MYRModel Year Report

1988 Volvo 740

○ Not enough data
1988 Volvo 740
RENDERED 2026-08-02T14:20:14.536Z

Only 16 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 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Volvo 740 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1985: 10 complaints 1985 1986: 11 complaints 1987: 15 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1988 1989: 41 complaints 1989 1990: 47 complaints 1991: 19 complaints 1991 1992: 8 complaints 1993: 2 complaints 1993 1995: 1 complaints 1998: 2 complaints 1998 2000: 2 complaints 2002: 1 complaints 2002
1988: 16 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
198510
198611
198715
198816
198941
199047
199119
19928
19932
19951
19982
20002
20021

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE INJURY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 of 16 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 of 16 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

CAR WAS PARKED IN GARAGE FOR TWO TO THREE DAYS CAUGHT ON FIRE . TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19960119

CAR WAS IN PARK AND CAUGHT ON FIRE . *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950901

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

PE96-019 ACTIVE, ELECTRICAL SHORT, UNDER THE HOOD FIRE,AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE FOR 1/2 HOUR.*AK THE FIRE COMPLETELY DESTROYED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT UNDER THE HOOD, THE AUTOMOBILE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, VEHICLE WAS...

NHTSA ODI report, 19960729

AIR BAGS

2 of 16 total reports mention: air bags.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

1988 740 AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONED. *TS WHEN THE CONSUMER TURN ON THE IGNITION THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE DEPLOYMENT MOMENTARILY KNOCKED THE CONSUMER UNCONSCIOUS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20060911

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19900529 — power train

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.

Campaign 89V204000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19910513 — seat belts

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

I 19960304 — PE (closed 19960521)

BATTERY CABLE SHORT

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Volvo 740 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 89V204000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 91V075000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 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 1988 Volvo 740?

The most-reported component is electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Volvo 740 have?

2 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.