Volvo 850 Volvo 850

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Expensive Volvo 850 repairs by problem area

Engine (47%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)

Brakes and Traction Control (13%)

Suspension and Steering (13%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (13%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (3%)

Other (6%)

Chart based on 32 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Volvo 850.

Volvo 850 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (25%)

$1000 - $2499 (75%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (0%)

< $100 (0%)

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

Chart based on 12 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

1997 Volvo 850 4-door

turbocharged 5-cylinder automatic 2WD

164000 mi

US $2000
Fuel pump failed 
164000 mi

US $700
Coolant to turbo leak 
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 

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1997 Volvo 850 4-door

5-cylinder automatic 2WD

132680 mi

A $700
Exhaust pipe broken and was re-welded leaking radiator replaced 
139280 mi

A $1705
Fuel pump relay replaced Wiper motor replaced 
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. 
165000 mi

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

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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. 

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1996 Volvo 850 4-door

turbocharged 5-cylinder automatic 2WD

172000 mi

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

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1996 Volvo 850 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

177320 mi

C $50000
CRANK SEAL - LEAK 

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1996 Volvo 850 4-door

5-cylinder manual 2WD

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. 
98000 mi

US $380
Heavy black smoke from exhaust. Shop diagnosed faulty air mass meter and replaced. 
96100 mi

C $1000
Cracked exhaust manifold. Replaced.  
98580 mi

C $350
Radio antenna wouldn't go up so reception bad. Replaced whole antenna assembly 
107880 mi

C $500
Leak in the exhaust system fixed just before we sold it. 

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1996 Volvo 850 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

186200 mi

US $1300
Muffler Steering 

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1995 Volvo 850 4-door

turbocharged 5-cylinder automatic 2WD

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. 

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1995 Volvo 850 4-door

5-cylinder manual 2WD

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

212700 mi

US $3100
Oil leak, exhaust system,  suspension repair 
138880 mi

C $1500
Replaced rear axle 
201000 mi

US $759
EGR valve plugged, replaced with OEM unit. Then had the trans flushed as PM 
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. 
210000 mi

US $350
An other "hydralic" front engine mount 
210000 mi

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

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