1996 Volvo 850 Volvo 850 1996

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1996 Volvo 850 repairs by problem area

Engine (40%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)

Brakes and Traction Control (9%)

Suspension and Steering (17%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (18%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (1%)

Other (9%)

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Chart based on 139 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 1996 Volvo 850.

1996 Volvo 850 electrical repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (9%)

$500 - $999 (9%)

$100 - $499 (35%)

< $100 (48%)

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Chart based on 23 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

1996 Volvo 850

Engine not specified

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. 
231000 mi

US $170
Replaced a defective starter 
107260 mi A/C compressor failed and was replaced. 

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1996 Volvo 850 4-door

turbocharged 6-cylinder automatic 2WD

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. 
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. 
148000 mi Traded with odometer no longer working. 

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1996 Volvo 850 4-door

turbocharged 5-cylinder automatic 2WD

135000 mi

US $425
Heater core failed after 12 years of service. 
152600 mi Fluids and A/C recharge. This car is bullet proof. 
162900 mi

US $350
Battery died and performed routine oil and filter 
235000 mi

US $850
Frozen alternator - replaced with new, new serpentine belt. Tensioner OK. 
236000 mi

US $80
Recharged A/C. 
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. 
95000 mi

US $135
Leaking Evaporator 

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1996 Volvo 850 4-door

5-cylinder manual 2WD

98580 mi

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

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1996 Volvo 850 4-door

5-cylinder automatic 2WD

285 mi

US $150
Changed starter. One failed brush. 
150000 mi

US $50
No sound from rear door speakers; found them to be dry rotted/cracked. Replaced with non-OEM speakers. 
162000 mi

US $1750
removed dash cluster, replaced odometer gear and bulbs. Check for real mileage: 2/8/10 160,724 actual miles.  Cruise Control fixed: Repaired broken vacuum hose and 6 tie straps. 
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. 
168000 mi

US $40
A/C was cycling cold/warm. Recharged with R134 refrigerant. Blowing ice cold now. 
126000 mi

US $75
replaced the window switch 
129300 mi

US $100
i replaced the heater core and the evaporator 

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1996 Volvo 850 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

189000 mi Replaced headlight and two tail lights. 
181000 mi Odometer broken at 180646. 

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1996 Volvo 850 Electrical Problems

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 1996 Volvo 850 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.