Volvo 850 Volvo 850

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Volvo 850 repairs by problem area

Engine (42%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (8%)

Brakes and Traction Control (8%)

Suspension and Steering (18%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (13%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (2%)

Other (10%)

Chart based on 251 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Volvo 850.

Volvo 850 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (7%)

$500 - $999 (18%)

$100 - $499 (37%)

< $100 (36%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 182 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

1998 Volvo 850 4-door

turbocharged 5-cylinder hybrid manual AWD

Volvo in Great Britain
Jun 2017 - Jul 2018
Jul 2018

146000 mi

£10
Replace broken cog on odometer display 

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1997 Volvo 850

Engine not specified

Volvo in California, United States
May 2012 - Feb 2014
Jun 2012

208000 mi

US $90
Spark Plug wire broken at cap. 
Volvo in Texas, United States
Mar 2010 - Jun 2011
Apr 2010

91000 mi
ABS module out- it had been out for about a year before I fixed it due to cost. Shop wanted over $700. I removed it and sent it to someone (recommended in volvo forums) who fixed it for $125 and then I replaced the part. Works great now. 
Volvo in Virginia, United States
Mar 2013 - Apr 2013
Apr 2013

150000 mi

US $815
The crank case vent system was restricted. The turbo failed. 
Volvo in Maryland, United States
May 2014 - Jun 2014
Jun 2014

216000 mi

US $414
Evaporative Emission leak that required dropping fuel tank to access leaking hose. 
Volvo in Colorado, United States
Dec 2014 - Jan 2016
Jan 2016

US $300
Upper and lower radiator hoses, oil cooler o-rings 
Volvo in Alberta, Canada
Jun 2017 - Jun 2018
Oct 2017

104160 mi

C $350
I went for diagnosis and not repair. Found my ready main seal is bad, driveshaft seal is bad, throw bearing is bad, and that's all I can remember right now. 

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1997 Volvo 850 4-door

turbocharged 5-cylinder automatic 2WD

Volvo in Ohio, United States
Apr 2010 - Dec 2011
May 2010

164000 mi

US $2000
Fuel pump failed 
Jun 2010

164000 mi

US $700
Coolant to turbo leak 
Dec 2010

167000 mi

US $100
Bottom skid plate bolt underneath engine, passenger side, came loose due to thread corrosion. Took the car to an independent Volvo mechanic who replaced the bolt and inspected/tightened other undercarriage parts. Cost (parts & labor): $60 
Volvo in Oregon, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
Jun 2010

140000 mi

US $60
Replaced front o2 sensor. 
Volvo in Colorado, United States
Feb 2010 - May 2012
Apr 2010

130000 mi

US $60
Coolant temperature sensor. Wiring to sensor failed at solder joint, sensor end. 
May 2010

130300 mi

US $15
Worn idle hose. 
Jun 2010

131000 mi

US $20
Odometer gear failure. 
Sep 2010

132000 mi

US $48
Coolant expansion tank cap failed. Got OEM replacement from dealer. 
Oct 2010

132000 mi
fuel pump crapped out. Replaced fuel filter and fuel pump relay as well. Oil cooler lines leaking. Replaced on advice of mechanic. O rings rolled on oil cooler lines during insertion by mechanic. Great loss of oil. New o rings and same lines re-attached. 
Mar 2011

134000 mi

US $340
Seat belt failure 
Aug 2011

135000 mi

US $800
Fuel pump incorrectly installed Oct 2010. Gas overflowed from top of tank on every fill up. Fuel pump damaged by fuel sitting on top of Housing where wires feed in. 
Volvo in Montana, United States
Sep 2010 - Aug 2012
Oct 2010

132000 mi

US $170
Replaced CV Joint (Right) which had been making noise with a broken seal. Immediate repair was not necessary however I didn't want to chance going thru the Montana salt winter. 
Dec 2011

