1989 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 1989 Volvo 740 problems
The Volvo 740, produced from 1984 to 1992, is known for its reliability, but there are a few common issues that owners have reported.
- Faulty Engine Speed Sensor: One of the most common problems that could prevent the Volvo 740 from starting is a faulty engine speed sensor. This sensor can send a weak signal, causing a weak spark, which might be resolved by replacing both the engine speed sensor and the coil.
- Fuel Pump Relay Failure: The fuel pump relay, located in the fuse panel, is known to fail, causing starting issues, especially on the 1989 Volvo 740 GL. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty relay with a new one.
- Timing Belt Problems: A broken timing belt can cause the car to not drive straight or stall, especially when the car reaches operating temperature. If the timing belt is broken, the valves will not be damaged, but the timing marks will need to be realigned, and a new belt must be installed.
- Ignition System Issues: Ignition system problems, such as dirty spark plugs or faulty spark plug wires, can cause the car to idle roughly or prevent it from starting. Regular maintenance and replacement of these components can help prevent such issues.
- Fuel System Issues: Fuel system problems, including faulty fuel injectors or clogged fuel filters, can cause the car to stall or have difficulty starting. Regular cleaning and replacement of fuel system components can help prevent these issues.
- Electrical System Issues: Electrical system problems, such as faulty relays or wiring issues, can cause various issues, including starting problems, rough idling, or stalling. Regular inspection and maintenance of the electrical system can help prevent these issues.
- Brake System Issues: Brake system problems, such as leaks in the brake fluid or worn-down brake pads, can cause the car to pull to one side or make squealing sounds when braking. Regular inspection and maintenance of the brake system can help prevent these issues.
- Tire Issues: Tire problems, including improper inflation, unbalanced tire pressures, or excessive wear, can cause the car to not drive straight or have difficulty handling. Regular inspection and rotation of tires can help prevent these issues.
In conclusion, while the Volvo 740 is generally a reliable car, there are a few common issues that owners have reported. Regular maintenance and inspection of the engine, fuel system, ignition system, electrical system, brake system, and tires can help prevent these issues and ensure the car remains in good working condition.
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.
How much is a Volvo 740 worth?
The value of a used 1990 Volvo 740 ranges from $1,341 to $8,778, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
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.
How much horsepower does a 1989 Volvo 740 GL have?
1989 Volvo 740 Overview
Available powertrain includes a standard 114 horsepower, 2.3L I4 114hp 136ft. lbs. engine and 5-Speed Manual transmission. It gives mileage of 19 MPG in city and 26 MPG on highway.
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.
How much horsepower does a 1989 Volvo 740 GL have?
1989 Volvo 740 Overview
Available powertrain includes a standard 114 horsepower, 2.3L I4 114hp 136ft. lbs. engine and 5-Speed Manual transmission. It gives mileage of 19 MPG in city and 26 MPG on highway.
What is the top speed of Volvo 740?
Specs
- Engine Specifications.
- Engine Configuration. I.
- Petrol.
- RWD.
- 172 - 193 km/h.
- 9.7 - 13 s.
1989 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
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Volvo 740 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Volvo 740
The NHTSA has received 45 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Volvo 740. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Volvo 740 vehicles.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-01
- VIN: YV1FA8852K2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: WHILE BRAKING AT THIS SPEED OR HIGHER THE CAR STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHACK AND PULL TO THE LEFT. TOOK IT TO VOLVO AND THEY SAID THE CALIBER WAS NOT RELEASING PROPERLY. HAD CALIBERS REPLACED SEVERAL YEARS PRIOR DUE TO A SIMILAR MALFUNCTION. *JS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-25
- VIN: YV1FA8757K2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 VOLVO 740. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXCESSIVELY OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED AN OIL LEAK UNDER THE HOOD. WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PC VALVE FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-13
- VIN: YV1FX884XK1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH VOLVOVILLE USA FOR RECALL CAMPAIGN 96V08500 FOR DATE BELOW. SHOWED UP ON TIME AND PROVIDED VIN # FOR VEHICLE THAT WAS PURCHASED FROM VOLVOVILLE (AS A NEW CAR BY MY WIFE PENNIE WILFONG ) AND ALL OTHER DATA REQUESTED BY SERVICE WRITER. I STATED I WAS NOT INTERESTED IN ANY OTHER SERVICE AND ONLY WANTED THE RECALL ITEM TAKEN CARE OF. THE SERVICE WRITER WENT INTO HER DATABASE AND INFORMED ME THERE WAS NOTHING THERE AND DID NOT PROVIDE ANY EXPLANATION EVEN WHEN ONE WAS REQUESTED. THE CAR WAS NEVER IN THE SERVICE BAY FOR INSPECTION BY A FACTORY TRAINED TECHNICIAN I FEEL THAT SINCE I WAS NOT INTERESTED IN SPENDING ANY MONEY THAT DAY, THAT VOLVOVILLE USA WAS NOT WILLING TO HAVE A SERVICE TECHNICIAN CHECK OUT MY VEHICLE. PLEASE HAVE AN EXPLANATION PROVIDED OR HAVE THE CAR EXAMINED AS PER THE SAFTEY RECALL ISSUED BY NHSTA. THANKS. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-23
