1986 Volvo 740 problems

General information about Volvo-740
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Volvo 700 series is a range of executive cars produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1982 to 1992. The 700 series was introduced in 1982 with the luxurious 760, followed two years later by the lower priced 740 which capitalized on the prestige attained by the very similar 760. The 700 series was then gradually replaced, beginning in 1990, by the 900 series. The 700, designed by Jan Wilsgaard, was originally to have been a replacement for the 200 series, but production of that model continued until the early nineties. The expensive 780, a Bertone-designed coupé version, entered production in 1986 and departed without a direct successor only four years later.

The most visible differences between the 700 and the 900 series were the more rounded corners on the body of the latter, and a somewhat better-appointed interior. The 700 series came to an end in late 1992 when the last 740s were built (although they were considered to be of model year 1993). The range had been augmented and finally supplanted by the Volvo 900 in 1993, with the last of the 900s being sold in 1998.

Volvo 740

Introduced in early 1984 (in the U.S. and Australia for the 1985 model year), the 740 arrived nearly two years after the luxurious 760. It was the lower-end version of the original 760, intended to be a mid-size car that offered more style, performance, and luxury than the 200 series. The '4' in the middle of the Volvo model name had once signified a four-cylinder engine, but by the time of the introduction of the 740 it simply meant less luxurious equipment as four- and six-cylinder engines were fitted across both ranges. The 740 was available as a four-door sedan (sometimes referred to as the 744) and a five-door station wagon (also known as the 745). The station wagon premiered simultaneously at the 1985 Toronto and Chicago auto shows in early February 1985. The wagon was aimed squarely at the North American markets and only went on sale in Europe several months later, in the fall of 1985.

The Volvo 740 was a popular choice as a police car in several parts of Europe, especially so with the police in Scandinavian countries.

For 1985, an intercooled version of the 2-litre turbo engine (B200ET) was introduced for markets such as Italy, where larger engines were heavily taxed. This unit produces 160 PS (118 kW) at 5500 rpm, ten horsepower more than the preceding non-intercooled B19ET variant, enough for a claimed 200 km/h (124 mph) top speed. Model year 1986 marked the worldwide introduction of the station wagon; other differences were limited to a new font for the "740" badging and new hubcap designs. First shown at the 1988 Geneva Motor Show with tentative specifications but only going on sale with the introduction of the 1989 model year cars, a 16-valve version of the larger B230 engine was introduced (B234). This model has nearly as much peak power as the turbo version and was Volvo's first multi-valve engine.

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Common 1986 Volvo 740 problems

The Volvo 740, introduced in the mid-1980s, is known for its reliability and durability. However, like any vehicle, it can experience certain issues over time. Here are some common problems with the 1986 Volvo 740, based on complaints from owners:

Faulty Engine Speed Sensor: A faulty engine speed sensor can prevent the Volvo 740 from starting. This sensor is responsible for sending a signal to the engine control module (ECM) to control the ignition system. If the sensor is malfunctioning, it can send a weak or no signal, resulting in a no-spark condition.
Bad Black 4-Wire Relay: The black 4-wire relay, located at one of the strut towers under the hood, is notorious for going bad. This relay is responsible for creating a spark when the engine cranks. If it fails, it can cause a no-spark condition, preventing the engine from starting.
Fuel Pump Relay Failure: The fuel pump relay, located in the main fuse panel, is responsible for providing power to the fuel pump. If it fails, the engine may not receive enough fuel, causing starting problems.
Weak Spark: A weak spark can be caused by a faulty engine speed sensor or a bad coil. This can result in a no-spark condition, preventing the engine from starting.
Seat Belt System Failure: The seat belt system in the Volvo 740 is not designed to be opened and repaired. If a part of the system fails, it is generally replaced.
Gear Crunching: Gear crunching can be caused by a clutch problem or issues with the reverse gears in the transmission. The transmission may need to be removed to diagnose and repair the problem.
Thermostat Failure: The thermostat, located at the end of the radiator hose, is responsible for regulating the engine's temperature. If it fails, the engine may overheat, causing damage to the engine.
Tire Pressure: Unbalanced tire pressures can cause the car to not drive straight, which can be mistaken for a need for tire rotation. It is important to ensure that all tires are inflated to the correct pressure and that they are rotated every 5000-10000 miles.
Brake System: Brake pads do not generally need replacing for several years. However, if the car is pulling to one side when braking, the brakes require pumping of the pedal to take effect, or the pedal needs to be pushed down a lot, there may be a leak in the brake fluid. If there is a squealing sound when braking, the pads may be dirty and should be cleaned or may have been worn down and need to be replaced.

It is important to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety and longevity of the Volvo 740. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these problems from occurring or worsening.

Is the Volvo 740 a reliable car?

Tough and reliable, the 700-series as capable of huge mileages thanks to great build quality, and the survival rate is exceptionally high.

Is Volvo 740 safe?

True to Volvo's ethos, the 740 was designed with safety as a priority. It featured advanced (for the time) safety features such as anti-lock brakes, front, and rear crumple zones, and a reinforced passenger compartment.

What is the top speed of Volvo 740?

Specs

Engine Specifications.
Engine Configuration. I.
Petrol.
RWD.
172 - 193 km/h.
9.7 - 13 s.

What was the last year for the Volvo 740?

1992

Production of the 740 ceased on 2 October 1992, though the engine, transmission, chassis, and other details continued in the Volvo 940 (introduced in September 1990), which was essentially identical to the 740 with the exception of the rear of the sedans.

Is the Volvo 740 a reliable car?

Tough and reliable, the 700-series as capable of huge mileages thanks to great build quality, and the survival rate is exceptionally high.