151000 mi

US $200
Fuel Pump Replaced. Intermitent failure over a two week period and difficult to diagnose. When working- it would lead you to believe the problem was in the fuel filter, sensors, switchers, or electronic-ignition. 
Volvo in California, United States
Mar 2011 - Jun 2018
Sep 2011

144000 mi

US $250
alternator failure and battery new fan belt Replaced Drivers Door Check.  
Jul 2012

162000 mi
Replaced strut bearing and spring seat Sachs, Strut Monroe excellent feel 
Volvo in Minnesota, United States
Nov 2010 - Oct 2011
Jan 2011

147000 mi

US $300
Replaced thermostat. Replaced timing belt at the same time (preventative maint). 
Volvo in Wisconsin, United States
Sep 2011 - Feb 2012
Jan 2012

160000 mi

US $148
CV Boot was torn, spewing grease. Entire LF driver shaft replaced. 
Volvo in New Hampshire, United States
Jul 2017 - Jan 2021
Jul 2018

156000 mi

US $160
front wheel bearings were getting tired, right front would howl in left turns. Replaced it. Left front would pulse under braking. Replaced it. Still should have brake rotors resurfaced or replaced. 

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1997 Volvo 850 4-door

5-cylinder manual 2WD

Volvo in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2012 - Sep 2018
Jun 2012

129580 mi

C $250
replaced control arm 

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1997 Volvo 850 4-door

5-cylinder automatic 2WD

Volvo in Arizona, United States
Feb 2010 - Nov 2014
Jan 2011

155000 mi

US $900
Engine rear main seal of left fron axle replaced. 
Jun 2012

164000 mi

US $50
Replaced starter cable 
Aug 2012

164000 mi
Dead battery caused car computer to fail emission test. 

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1996 Volvo 850

Engine not specified

Volvo in California, United States
Mar 2011 - Jun 2012
Sep 2011

155000 mi

US $250
door check failed Replaced Timing belt,Tensioner pully,Tensioner,Idler Pully and Water Pump All OEM Parts 
Volvo in North Carolina, United States
Feb 2011 - Mar 2011
Mar 2011

214000 mi
cracked heater core when sold; would have been $800 
Volvo in Victoria, Australia
Oct 2009 - Sep 2013
Nov 2009

107260 mi
Lost coolant - radiator replaced. A/C compressor failed and was replaced. 
Dec 2009

107880 mi
Coolant loss - heater core hose had a perforation.  Air flow sensor failed on a mountain highway. Nice. 
Feb 2012

115200 mi
ABS module replaced 
Volvo in Texas, United States
Aug 2008 - Mar 2010
Sep 2008

128000 mi

US $200
Leaking rear cam seal - engine was loosing oil. Replaced seal.  
Jun 2009

137000 mi

US $500
Broken turbo cooling hose causing a coolant leak - had to be replaced.  
Volvo in Florida, United States
Sep 2010 - Oct 2011
Oct 2010

231000 mi

US $170
Replaced a defective starter 
Jul 2011

237500 mi
Oil cooler leaked in a recently replaced Nissan radiator. Radiator had to be replaced. The oil softened the coolant hoses resulting in overheating and head warpage. Not repaired. 
Oct 2011

245000 mi

US $100
Cam position sensor failed due to the rotating plate coming loose and destroying sensor. 
Volvo in Massachusetts, United States
May 2011 - Jun 2012
Jan 2012

82000 mi
When I started the car inst. cluster lights go on. As I drive and hit the slightest bump they go off. After the car is warm they will stay on when car is restarted. In the summer it happens but less often. 
Volvo in Maryland, United States
Sep 2011 - Jun 2012
Jun 2012

169000 mi
Engine valve burned, destroying engine. Sold car to junk yard for $400. 

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1996 Volvo 850 4-door

turbocharged 6-cylinder automatic 2WD

Volvo in Illinois, United States
Aug 2010 - Feb 2011
Sep 2010

149000 mi

US $1250
Dashboard lights were completely out. Dealer eventually discovered a malfunctioning wire; but did not replace the bulbs until the 2nd trip. 
Nov 2010

149000 mi
After last trip to the dealer to repair earlier problems, I discovered that the odometer was no longer working. Too costly to repair. 
Feb 2011 Traded with odometer no longer working. 

