint failed, broke consumer neck, please describe .
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-11
Power train
1 of 11 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing driveshaft.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1986-07-08Latches/locks/linkages86V083000 The tailgate child lock can be opened from inside when the child lock is engaged. The feature to prevent the tailgate from being operated from the inside of the station wagon may not…
Remedy: Replace tailgate latches.
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R
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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I
1989-04-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-11-21 Fuel tank/driveshaft
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R
1990-05-29Power train89V204000 Driveshaft could contact the fuel tank and score and scrape outer surfaces of the tank at the point of contact.
Remedy: Replace fuel tank and/or install protective device between driveshaft and the tank.
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R
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
1986 Volvo 740 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 86V083000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 87V064000 · Electrical system
- Recall 89V204000 · Power train
- Recall 91V075000 · Seat belts
FAQ
- Is the 1986 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 1986 Volvo 740?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Volvo 740 have?
- 4 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.