1997 Volvo 960
Only 20 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 21 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 19 |
| 1995 | 57 |
| 1996 | 60 |
| 1997 | 20 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 20 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE REAR ENDED A TRUCK AT 50MPH, AND NEITHER DRIVER'S SIDE NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000214
AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING CRASH.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990122
2 of 20 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
2 of 20 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
2 of 20 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
2 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEN LOW COOLANT LIGHT. SUDDENLY LOST POWER DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE. IT SEIZED UP DUE TO OVERHEATING. TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEVER REGISTERED HOT. RADIATOR NECK BROKE OFF AT NECK CAUSING LOST OF COOLANT. ENGINE RUINED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040402
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Volvo 960 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1997 Volvo 960 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 960?
The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Volvo 960 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.