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1996 Volvo 850 4-door

turbocharged 5-cylinder automatic 2WD

Volvo in Minnesota, United States
Jul 2010 - Jun 2012
Oct 2010

188300 mi

US $700
Slow coolant leak that got worse. Turned out to be a radiator leak. Radiator replaced. Leaks from vacuum lines and oil leaks from separator near PCV and related lines. 
Nov 2010

189000 mi

US $150
Front passenger side axle boot torn and repaired. Lower oil cooler line leaking at connection to engine block. Replaced. 
Sep 2011

196000 mi

US $80
Left tailgate gas strut broke. Replaced strut. 
Nov 2011

197000 mi
ABS light comes on periodically. Could be ABS control module or wheel sensor. Difficult to diagnose. Does not affect regular braking and have decided to live with issue for awhile. 
Dec 2011

197000 mi

US $220
Odometer stopped working. Teeth on gear broke and needed to be replaced. Oil leak from turbo oil return line due to worn out gasket at engine block. Cruise control has never worked properly. Vacuum line in engine compartment was cracked. 
Feb 2012

198000 mi

US $500
Mass airflow sensor failed, causing the car to lose idle and stall at low speeds and hesitate/lose power at highway speeds. 
Apr 2012

199200 mi

US $100
Emergency brake seized up and was grinding on drum Prevented wheel from rotating when changing from snow to regular tires. 
Volvo in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2010 - Oct 2014
Apr 2012

184760 mi

C $130
fuel pump relay failed 
Dec 2013

201500 mi

C $700
seized upper strut bearings both sides front 
Volvo in California, United States
Mar 2009 - Jun 2012
Jun 2009

103000 mi

US $40
ABS module replaced with remanufactured one. Replaced struts, strut bearings and spring seats 
Jul 2011

114500 mi

US $60
Replace electrical part of ignition switch 
Feb 2012

118300 mi

US $300
Replaced front hub/bearing assembly with Timken because of noise Replaced control arms tie rod ends and stabliser links with Mayle parts 
Volvo in Ohio, United States
Mar 2010 - Jul 2011
Mar 2011

164000 mi

US $300
Radiator leak. Replaced radiator and hoses 
Volvo in Illinois, United States
Dec 2009 - Mar 2011
Feb 2010

172000 mi

US $2000
Front cam seals and rear main seals, $765. PCV system replaced, $485. Exhaust cam replaced, $300. 
Jun 2010

177000 mi

US $50
Dipstick replaced. Front sway bar end links replaced. 
Volvo in Colorado, United States
Aug 2008 - Jun 2018
Dec 2008

135000 mi

US $425
Heater core failed after 12 years of service. 
Mar 2009

135000 mi

US $500
Replaced oxygen sensor and spark plugs due to misfiring engine and poor fuel mileage. 
Sep 2009

140000 mi

US $600
Car came in with check engine light. Mechanic pulled no engine codes and recommended engine, and transmission flush. Reset light, car runs like a top. 
Jun 2010

141000 mi

US $700
Power steering pump wore out. 
Mar 2011

150000 mi

US $550
Replaced suspension parts on front end. 
May 2011

152600 mi
Fluids and A/C recharge. This car is bullet proof. 
Feb 2012

162900 mi

US $350
Battery died and performed routine oil and filter 
Jun 2012

170000 mi

US $670
Hoses are beginning to wear out. Oil seals wearing out. 
May 2018

200000 mi

US $435
Blown head gasket. Replacing engine with used. 
Volvo in Massachusetts, United States
Aug 2008 - Sep 2009
Sep 2008

153000 mi

US $240
Volvo 850 Turbo (96) had a "slow reporting" O2 sensor. It needed to be replaced. Part is ~150 and an hour of labor to install is ~75. Need to get car inspected, otherwise I might not have fixed this. 
Nov 2008