Is Volvo 740 safe?

What is the top speed of Volvo 740?

Specs

Engine Specifications.
Engine Configuration. I.
Petrol.
RWD.
172 - 193 km/h.
9.7 - 13 s.

What was the last year for the Volvo 740?

1992

1986 Volvo 740 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo 740 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Electrical system problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Engine problems
Power train problems
Fuel system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Volvo 740 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1986 Volvo 740 complaints

The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Volvo 740.

2013-12-12

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-08-13
VIN: YV1FX8850G1
Components: ENGINE
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 VOLVO 740 GLE (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO PASS STATE EMISSIONS STANDARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A STATE CERTIFIED MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

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2001-02-19

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-06-20
VIN: YV1FX8840G1
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: FORWARD RUBBER BUSHING TEARS MUCH TO OFTEN. IM AFRAID ONE DAY, THAT THE DRIVESHAFT WILL FALL AND HIT STREET , CAUSE A SPARK AND START A FIRE. *AK

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2000-01-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-01-16
Fire: 1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: CONSUMER BELIEVES WIRING PROBLEM EXISTED WHICH CAUSED PLASTIC ODOR AND FIRE TO START WHEN CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM NEAR THE GEAR SHIFTER, FLAMES APPEARED AND THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WAS COMPLETELY INCINERATED, ENGINE RELATIVELY UNDAMAGED. *ET

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1998-09-25

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-07-31
VIN: YV1FX8854G1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: PLASTIC MOULDING COVERING WIRES COMING OFF, ELECTRICAL WIRES ARE EXPOSED. MECHANIC DID NOT REPAIR DUE TO NOT BEING UNDER WARRANTY. *AK CONSUMER STATED DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRING PROBLEMS THIS CAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND PARKING LIGHTS TO BE INOPERATIVE AS WELL AS OTHER COMPONETS THAT ARE AFFECTED.*JB

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1998-04-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-12-31
Fire: 1
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: WHILE PARKED IN GARAGE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER PUT OUT FIRE WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER.

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1997-12-18

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1992-07-07
Fire: 1
VIN: YV1FX8847G2
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FIRE. *AK

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1997-11-26

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-11-04
Fire: 1
VIN: YV1FX8841G1
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ENGINE FIRE.

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1997-04-01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Fire: 1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: THIS PARTICULAR MODEL HAS DEFECTIVE BATTERY CABLE WHICH CAUSED A VEHICLE FIRE, HOWEVER VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO MODEL YEAR. (REPRESENTATIVE OF AUTO SHOP)

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1997-01-31

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-05-01
Fire: 1
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, FAILURE OF FUEL INJECTORS, VEHICLE WAS IN A IDLE POSITION WHEN SAW UNDER THE HOOD SMOKE. *AK

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1996-11-04

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1988-04-11
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: HYDRAULIC SUPPORT SCREWS FRACTURED, CAUSING HOOD TO RELEASE. *AK

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1996-06-11

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT FAILED, BROKE CONSUMER NECK, PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

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1986 Volvo 740 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1986 Volvo 740.

1991-05-06

Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.
Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Summary: SAFETY BELTS ARE DESIGNED TO BE ROUTED UNDER A DIAGONAL CROSS BRACE DURING FASTENING. THE INSTRUCTIONAL LABELS FOR THE BELT ROUTING ARE INADEQUATE, AND CAN RESULT IN INADVERTENT RELEASE OF THE BELT BUCKLE.
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SAFETY BELT MISUSE COULD CAUSE THE SEAT OCCUPANT TO FACE GREATER RISK OF INJURY IN A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE ACCIDENT IF AN INADVERTENT RELEASE OF THE SAFETY BELT OCCURRED.
Remedy: INSTALL LABELS TO INSTRUCT THE USER IN PROPER SAFETY BELT ROUTING; ALSO REPLACE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES.

1989-11-17

Manufacturer: VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.
Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Summary: DRIVESHAFT COULD CONTACT THE FUEL TANK AND SCORE AND SCRAPE OUTER SURFACES OF THE TANK AT THE POINT OF CONTACT.
Consequence: A SMALL LEAK COULD DEVELOP WHICH COULD , IN THE PRESENCEOF AN IGNITION SOURCE, RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: REPLACE FUEL TANK AND/OR INSTALL PROTECTIVE DEVICE BETWEEN DRIVESHAFT AND THE TANK.

1987-05-11

Manufacturer: VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Summary: ENGINE WIRING HARNESS COULD CHAFE AGAINST AN AIR CONDITIONING PIPE.
Consequence: A SHORT CIRCUIT AND MALFUNCTIONING OF THE ELECTRICALSYSTEM, AS WELL AS CHARRING OF THE WIRING INSULATION, COULD RESULT.
Remedy: RELOCATE WIRING HARNESS AND SECURE WITH A NEW BRACKET AND CLAMP.

1986-06-24

Manufacturer: VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
Summary: THE TAILGATE CHILD LOCK CAN BE OPENED FROM INSIDE WHEN THE CHILD LOCK IS ENGAGED. THE FEATURE TO PREVENT THE TAILGATE FROM BEING OPERATED FROM THE INSIDE OF THE STATION WAGON MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF A CHILD IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED IN AN APPROVED RESTRAINT SYSTEM, AS REQUIRED BY MANY STATE LAWS, AND IS ALLOWED TO RIDE IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT, HE/SHE MAY OPEN THE TAILGATE INADVERTENTLY AND FALL OUT INTO THE TRAFFIC.
Remedy: REPLACE TAILGATE LATCHES.

Additional sources

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