MYRModel Year Report

1997 Volvo 850

○ Not enough data
1997 Volvo 850
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:47:35.385Z

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
107
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

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

1997: 107 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

32% · 34 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Electrical system

14% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and alternator/generator/regulator.

CRASHFIRE

Seats

9% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing seat heater/cooler and recliner.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Prior to being notified for the electrical seat heater, recall 02 v 314 000, the defect accrued and vehicle was totaled.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-16

Heated seat caught on fire; fire was put out by fire extinguisher from restaurant by which vehicle was stopped; fire damaged the seat, driver's side door, steering column, front dash and steering wheel.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-10-26

Tires

8% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt.

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, 2014-08-27

Visibility

7% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and power window devices and controls.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The rear driver and passenger windows have a gap in the window track. A child's finger was pinched,as a result of the gapwhile the window was being adjusted.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-30

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1999-06-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1999-10-27 Inadvertent side air bag deployment
  2. R
    1999-09-15Exterior lighting99V235000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2002-03-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-08-22 Passenger compartment fires
  4. I
    2002-08-22Engineering analysisClosed 2002-12-18 Seat fires
  5. 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 →

  6. 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

1997 Volvo 850 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 34 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99V235000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 02V314000 · Seats
  • Recall 04V368000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Volvo 850 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.