1989 Volvo 740
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
41% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cables and 12v/24v/48v battery.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH VOLVOVILLE USA FOR RECALL CAMPAIGN 96V08500 FOR DATE BELOW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20041118
29% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950616
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 VOLVO 740. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXCESSIVELY OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED AN OIL LEAK UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080821
12% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE BRAKING AT THIS SPEED OR HIGHER THE CAR STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHACK AND PULL TO THE LEFT. TOOK IT TO VOLVO AND THEY SAID THE CALIBER WAS NOT RELEASING PROPERLY. HAD CALIBERS REPLACED SEVERAL YEARS PRIOR DUE TO A SIMILAR MALFUNCTION. *JS
NHTSA ODI report, 20141231
7% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
INJURY5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
STARTED VEHICLE, PUT IT IN DRIVE WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950922
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
BATTERY CABLE SHORT
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Volvo 740 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V075000 (seat belts) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1989 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 1989 Volvo 740?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Volvo 740 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.