Volvo 850 Reliability and Common Problems

The Volvo 850 is a popular compact car loved for its competent performance that usually remains dependable over time. Many 850 owners think it’s a reliable vehicle because of its responsive handling and long lifespan. There isn’t much data about the 850, but Volvos generally depreciate quickly, with some models losing as much as 21% of their value after one year, according to CarEdge.com. It’s very likely that the 850 depreciates at around the same rate.

Is the Volvo 850 Reliable?

Many Volvo 850 owners have said that the 850 is a reliable vehicle that can last for decades. RepairPal has no specific reliability information on the 850. However, it gave Volvo a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking it 17th out of 32 car brands. Volvo models, including the 850, are likely to be just as reliable. According to reports from owners, the 850 can go over 200,000 miles with little to no problems. Some owners have shared that the 850 can go up to 300,000 to 400,000 miles as long as you take care of it by keeping up with its maintenance and service schedule.

Top Volvo 850 Problems

The Volvo 850 may be a reliable car, but some models have certain problems. Here are the 850’s most common issues, according to model year:

Hard Starting and Stalling

1993-1997 Volvo 850 fuel pump problems may cause your vehicle to stall and become difficult to start. These issues usually happen to high-mileage vehicles at around 152,000 miles, but don’t replace your fuel pump yet. Some owners have shared that the issue recurred despite having their fuel pump replaced. According to them, the real cause may be a faulty fuel pump relay. They’ve shared that there can be a big difference in replacement cost between the two components. If you’re experiencing excessive stalling and hard starting with your 850, consult a mechanic immediately to avoid spending a fortune on unnecessary repairs.

Malfunctioning Ignition Switch

Some 1993-1997 Volvo 850 vehicles may have faulty ignition switches, causing their dash lights to stay illuminated. This problem usually happens when your car reaches 140,000 miles. Some owners have shared that their dash lights intermittently turned on and off. According to reports, wiggling the ignition key can help temporarily fix your dash lights. Some owners have reported that the erratic lights would fix themselves over time. Nevertheless, it’s best to get your 850 checked by a mechanic to make sure the lighting issue isn’t linked to a severe problem.

Oil Leaks

It’s common for 1993-1997 Volvo 850 vehicles to develop oil leaks over time, specifically in your turbocharger return pipe seal. This issue may start at around 138,400 miles. The leak can start very small and maybe be hardly noticeable, but it can grow larger. Some owners have shared that they were only able to diagnose the issue because their turbochargers were overheating and producing smoke. Experts recommend getting your 850 checked as soon as you notice the smallest oil leak. You can also have your car inspected regularly. These problems will be more manageable if you catch them early.

Odometer Failure

The 1997 Volvo 850 odometer problem may be linked to different issues, such as electrical complications, vehicle speed sensor (VSS) problems, and other component failures. This issue usually sets in at around 120,000 miles and may also affect your mileage counter. Your odometer and mileage counter may suddenly stop working with no apparent cause. It’s best to consult a mechanic as soon as the issue starts to get an accurate diagnosis. However, some owners have shared that you may be able to fix your vehicle by replacing the rubber gear that drives your odometer and mileage counter. It may be difficult to do on your own, so don’t hesitate to get a professional to do it for you.

Air-Conditioning (A/C) Problems

The 1996 Volvo 850’s A/C problems can take any driver by surprise. It usually happens at around 71,000 miles, with no warning signs. Some owners have shared that the A/C failure is linked to a bad evaporator, which may leak and require expensive repairs. This is a common issue with other 850 model years as well. Some owners were disappointed that repairs weren’t covered by their dealerships. Fixing the evaporator is considered a major repair, but coverage may vary depending on various factors. If you’re having this problem with your 850, you should first confirm with your dealership whether or not they’ll cover the replacement cost.

Overheating Due to Component Failure

The 1996 Volvo 850 may have overheating problems, which can also happen with other model years. The most common cause is component failure somewhere in the cooling system, such as the radiator assembly, thermostat, and water pump. Overheating can be accompanied by idling and coolant leaks, depending on which component has sustained damage. If your engine is running hotter than usual, it’s best to check if any cooling system components have become faulty. Overheating can cause extensive engine damage, which can be prevented if you nip these problems in the bud by immediately replacing bad parts.

Faulty Transmission

The 1996 Volvo 850 is known for its transmission, which may not shift properly. The symptoms usually start at around 133,000 miles. Some owners have shared that their transmissions wouldn’t respond or shift at all. According to them, the only way to resolve this problem is by getting a new transmission, which can be expensive. It can cost you an average estimate of $2,200 to replace your faulty transmission with a new one. It’s best to regularly inspect your transmission to prevent component damage and keep major problems at bay.

Even if your Volvo 850 is reliable, it may still have various problems, depending on its model year. Whether you’re buying a new or used 850, you should be aware of its common issues, so that you can manage them if they happen. Make sure to learn about the model year you’re interested in and iron out all the details with the seller before making up your mind.