1988 Volvo 740
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.
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 16 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 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
6 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing cables and front underhood.
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, 1996-07-29
Air bags
4 of 16 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
I turned the ignition key and the driver's airbag deployed, striking me in the face and chest, knocking me unconscious and damaging my right eye and breast and causing chemical burns on my face and neck.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-12-04
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, 2006-09-11
Vehicle speed control
2 of 16 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 16 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
Car was parked in garage for two to three days caught on fire . Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-01-19
Car was in park and caught on fire .
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-09-01
Visibility
1 of 16 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer.
Safety timeline
2 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
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.
-
I
1996-03-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-05-21 Battery cable short
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Volvo 740 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 89V204000 · Power train
- Recall 91V075000 · Seat belts
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, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 Volvo 740 have?
- 2 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.