154000 mi

US $800
Fuel pump died and the car would not start.Towed the car to the dealer and was at thier mercy.$800 dollars(~400 part ~400 labor) to replace the pump. Car runs again and hopfully I will get another year or two out of it. 
Sep 2009

163000 mi
There were a few unresolved problems which would have kept the car from passing inspection. The emergency brakes didn't work. The check engine light was on. Codes indicated a need for new O2 sensors. Plus I needed new tires soon. I didn't want to spend a lot of cash on this car. 
Volvo in California, United States
Feb 2009 - Jan 2012
Sep 2009

US $735
Replaced left front bearing. Axle, cv joint cover. 
Jun 2010

236000 mi

US $80
Recharged A/C. 
Jan 2011

239000 mi

US $400
Also needed to repair windshield washer jets that were plugged. 
May 2011

243000 mi

US $350
First time in the mechanic recharged the refrigerant and supposedly checked for leaks. He appearently didn't becuase the refrigerant leaked out and the AC stopped running again. Was fixed on second trip. 
Volvo in Indiana, United States
Oct 2008 - Mar 2010
Nov 2008

227000 mi

US $650
Lower control arm and half shaft replacement. 
Mar 2009

235000 mi

US $850
Frozen alternator - replaced with new, new serpentine belt. Tensioner OK. 
Volvo in Connecticut, United States
May 2010 - Jun 2011
Jul 2010

206000 mi

US $400
flunked emissions: replaced pcv system, replaced air hoses with silicone hoses. heater core, thermostat, thermostat sensor, radiator hoses. replaced end links, shocks. 
Volvo in Washington, United States
Feb 2010 - Jun 2012
Mar 2010

94000 mi

US $350
Replaced heater core & all related hoses 
Jul 2011

95000 mi

US $135
Leaking Evaporator 

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1996 Volvo 850 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Volvo in Quebec, Canada
Aug 2008 - Mar 2010
Dec 2008

177320 mi

C $50000
CRANK SEAL - LEAK 

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1996 Volvo 850 4-door

5-cylinder manual 2WD

Volvo in Virginia, United States
Sep 2008 - Jan 2010
Jan 2009

98000 mi

US $1495
Catalytic converter cracked, noisy exhaust and O2 sensor code on check engine light. Converter replaced with aftermarket unit. Replaced rear brake pads and rotors and fixed seized calipers. 
Feb 2009

98000 mi

US $380
Heavy black smoke from exhaust. Shop diagnosed faulty air mass meter and replaced. 
Jan 2010

98000 mi
Car needed piston rings and smoked so much it would not pass inspection. Decided repair cost was much more than value of car. Replaced with 2005 Honda Accord. 
Volvo in France
Feb 2010 - Sep 2012
Mar 2010

153760 mi
Seized brake caliper. Found by 'Controle technique' so failed the test. Self-repaired at no cost. 
May 2010

154380 mi

€40
Car 'shut down' totally whilst en-route. I traced the fault to be a dead fuel pump. £278 from Volvo. Got one from a scrap yard for £50. Fitted myself & all, os far is good! Took a code 2-1-2 = faulty o2 sensor (Lambda) replaced old o2 with new. 
Jul 2010

157480 mi
Anti-roll bar drop links worn out. Diagnosed by a mechanic, but parts on order to self-fit. Engine top mount worn out. Diagnosed by a mechanic, but parts on order to self-fit. 
Mar 2011

165540 mi

€10
Driver door stay check-hinge had snapped. Door would open with a load 'crack' noise & would not stay in one of the three 'locaters'. I bought and fitted a 2nd hand one. 
May 2011

169760 mi

€700
PCV oil trap and pipes replaced as a kit . Symptoms, smoke puffing through dip stick tube. 
Dec 2011

175460 mi

€22
CV Boots split. Replaced with 'stretch boots' by owner. Expansion chamber cap (Grey) split causing coolant to spray out. Replaced with the later (green) style cap. 
Feb 2012

