MYRModel Year Report

1989 Volvo 740

○ Not enough data
1989 Volvo 740
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:50:04.995Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
41
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

41% of complaints

Complaints per year

1985: 10 complaints 1985 1986: 11 complaints 1987: 15 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 41 complaints 1989 41 1990: 47 complaints 1991: 19 complaints 1991 1992: 8 complaints 1993: 2 complaints 1993 1995: 1 complaint 1998: 2 complaints 1998 2000: 2 complaints 2002: 1 complaint 2002
1985: 10 complaints 1985 1986: 11 complaints 1986 1987: 15 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1988 1989: 41 complaints 1989 41 1990: 47 complaints 1990 1991: 19 complaints 1991 1992: 8 complaints 1992 1993: 2 complaints 1993 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1998: 2 complaints 1998 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2002: 1 complaint 2002
1985: 10 complaints 1985 1986: 11 complaints 1986 1987: 15 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1988 1989: 41 complaints 1989 41 1990: 47 complaints 1990 1991: 19 complaints 1991 1992: 8 complaints 1992 1993: 2 complaints 1993 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1998: 2 complaints 1998 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2002: 1 complaint 2002

1989: 41 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
198510
198611
198715
198816
198941
199047
199119
19928
19932
19951
19982
20002
20021

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

41% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing cables and 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Made an appointment with volvoville USA for recall campaign 96V08500 for date below.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-18

Engine and engine cooling

29% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine caught on fire while vehicle was not running. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-16

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, 2008-08-21

Service brakes

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY
Show 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-12-31

Air bags

7% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

INJURY

Vehicle speed control

5% · 2 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Started vehicle, put it in drive with foot on the brakes and vehicle suddenly accelerated. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-09-22

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1996-03-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-05-21 Battery cable short

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Volvo 740 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 91V075000 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.