1994 Volvo 850
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 |
|---|---|
| 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.
13% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and horn.
12% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and storage.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 VOLVO 850 TURBO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, FUEL LEAKED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120508
12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN VEHICLE ENGINE STALLED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040212
9% of complaints: equipment — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift and air conditioner.
9% of complaints: visibility — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and windshield.
Show complaint excerpts
FRONT WINDOW MOULDING FAILED TWICE. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19941109
SAFETY TIMELINE
UNDER VERY COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, ICE CRYSTALS CAN FORM AT THE THROTTLE IN THE ENGINE INTAKE SYSTEM, AND PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY, THROTTLE CABLE, CHARGE AIR COOLER PIPING AND CRANKCASE VENTILATION HOSES.
Campaign 94V173000 — check if this car was fixed
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, A
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 H
Campaign 96E025000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL TANK LEAKS
FUEL TANK LEAKS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AFTER PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO HEAT, THE FUEL TANK MAY SEEP OR LEAK FUEL AT THE POINTS WHERE THE HEAT SHIELD IS ATTACHED.
Remedy: VOLVO WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND REPLACE IT IF ANY EVIDENCE OF FUEL SEEPAGE OR LEAKAGE IS FOUND. ALL VEHICLES WILL RECEIVE NEW REINFORCEMENT BUSHINGS AT THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO PRE
Campaign 04V368000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1994 Volvo 850 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 94V173000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96E025000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V368000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1994 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 1994 Volvo 850?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Volvo 850 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.