177320 mi
Front brake flexi hoses perished and/or split. 
Sep 2012

184760 mi
Reverse gear would not engage at all. Rear outer suspension bush (R/H side) failed. 
Volvo in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2008 - Aug 2011
Apr 2009

96100 mi

C $1000
Cracked exhaust manifold. Replaced.  
Jul 2009

98580 mi

C $350
Radio antenna wouldn't go up so reception bad. Replaced whole antenna assembly 
Mar 2011

107260 mi
Vibration when speed exceeds 90 km/hour. Replaced front disc brake pads, rotors and calipers. 
Aug 2011

107880 mi

C $500
Leak in the exhaust system fixed just before we sold it. 
Volvo in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2008 - Sep 2011
Dec 2008

104160 mi

C $300
Left & right sway bar end links replaced,rear coil spring bump stop clip replaced. 

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1996 Volvo 850 4-door

5-cylinder automatic 2WD

Volvo in Massachusetts, United States
Jan 2012 - Jun 2018
Jan 2013

285 mi

US $150
Changed starter. One failed brush. 
Volvo in Indiana, United States
Feb 2011 - Jun 2012
Aug 2011

126000 mi

US $75
replaced the window switch 
May 2012

129300 mi

US $100
i replaced the heater core and the evaporator 
Volvo in Michigan, United States
Mar 2012 - Jun 2018
Oct 2017

140000 mi

US $500
replace muffler and pipes 
Volvo in Maine, United States
Mar 2011 - Jun 2012
May 2011

212700 mi

US $3100
Oil leak, exhaust system,  suspension repair 
Volvo in Western Australia, Australia
Feb 2010 - Jun 2012
Sep 2010

132680 mi

A $700
Exhaust pipe broken and was re-welded leaking radiator replaced 
Apr 2011

139280 mi

A $1705
Fuel pump relay replaced Wiper motor replaced 
Volvo in Maine, United States
Mar 2010 - Jun 2012
Apr 2010

252000 mi

US $300
Passenger front suspension strut mount failure. 
Apr 2011

281300 mi

US $350
front suspension tie rods (inner & outer) and control arms 
Sep 2011

288000 mi

US $300
muffler and tail pipe replacement due to rust/noise. 
May 2012

289300 mi

US $500
replaced center console windows/mirror switch due to broken switch front passenger side fender liner replaced, old one damaged. 
Volvo in Virginia, United States
Sep 2009 - Aug 2013
Feb 2010

99000 mi

US $60
Driver's seat belt would not operate properly at times. Replace with a used seat belt from a salvage yard. 
Volvo in New Jersey, United States
Aug 2008 - Jul 2012
Sep 2008

130000 mi

US $250
Replaced headliner. 
Jun 2011

167000 mi

US $60
Front left turn signal/parking light lens fell out of body due to retaining spring attachment breaking. Retaining spring recovered. Entire new lens/bulb holder unit required. 
Jul 2012

178000 mi

US $163
Broken linkage - both sides replaced. 
Volvo in Victoria, Australia
Aug 2008 - Dec 2011
Nov 2008

109740 mi

A $588
Radiator leak. I had an oil leak caused by driving over a gutter a year ago. I don't know if that could have had something to do with it. 
Jun 2010

116560 mi

A $200
Glove box lock replaced (second time, they often fail on this car) 
Dec 2010

117800 mi

A $60
Car overheating while driving. Put water in radiator. Still overheating. Called repair guy to come over (RACV in Melbourne Australia). Said it was thermostat. Ok to drive home. Drove to mechanic to have thermostat replaced. 
Oct 2011

124000 mi

A $450
Car making slight noise. Told the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. Told 4-5 months left maximum. Used after market version instead of $100 Volvo version. My decision to replace it now. 
Volvo in Maine, United States
Oct 2009 - Oct 2010
Nov 2009

179000 mi

US $400
Replaced control arms. 
Dec 2009

181000 mi

US $400
Right axle wore out. It was a poor quality Chinese replacement part. It did wear out in less then two years time. 
Jan 2010

