Engine
2.3L 5-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 153 of 192 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 49 of 192 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
60 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"WHILE DRIVING, EXPEIENCED INTERMITTENT ABS FAILURE, WHEN ABS LIGHT APPEARS CONTINUOUSLY AND UPON APPLYING BRAKES HEARD LOUD NOISE.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Fuel system
26 complaint records
"THE FUEL TANK SPLIT AT THE SEAM OVER THE EXHAUST PIPE. MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
21 complaint records6 fire reports
"WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER CAN SMELL STRONG ODOR OF SULPHUR. THIS CAUSES NAUSEA. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS UNSAFE. VOLVO HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *ML..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA03008 opened Jun 2003 | closed Jul 2004 | Fuel System, Gasoline | FUEL TANK LEAKS - led to recall 04V368000 THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS WAS OPENED ON JUNE 11, 2003, BASED ON 54 REPORTS OF FUEL TANK LEAKS.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE 1993 THROUGH 1996 MODEL YEAR (MY) 850 VEHICLES. MODEL 850 WAS ALSO PRODUCED IN MY 1997 AND WAS INCLUDED IN THIS INVESTIGATION. |
| PE03003 opened Jan 2003 | closed Jun 2003 | Fuel System, Gasoline | FUEL TANK LEAKS THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THISINVESTIGATION ON JANUARY 16, 2003.THE BASIS FOR OPENING THE INVESTIGATION WAS 15 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING GASOLINE LEAKING FROM THE FUEL STORAGE TANK.VOLVO PROVIDED 43 ADDITIONAL REPORTS IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE... |
| EA02019 opened Aug 2002 | closed Dec 2002 | Seats | SEAT FIRES - led to recall 02V314000 VOLVO IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL BASED ON ITS ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION DEVELOPED DURING ITS INVESTIGATION.VOLVO'SSURVEY OF VEHICLES ROUTINELY BROUGHT IN FOR MAINTENANCE AT EAST-COAST DEALERSHIPS PRODUCED EVIDENCE THAT BARE METAL... |
| PE02029 opened Mar 2002 | closed Aug 2002 | Electrical System | PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRES |
| PE99040 opened Jun 1999 | closed Oct 1999 | Air Bags | INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT |
Show 1 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE97045 opened Oct 1997 | closed Feb 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE ODI HAS RECEIVED FOUR OWNER COMPLAINTS OF VOLVO 850 ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES, ALL INVOLVING 1996 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES.TABLE 1 SHOWS THE DISTRIBUTION OF FIRE INCIDENTS KNOWN TO ODI AND VOLVO BY MODEL YEAR AND INCIDENT YEAR FOR ALL 1993-97 VOLVO 850... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V368000 | 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. | Normally free |
| 02V314000 | 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. | Normally free |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| C00009 Jul 2023 | Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE C00009 DESCRIPTION. | |
| TJ3656330 Jun 2023 | Unknown Or Other | Rubber cushion | |
| Special Tools Bu May 2022 | Unknown Or Other | The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve. | |
| Service Manager May 2022 | Unknown Or Other | ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations | |
| 356EN01 Feb 2022 | Equipment | VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Manager Feb 2022 | Electrical System | Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS) | |
| ST-001-2020-09-1 Sep 2020 | Equipment | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| SMB00-006-2020-0 Aug 2020 | Electrical System | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder | |
| ST-001-2020-06-2 Jul 2020 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| Service Manager Jun 2020 | Unknown Or Other | Battery Charger/maintainer requirement | |
| SMB00-006-2020-0 Mar 2020 | Electrical System | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder | |
| ST-001-2020-01-2 Jan 2020 | Equipment | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| SMB00-325-2019-1 Dec 2019 | Equipment | Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARRANTY... | |
| TJ31946.1.2-2019 Nov 2019 | Electrical System | This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in the vehicle. | |
| TJ31946.1.1-2019 Nov 2019 | Electrical System | This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in the vehicle. | |
| SMB00-438-2019-1 Nov 2019 | Equipment | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Technician Skillset Requirments | |
| SMB00-006-2019-1 Nov 2019 | Electrical System | Software Installation Policy changes. | |
| ST-001-2019-10-1 Oct 2019 | Equipment | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| SMB00 438 2019-0 Aug 2019 | Equipment | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Technician Skillset Requirments | |
| SMB00 108C 2019- Aug 2019 | Equipment | Retailers should only use a Volvo part number on claims for items purchased directly from Volvo. Failure to follow this policy will result in claim adjustments. | |
| SMB00 108 2019-0 Aug 2019 | Equipment | Retailers should only use a Volvo part number on claims for items purchased directly from Volvo. Failure to follow this policy will result in claim adjustments. | |
| SMB00 006 2019-0 Aug 2019 | Electrical System | Software Installation Policy changes. | |
| SPJ34864 2 0-201 Jun 2019 | Electrical System | This is a Service Product Journal: Information Notice. We process the personal data that you provide in connection with the creation of your VIDA account. | |
| PB77-006-2019-05 May 2019 | Wheels | Winter Wheel Applications including rim sizes, steel wheel parts numbers and wheel cover part numbers | |
