1987 Volvo 740 problems
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 1987 Volvo 740 problems
Based on the search results, there are several common problems with the Volvo 740 from 1987 that owners have reported.
- Rust: The Volvo 740 from 1987 can rust as badly as a Volvo 240 or 260. It is essential to check for rust in the sides of the trunk, storage bins, and under the covers of the sides in the trunk. Be suspicious if the gloss of the paint isn't the same on the whole car or if the fit of all body panels isn't evenly spaced. The Volvo 780 has a weak spot around the rear side windows, which is sensitive to rust due to a bad drain system.
- Electrical system: It is crucial to check all lights and ensure they are shining at the same strength. If not, the car may have some troubles with its negative/mass. Check the condition of all cable harnesses and electrical wires. If the car has a sunroof, make sure it doesn't leak. If the sunroof doesn't open, it could be broken due to damaged or blocked rails.
- Engine: The Volvo 740 has a high compression engine that requires PULP to avoid pinging. It is essential to keep up with regular maintenance, including regular oil changes and cam belt changes at 60,000 km intervals. The engine is generally bulletproof and gives little trouble, but turbo engines require more regular servicing to keep them running at their best.
- Transmission: The 740 was offered with a manual transmission, but most were sold with an automatic. Early cars had a ZF four-speed, and spares for that are now hard to find. Most had the familiar Asian-Warner five-speed that is quite robust and will give 200,000 km without major trouble, particularly if serviced.
- Suspension and brakes: With MacPherson Strut suspension at the front and coil springs on a solid axle at the rear, the 740 suspension is simple and largely troublefree. Listen for any knocking from the front, which could signify the need to replace the caster bushes. Brake wear can be a problem with discs typically needing replacement at around 100,000 km.
In summary, the Volvo 740 from 1987 can have issues with rust, the electrical system, engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes. It is essential to check for these problems before purchasing the car and keep up with regular maintenance to ensure the car runs smoothly.
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?
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 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.
What is the top speed of Volvo 740?
Specs
- Engine Specifications.
- Engine Configuration. I.
- Petrol.
- RWD.
- 172 - 193 km/h.
- 9.7 - 13 s.
1987 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
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Volvo 740 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Volvo 740 complaints
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Volvo 740.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-04
- VIN: YV1FX8749H1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAS TOTALLY DEGRADED, CAUSING MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THE ENGINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, THE WORST BEING OVERPOWER TO THE FUEL INJECTORS CAUSING TOTAL GASOLINE FLOODING OF THE CYLINDERS AND DUMPING GASOLINE ALL OVER THE ROAD. THIS IS A MAJOR FIRE HAZARD. IN RESEARCHING THIS, I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT ALL VOLVO'S FROM 1983-1987 HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. VOLVO IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT NEVER FIXED IT. GASOLINE DUMPING IS A MAJOR FIRE HAZZARD, IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN SMOKING IN THE CAR, OR SOMEONE PULLED UP BESIDE ME SMOKING, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR FIRE AND EXPLOSION. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TOTALLY REPLACED, AND VOLVO SAYS THAT WILL TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM, A PROBLEM THAT NEVER SHOULD HAVE EXSISTED. IT SEEMS THAT VOLVO EXPERIMENTED WITH INSULATION IN THE EARLY 80S TO MAKE WIRING HARNESSES BIODEGRADEABLE. THAT IS ADMIRABLE, BUT IT WAS ALSO A FAILURE, CREATING MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FOR VOLVO OWNERS AROUND THE WORLD, AND THEY NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM. ALL VOLVO'S BUILT IN THIS TIME PERIOD HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I DO NOT KNOW IF ANYONE HAS BEEN INJURED BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE, BUT IF NOT, ITS A MIRACLE. VOLVO SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE TO REPLACE THESE THINGS IN THE 80'S WHEN THEY BECAME WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-18
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YV1FX875XH1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. WISPS OF FOUL-SMELLING SMOKE ISSUED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I PARKED THE CAR AND EVACUATED THE OCCUPANTS. THE CAR RESTARTED BY ITSELF, RAN FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN STALLED. DURING THIS TIME, FIRE SPREAD FROM THE DASHBOARD AND ENGULFED THE ENTIRE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND CARGO AREA. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE BEFORE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BURNED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-20
