Is the 1993 Volvo 850 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 1993 Volvo 850?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1993 Volvo 850 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

1993 Volvo 850

○ Not enough data

1993 Volvo 850
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:50:16.515Z

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: 73
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

1993: 73 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1993	73
1994	89
1995	111
1996	192
1997	107
1998	0
1999	2
2000	1

Known problem areas

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

Power train

38% · 28 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Show complaint excerpts

I replace the transmission at 99,000 and now at 27,000 on the orginal Volvo replacement transmission I have to replace the second transmission. This transmission of the 850 Volvo is a lemon.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-24

Air bags

14% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Had a rearend collision that pushed vehicle into another car, drivers air bag did not deploy. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-18

Frontal collision, impact 12:00 position, speed 20 MPH, drivers air bag deployed causing injuries and burns to head and arms. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-12

Electrical system

12% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl*the contact owns a 1993 Volvo 850. After driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact parked the vehicle. Two minutes later, the hood burst into flames. There were no warning indicators prior to the failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-05-30

Dashboard caught on fire while in parking garage. Cause unknown. Please provide any further information.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-28

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

Equipment

10% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing air conditioner and accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

R

1996-10-28Engine and engine cooling96E025000 Engine block heaters installed as accessories. The block heater contact surface does not match correctly with the engine block as intended. The block heater could come loose from the engine block…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the block heater and secure the bolts used to install the heater. In some cases, the surface tolerances may be so inappropriate that the heater would need to be replaced with a…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2003-01-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-06-11 Fuel tank leaks
I
2003-06-11Engineering analysisClosed 2004-07-28 Fuel tank leaks

Buy-smart checklist

1993 Volvo 850 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 28 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 10 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 96E025000 · Engine and engine cooling

FAQ

Is the 1993 Volvo 850 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 1993 Volvo 850?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 Volvo 850 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.