MYRModel Year Report

1990 Volvo 740

○ Not enough data
1990 Volvo 740
RENDERED 2026-10-31T13:06:08.073Z

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
47
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1990

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Vehicle speed control

30% of complaints

Complaints per year

1985: 10 complaints 1985 1986: 11 complaints 1987: 15 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 41 complaints 1990: 47 complaints 1990 47 1991: 19 complaints 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 1990: 47 complaints 1990 47 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 1990: 47 complaints 1990 47 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

1990: 47 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.

Vehicle speed control

30% · 14 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 1990 Volvo 740. While the vehicle was in the garage, it suddenly accelerated to approximately 60 MPH. The vehicle slammed into a brick wall. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-12-28

Also filed under Service brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 1990 Volvo 740. While reversing into a parking space, the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into a parked vehicle. The service brakes and emergency brake failed to stop the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-06-26

Sudden acceleration while attempting right turn, causing loss of control/accident. (Other vehicle on 489061).

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-25

Air bags

19% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling over a hill at 45 MPH, a deer entered the path of the vehicle. The brakes were applied, but the vehicle struck the deer. The vehicle went off the road and down an embankment striking trees.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-03-10

Driver's side air bag did not deploy in a frontal collision (12:00) going 25-30 MPH. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-01-17

No deployment of the air bag during rear end collision. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-25

Electrical system

15% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing cables and front underhood.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle fire as a result of electrical problems.*mr vehicle caught fire at work four hours after it was parked. Fire was extinguished and the battery was disconnected upon discovering it was an electrical fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-24

Service brakes

11% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1990-09-28Fuel system, gasoline90V165000 Fuel damper located behind the fuel line and the fuel rail may be improperly assembled. Over time, the solder joints could allow a small amount of fuel to leak.

    Remedy: Replace fuel damper.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. 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 →

  3. I
    1994-04-20Engineering analysisClosed 1994-10-12 Inadvert. Air bag deploys

Buy-smart checklist

1990 Volvo 740 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Vehicle speed control: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 90V165000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 91V075000 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1990 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 1990 Volvo 740?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Volvo 740 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.