182000 mi

US $250
Right axle repair. 
Mar 2010

186000 mi

US $950
Nothing wrong, no cracked head. 
Aug 2010

192000 mi
Serious engine misfires in all cylinders, unknown cause. Car has not reproduced this. 
Sep 2010

192000 mi
Major oil leak from engine. 
Volvo in Maine, United States
Oct 2009 - Apr 2011
Apr 2011

196000 mi
Peridodic severe shaking of steering wheel, loss of power, no CEL illuminated. 
Volvo in Virginia, United States
Sep 2009 - Jun 2012
Oct 2009

150000 mi

US $50
No sound from rear door speakers; found them to be dry rotted/cracked. Replaced with non-OEM speakers. 
Feb 2010

162000 mi

US $1750
Replaced ABS/Traction controller removed dash cluster, replaced odometer gear and bulbs. Check for real mileage: 2/8/10 160,724 actual miles.  Read and reset ABS codes. Installed used header. Replaced exhaust and flange gaskets. Cruise Control fixed: Repaired broken vacuum hose and 6 tie straps. Check Rear Washer - Replaced rear washer filter, unclogged and aimed sprayer, replaced delivery valve. 
Mar 2010

163000 mi
Instrument cluster tightened. It apparently was not secured correctly when odo was replaced. Had the headlamp wipers/washers repaired. Replaced one motor, one valve, and the wiper blades. 
Apr 2010

165000 mi

US $1875
The transmission gave out, and was replaced with a used transmission from a 98 V70. 
Jul 2010

168000 mi

US $40
A/C was cycling cold/warm. Recharged with R134 refrigerant. Blowing ice cold now. 
Aug 2011

178000 mi

US $40
Rear drivers side brake line had a pinhole leak. Replaced copper line and bled brakes. 

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1996 Volvo 850 4-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

Volvo in Great Britain
Mar 2010 - Jun 2012
Jun 2010

201000 mi

£150
Wishbone, suspension arm had to be replaced. 
Jul 2010

203000 mi

£60
Replaced Front sway bar links. Got noticed by MOT technician. Car was tested OK, but advice was given for replacement. 
Dec 2010

211000 mi

£150
Replaced CV-boot (outside) on drivers side (RH). Replaced wishbone on driver's side (RH). 
Jan 2011

214000 mi

£40
Car would not get warm anymore, replaced both thermostat and heater sensor (engine). 
Feb 2011

215000 mi

£230
PCV replaced, Oil changed 
Mar 2011

219000 mi

£158
Replaced rear-shocks and spings. Have put non self leveling in this time.  
Jul 2011

224000 mi

£45
Rear arm bush broke, replaced. 

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1996 Volvo 850 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Volvo in Ohio, United States
Aug 2008 - Dec 2009
Dec 2009

152000 mi
Fuel intake valve had to be replaced & engine making noise. Repair shop manager purchased car and paid for repairs - not worth it for owner to have repairs made. 
Volvo in Ohio, United States
Aug 2009 - Jan 2011
Dec 2009

185000 mi
odometer gear broke 
Apr 2010

186200 mi

US $1300
Muffler Steering 
Sep 2010

189000 mi
Shocks need to be replaced. 
Oct 2010

189000 mi
Replaced headlight and two tail lights. 
Jan 2011 Needed new shocks when sold. Odometer broken at 180646. 

