1997 Volvo 850

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1997 Volvo 850
RENDERED 2026-08-02T14:13:54.103Z

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 PER YEAR

1997: 107 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1993	73
1994	83
1995	111
1996	192
1997	107
1998	0
1999	2
2000	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 9 distinct reports on file.

TIRES 7%

7% of complaints: tires — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

THE TIRE DEALER RECOMMENDED MICHELIN PRIMACY MXV4 AS A REPLACEMENT TIRE FOR MY 1997 VOLVO 850 (NORMALLY ASPIRATED) SEDAN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140827

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

1997 VOLVO 850. THE ABS AND TRACS LIGHTS ARE ON APPROX. 90% OF THE TIME WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. WHEN LIGHTS ARE ON, BRAKE PEDAL IS VERY SOFT AND STOPPING DISTANCE IS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030723

SEATS 7%

7% of complaints: seats — 7 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

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PRIOR TO BEING NOTIFIED FOR THE ELECTRICAL SEAT HEATER, RECALL 02 V 314 000, THE DEFECT ACCRUED AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030716

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes, air — 6 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19990607 — PE (closed 19991027)

INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

R 19990915 — exterior lighting

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.

Campaign 99V235000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20020307 — PE (closed 20020822)

PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 20020822 — EA (closed 20021218)

SEAT FIRES

R 20030219 — seats

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 AUTHORIZED

Campaign 02V314000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20040924 — fuel system, gasoline

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

1997 Volvo 850 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for tires issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 99V235000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Verify recall 02V314000 (seats) has been completed.
Verify recall 04V368000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.

FAQ

Is the 1997 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 1997 Volvo 850?

The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 8% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Volvo 850 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.