| TJ28941-4-0-2019 Feb 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This is a Technical Journal: When sensitive information, like vehicle speed, brake usage, etc. (customer behavoiur information) of a car is required from Volvo Car Corporation from external sources, either of these two documents should be filled in and attached to the affected... | |
| PB00-013-2019-02 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This is a Parts Bulletin: Hazmat Return Transportation Documentation and requirements | |
| PB77-006-2019-02 Feb 2019 | Equipment | Winter Wheel Applications including rim sizes, steel wheel parts numbers and wheel cover part numbers | |
| SMB00-437-2019-0 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Volvo Special Tool Warranty Coverage and Claims Process | |
| SMB88-001A-2018- Dec 2018 | Seat Belts | This bulletin is a service manager bulletin. Seat Belt Extender. | |
| ST-001-2018-11-2 Dec 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| ST-002-2018-08-1 Aug 2018 | Equipment | This is a Service Manager Bulletin. This bulletin is a list of equipment recommended by Volvo to it's dealer or any shop maintaining or repairing Volvo's. The equipment can be provided by Volvo's equipment supplier | |
| ST-227-2018-08-1 Aug 2018 | Tires | Road Force wheel balancing is the proper tool for diagnosing and repairing such issues and all of our retailers need to be prepared for these issues. | |
| TJ34013-1-2-2018 Aug 2018 | Equipment | This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle Key Not Found | |
| ST002 Jul 2018 | Equipment | This is a Service Manager Bulletin. This bulletin is a list of equipment recommended by Volvo to it's dealer or any shop maintaining or repairing Volvo's. The equipment can be provided by Volvo's equipment supplier | |
| SMB00-071-2018-0 May 2018 | Equipment | Description of Goodwill Policy and Guidelines. | |
| SMB00-071 May 2018 | Equipment | Description of Goodwill Policy and Guidelines. | |
| TJ19245114 May 2018 | Equipment | VOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Technical Journal TITLE : Vehicle type and platform identification REF NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States and Canada TJ 19245 Technical Service PARTNER : ISSUE DATE : 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars North America YEAR MONTH DAY 2014... | |
| PB77-017-2018-03 Mar 2018 | Wheels | This is a Parts Bulletin: Wheel Cross Reference, used to assist in identifying the correct spare replacement wheel, by stamping, name and size. | |
| SMB00-006-2018-0 Mar 2018 | Equipment | Software Installation Policy changes. | |
| SMB00-006C-2018- Mar 2018 | Equipment | Software Installation Policy changes - Canada | |
| ST-111A Nov 2017 | Equipment | MIDTRONICS PSC-550S and PSC-700 VEHICLE POWER SUPPLY information | |
| SMB00-325-2017-1 Oct 2017 | Air Bags | Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARRANTY... | |
| ST-001-2017-10-0 Oct 2017 | Back Over Prevention | Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. | |
| PB77-017-2017-06 Jun 2017 | Wheels | This is a Parts Bulletin: Wheel Cross Reference, used to assist in identifying the correct spare replacement wheel, by stamping, name and size. | |
| SMB00-325-2017-0 Jun 2017 | Equipment | Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARRANTY... | |
| PB77-006 May 2017 | Wheels | Winter Wheel Applications including rim sizes, steel wheel parts numbers and wheel cover part numbers | |
| SMB88-001A May 2017 | Seat Belts | This bulletin is a service manager bulletin. Seat Belt Extender. | |
| PB77-017 May 2017 | Wheels | This is a Parts Bulletin: Wheel Cross Reference, used to assist in identifying the correct spare replacement wheel, by stamping, name and size. | |
| SMB00-006-2017-0 May 2017 | Equipment | Software Installation Policy changes. | |
| SMB00-071-2017-0 May 2017 | Electrical System | Descripition of Goodwill Policy and Guidelines. | |
| TJ19245.1.10-201 Mar 2017 | Steering | VOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Technical Journal TITLE : Vehicle type and platform identification REF NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States and Canada TJ 19245 Technical Service PARTNER : ISSUE DATE : 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars North America YEAR MONTH DAY 2014... | |
| ST-001-2017-02-2 Mar 2017 | Equipment | Mandatory Special Tool List | |
| ST-160-2017-02-2 Mar 2017 | Equipment | Dice Tool bulletin explaining the offer. | |
| ST-111A-2017-02- Feb 2017 | Electrical System | MIDTRONICS PSC-550S and PSC-700 VEHICLE POWER SUPPLY information | |
| SMB00-003-2017-0 Feb 2017 | Equipment | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service Scheduling system enhancements. Improving Service Action/Recall scheduling. | |
| PB77-006-2017-01 Jan 2017 | Equipment | Winter Wheel Applications including rim sizes, steel wheel parts numbers and wheel cover part numbers | |
| SMB00-199-2017-0 Jan 2017 | Equipment | This is a Service Manager Bulletin: The online bookstore, www.volvotechinfo.com, serves Volvo Retailers, employees, Independent Repairers and customers throughout the United States and Canada by providing easy order-access to service, parts and owners? | |
| ST-186-2017-01-0 Jan 2017 | Equipment | Title : No . Page Volvo Special Tool 186 1 of 1 Cabinet Car Market : SPECIAL United States , Canada TOOLS Date : YEAR MONTH DAY BULLETIN 2012 02 02 Take Your Special Tool Storage to the Next Level Maintain Your Parts & Service Department Efficiency , Organization and... | |
| SMB00-287-2016-1 Jan 2017 | Equipment | Please use attached file to create new version of bulletin. Please remove original bulletin by same number dated 2/18/2010. | |
| PB77-017-2016-12 Dec 2016 | Wheels | This is a Parts Bulletin: Wheel Cross Reference, used to assist in identifying the correct spare replacement wheel, by stamping, name and size. |
Showing 60 of 107 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Volvo 850 →