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1995 Volvo 850

Engine not specified

Volvo in Great Britain
Jun 2010 - Jun 2011
May 2011

221000 mi
new fuel o rings 
Jun 2011

221000 mi
complete engine and exhaust failure 
Volvo in Arizona, United States
Sep 2010 - Mar 2011
Feb 2011

150000 mi

US $500
Rear Main Seal  
Volvo in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2009 - Jul 2012
Jul 2009

220100 mi
Airbox thermostat was seized due to accumulated dirt. Could have cleaned and fixed but decided to remove assembly and modify intake system. 
Jul 2012

236840 mi

C $327
Tie Rods and wheel bearings replaced on the front 
Volvo in Michigan, United States
Jun 2009 - Jul 2011
Jul 2009

241000 mi

US $150
Car cut out while doing 80 mph on freeway. Changed dist. cap and rotor. Drove car home. Next day car died after 1 mile. Replaced coil pack mass flow sensor checked fuel system relays and then replaced fuel pump. 
Feb 2010

248300 mi

US $900
Replaced both front control arms, stab bar links, inner and outer tie rods, rear axle bushings, lft side, both rear shocks  
Jan 2011

252000 mi
Welded up holes in exhaust. Replaced pnp switch. This fixed all of the problems that i had had with the transmission since purchasing in 2003 or 2004. 
Jul 2011

270000 mi
Engine blown. 
Volvo in California, United States
Aug 2012 - Aug 2013
Sep 2012

103000 mi
Replaced turbo return line gasket in an attempt to to fix oil leak. Problem persists. Need to also replace O-Ring, possibly RMS 
Volvo in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2009 - Jun 2011
Jan 2010

199020 mi

C $70
thermostat 
Jul 2010

215140 mi
Upper tie-rod replaced. 
Volvo in New York, United States
Jul 2009 - Mar 2010
Aug 2009

165000 mi

US $500
Replaced Steering u-joint. Replaced right front axle. 
Volvo in New York, United States
Aug 2012 - Sep 2012
Sep 2012

200000 mi

US $300
Caliper boots ripped and small fluid leak. Rotor slightly warped and pads half worn. Entire system replaced. Tie rod ends had play. Both sides replaced. Play in linkage. Both sides replaced. 
Volvo in California, United States
Feb 2012 - Jan 2013
Mar 2012

303000 mi

US $100
CV joint boot broke and I didn't know it for about a month. Replaced both outer CV joints and boots. 
Jul 2012

331500 mi

US $80
Replaced the tailgate struts so my tailgate would stay open on my wagon. No longer have to use a stick to hold it open. Also bought new trim clips to reduce the amount of rattle noise coming from the tailgate. Oil cooler line was leaking slightly where it connected to the radiator on the passenger side. I have watched both connections leak before so I replaced the O-rings on both lines a quick fix. Replaced my turn signal lenses. Had cracked due to age. Replaced a broken licence plate bracket on the back. 
Jan 2013 -transmission would not shift properly, can't move. Thought to be park/neutral switch. When taken to specialist, said valves in transmission failed and it needed an overhaul. Leaving car now due to repair costs being higher than its value. 

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1995 Volvo 850 4-door

turbocharged 5-cylinder automatic 2WD

Volvo in North Carolina, United States
Sep 2010 - Jun 2011
Oct 2010

175000 mi

US $149
Cap to windshield washer fluid Exhaust smell in cabin. It is reduced, but still present. Haven't had time to take back in. 
Volvo in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2010 - May 2010
May 2010

192000 mi

US $1000
Car failed safety inspection due to front suspension (loose), failing driver's side windshield wiper mount, and hole in exhaust system. Didn't repair -donated and bought another Volvo. 
Volvo in New York, United States
Feb 2011 - Jun 2011
Mar 2011

173000 mi

US $200
Muffler rusted out. 
Volvo in British Columbia, Canada
Jun 2009 - Jul 2010
Jul 2010

107880 mi

C $60
air conditioning working but weak cooling effectiveness 
Volvo in Tennessee, United States
Jun 2009 - Jun 2011
May 2010

120000 mi
Driver side ball joint replaced. 
Jun 2010

121000 mi
Drive side sun visor replaced. 
Jul 2010

121000 mi
Trunk lid support struts and rear seatbelt anchor replaced. 
Volvo in California, United States
Dec 2010 - Mar 2011
Jan 2011

285000 mi

US $400
Ignition switch and battery failure. 

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1995 Volvo 850 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Volvo in Colorado, United States
Jan 2010 - Jan 2011
Jun 2010

143000 mi

US $550
Driver side lock mechanism replaced. 