- VIN: YV1FX8845H1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ON 6/18/00 I BOUGHT A VOLVO FROM WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A DEALER. TWO DAYS LATER, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO REVERSE. FOUR DAYS AFTER THAT , I TOOK IT BACK TO FIND OUT THAT HE WAS NOT REAL DEALER, AND THAT HE LIED TO MY CREDIT CARD HOLDER SAYING THAT I BOUGHT AUTO PARTS WHEN I BOUGHT A CAR. HE SAYS THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND OTHER LITTLE THINGS (FUSES, REAR LEFT LIGHT,)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-05
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YV1FX8857H1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN CONSUMER USED KEY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR SOON AFTER SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, WITHIN MINUTES VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES, DUE TO POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL FAILURE. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YV1FX874712
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRING HARNESS INSULATION IS NOT ADEQUATELY RATED FOR THE TEMPERTURE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CUT COMPLETELY OFF WHEN TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-08-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THERE IS SHORT WITHIN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHICH CAUSES VEHICLE TO STALL AND CUTT OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YVIFX8844H2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I PARKED MY CAR AND LEFT FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTE. WHEN I RETURNED WAS IN FLAME. THE FIRE CONSUMED THE ENTIRE CAR. TRUNK AND TIRES WERE THE ONLY THINGS NOT BURNED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV1FX8856H1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FRONT END COLLISON OF VOLVO 740 SW IN WHICH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SON HIT HEAD AND HAD TO BE SEEN IN EMERGENCY ROOM DUE TO POSSIBLE CONCUSSION. MAJOR DAMAGE TO FRONT OF VEHICLE, WHY DIDN'T THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY? PLAN ON TAKING VEHICLE FOR SERVICE REPAIR ESTIMATE, WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF AIR BAGS DEPLOYING AFTER A FRONT END ACCIDENT, WHEN THEY DID NOT DEPLOY ON IMPACT?
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-12-21
- VIN: YV1FX8859H1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FRONT ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES IN THE PAST 7 YEARS. THIS ALSO REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF FRONT BRAKE PADS. WORN ROTORS CAUSE SEVERE SHAKING IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CONDITION.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-08
- VIN: YV1FX8849H1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: LEFT EMISSION STATION & RADIO DIED; PULLED OVER & LOOKED UNDER HOOD & NOTICED SMOKE & AIR CONDITIONER LINES WERE HOT; TOOK TO DEALER & INFORMED PROBLEM W/ELECTRIC WIRE HARNESS HAD SHORTED OUT; VEHICLE BURNED 2ND TIME WHILE AT DEALER. (RECALL #87V064000). *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: OWNER STATES THAT AFTER EXITING HIS VEHICLE AND REMOVING THE KEY THE ENGINE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUN, OWNER STATES THAT VEHICLE ROLLED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YV1FX8847H2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THERE IS VIBRATION IN THE CAR, TOOK TO DEALR AND HE SAID THAT IT TIS THE ENGINE MOUNTS. *AK *SLC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-05
- VIN: YV1FX8751H1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: SHORTENING OF AIR FILTER PRE-HEATER DUCT, CAUSING METAL DUCT HOSE TO RUB AGINST THE TURB0-CHARGER HOUSING, RESULTING IN A HOLE IN THE HOUSING. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-05
- VIN: YV1FX8751H1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: FRONT UNDERHOOD HARNESS RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO MODEL YEAR OF VEHICLE (87V-064). *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-14
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV1FX8747H1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CAR PLACED IN REVERSE AND THEN TOOK OFF. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-29
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE BACKING OUT DRIVEWAY, CHANGE GEARS FROM PARK TO REVERSE VEHICLE WENT INTO OPEN THROTTLE POSITION LOST CONTROL HITTING A CURB UNDER THE BOTTOM DAMAGE. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-02
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *SKD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-10
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV1FX88A3H2
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: UPON SHIFTING INTO REVERSE GEAR, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BACKWARDS, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AW
1987 Volvo 740 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1987 Volvo 740.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Volvo 740 problems:
1987 Volvo 740 Turbo (Lots and lots of problems) | Turbobricks ...
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Dec 17, 2008 ... My 1987 Volvo 740 GLE, 150000 miles, now have a problem. During Idle speed, or when I tap brake to reduce speed to idle, it frequently dies.
Other years of Volvo 740
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