MYRModel Year Report

1996 Volvo 850

○ Not enough data
1996 Volvo 850
RENDERED 2026-11-01T03:51:34.454Z

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
192
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

31% of complaints

Complaints per year

1993: 73 complaints 1993 1994: 89 complaints 1994 1995: 111 complaints 1995 1996: 192 complaints 1996 192 1997: 107 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 1 complaint 2000
1993: 73 complaints 1993 1994: 89 complaints 1994 1995: 111 complaints 1995 1996: 192 complaints 1996 192 1997: 107 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 1 complaint 2000
1993: 73 complaints 1993 1994: 89 complaints 1994 1995: 111 complaints 1995 1996: 192 complaints 1996 192 1997: 107 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 1 complaint 2000

1996: 192 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199373
199489
1995111
1996192
1997107
19980
19992
20001

Known problem areas

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

Service brakes

31% · 60 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Fuel system, gasoline

12% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly and storage.

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.

FIRE

Electrical system

11% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE

Power train

8% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Auto-tran: while parked, transmission slipped out of park, rolled down incline, hit a house. Note: leased vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-07-19

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. 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 →

  2. I
    1997-10-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1998-02-13 Engine compartment fire
  3. I
    1999-06-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1999-10-27 Inadvertent side air bag deployment
  4. I
    2002-03-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-08-22 Passenger compartment fires
  5. I
    2002-08-22Engineering analysisClosed 2002-12-18 Seat fires
  6. I
    2003-01-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-06-11 Fuel tank leaks
  7. R
    2003-02-19Seats02V314000 On some sedans and station wagons equipped with seat heaters, it is possible that excessive compression of the seat cushion could cause damage to the electrical wiring of the seat heater.

    Remedy: Dealers will disconnect the existing wires and install a new electronic thermostat and cable harness. Owner notification began on February 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. I
    2003-06-11Engineering analysisClosed 2004-07-28 Fuel tank leaks
  9. R
    2004-09-24Fuel system, gasoline04V368000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Volvo 850 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 60 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 23 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 21 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96E025000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 02V314000 · Seats
  • Recall 04V368000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1996 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 1996 Volvo 850?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Volvo 850 have?
3 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.