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1995 Volvo 850 4-door

5-cylinder manual 2WD

Volvo in Tennessee, United States
Oct 2010 - Jun 2012
Dec 2010

188000 mi

US $75
Splines on both windshield wiper motor and wiper arm worn out. Quoted $150 in parts; bought $2 teflon tape and put around mount then pressed in the wiper arm. Should be ok but hasn't rained yet. Replaced window arm after attempted repair failed.  Also, this month the odometer broke (probably broken odometer gear). This will not be fixed as I do not have the time to fool with it and I can gauge from the LCD odometer. 
Jan 2012

196000 mi

US $1000
Busted fuel lines were replaced, $731 Parking brake repaired. 

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1995 Volvo 850 4-door

5-cylinder automatic 2WD

Volvo in Maryland, United States
Jun 2009 - Jun 2018
Sep 2009

149000 mi

US $95
left sway bar replaced 
Jun 2011

169000 mi

US $200
right passenger sway bar replaced 
Oct 2011

170000 mi

US $100
catalytic converter piece rusted, welded back 
Jan 2012

172000 mi

US $100
check engine light was on for code 154, cleaned EGR valve 
Jul 2012

177000 mi

US $700
replaced both inner and out tie rods 
Volvo in Alberta, Canada
Oct 2010 - May 2014
Apr 2012

138880 mi

C $1500
Replaced rear axle 
May 2014

157480 mi
Some main computer issues as well as a requirement to change timing belt 
Volvo in New Jersey, United States
Jun 2009 - Jan 2011
Aug 2009

202000 mi

US $90
ABS system leak at TRACS pressure transducer in ABS modulator unit; installed used part, pressure bled system and verified no codes set. 
Sep 2009

203000 mi

US $502
Replacement of rear shocks and front struts; first replacement in life of car. 
Jan 2011

218000 mi

US $348
Outer boot failure on RH drive axle. 
Volvo in Victoria, Australia
Feb 2011 - Sep 2011
Apr 2011

136400 mi

A $800
All new springs, new shocks, rebound rubbers, spring seats and strut bearing plates. 
Sep 2011

137640 mi

A $200
ABS light showing, specialist Volvo repairer replaced pedal height sensor with used one. 
Volvo in Ireland
Mar 2011 - Apr 2012
Aug 2011

120360 mi

€100
Constant velocity joint rubber boots required replacement. Front brake pads. Rear brake shoes and LHS Handbrake cable changed for National Car test requirements in October 2011. 
Apr 2012

79980 mi

€180
Mechanic serviced / replaced alternator and replaced auto transmission fluid but released reverse band due to draining old gear oil through incorrect bolt removal. Mechanic removing gearbox on own cost to rectify. 
Volvo in Connecticut, United States
Jul 2010 - Mar 2012
Oct 2010

185000 mi

US $700
repair leaking exhaust pipe joint replace bad drive axle 
Apr 2011

186000 mi

US $50
trouble shoot and repaired various intake vacuum leaks that i have been chasing for a while 
Oct 2011

189000 mi

US $120
pads worn out, replaced them and calipers; rotors were good 
Volvo in Illinois, United States
Feb 2010 - Mar 2018
Dec 2010

201000 mi

US $759
EGR valve plugged, replaced with OEM unit. Then had the trans flushed as PM 
Aug 2012

208000 mi

US $2500
Front engine mount broken, valve stem leaking in front tire.  Hood latch and cable replaced. ECT Sensor replaced. Thermostat replaced, Radiator flushed. Replaced suspension spring seats, bump stops and bellows, Alignment, 210K Service. 
Nov 2013

210000 mi

US $50
An other "hydralic" front engine mount Rear windshield spray repaired. hose that is in the passenger wheel well, had come apart. not fluid was being sprayed on glass 
Dec 2014

210000 mi

US $311
fuel door would not release with actuator. had to replace 

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Volvo 850 Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Volvo 850 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.