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A MECHANICAL FAILURE IN THE TRANSMISSION WHICH AN CAUSED ACCIDENT.(OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT 10-89-312) *YH
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-16
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YV1FA894XK2
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I ENTERED MY CAR AND PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. WHEN I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE ENGINE, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. MY LEFT HAND WAS RESTING ON THE STEERING WHELL AS I TURNED THE KEY. THE AIR BAG RIPPED MY WATCH FROM MY WRIST AND LACERATED THE WRIST IN NUMEROUS PLACES. MY NECK, CHEST AND BOTH ARMS WERE ABRAISED. VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA WAS NOTIFIED. THEY SENT A "TECHNICAL SPECIALIST TO INSPECT THE CAR. VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA SENT ME A REPORT OF HIS FINDINGS WHICH STATED, "OUR TECNHICAL SPECIALIST DID OBSERVE THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT FLOORING HAD SIGNS OF EXTENSIVE WATER DAMAGE AND THAT THE SRS SENSOR WAS HEAVILY CORRODED DUE TO THE EXPOSURE TO WATER. IT IS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SENSOR THAT CAUSED THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY." I LIVE IN BUFFALO, NEW YORK. WE RECEIVE LARGE AMOUNTS OF SNOW IN THE WINTER. IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO HAVE WATER ACCUMULATE ON THE FRONT FLOORING. THE SENSOR IS LOCATED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT. ONE WOULD EXPECT THAT IT WOULD BE SUBJECTED TO THE ACCUMULATED WATER. THE QUESTION ARISES IN MY MIND WHY IS SUCH A CRITICAL SENSOR PLACED IN AN AREA THAT IS VULNERABLE TO WATER CORROSION? IT APPEARS TO ME TO BE A DESIGN ERROR. MY AUTO IS 13 YEARS OLD AND HAS OVER 200,000 MILES ON IT. MAYBE IT TAKES THAT LONG TO CORROD. THE POINT IS THAT IT DID BECAUSE IT WAS ON THE FLOOR WHERE WATER CAN SOAK THE CARPETING. I SHUTTER TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE RESULT IF I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MILES PER HOUR WHEN IT DEPLOYED. ONE THING WOULD BE CERTAIN, I WOULDN'T BE WRITING THIS LETTER. I WOULD LIKE VOLVO TO REPLACE MY STEERING WHEEL WITH A NEW BAG AND A NEW SENSOR. I ALSO THINK THEY SHOULD CONSIDER PLACING THE SENSOR IN A MORE SECURE AREA. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 4 TIRES DELAMINATE---DEALER JUST GAVE ME A PRO RATING WOULD NOT REPLACE FREE EVEN THOUGH ITS OBVIOUS THE TIRES ARE CRAP. *AK (TIRESIZE: 205/60/15)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-26
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YV1FX884XK2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE REAR WHILE DRIVING, PRIOR TO THIS FIRE THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PLAGUED WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS AND SHORT CIRCUITS, NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-01
- VIN: YV1FA8746K1
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AT 40 MPH AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. VOLVO MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YV1FA8949K2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: VEICLE STOPPED, FAILED TO FUNCTION DUE TO FAULTY TIMING BELT. HAD TO BE TOWED TO MECHANIC. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-20
- VIN: YV1FA8950K1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE TIMING BELT HAD BROKEN WHILE WAITING AT STOP LIGHT. HAD STARTED FORWARD WHEN VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. WAS TOWED TO MECHANIC & WAS INFORMED THE PROBLEM WAS THE TIMING GEAR. THE TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YV1FA8957K1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS BRAKE SYSTEM MAKES SOME STRANGE SOUNDS AND VIBRATION AT LOW SPEEDS OR STOPPING. YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YV1FA8957K1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS BRAKE SYSTEM MAKES SOME STRANGE SOUNDS AND VIBRATION AT LOW SPEEDS OR STOPPING. YH
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-23
- VIN: REFUSE
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER DESIGN IS DEFECTIVE. IT WAS DESIGNED TO BRING INTO VEHICLE COOL AIR. THE ENGINE DESIGN IS CURVED, PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE COILS. MANUFACTURER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY CABLES FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE RESULTING IN ELECTRICAL FIRE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-17
- VIN: YU1FA8757K1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE VEHICLE HAD SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE PUTTING CAR INTO GEAR WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-06
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YV1FA894XK2
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: STARTED VEHICLE, BRUSHED SNOW OFF VEHICLE, OPENED DOOR & NOTICED DARK GREY SMOKE NEAR GEAR SHIFT AREA, TRIED PUTTING SMOKE OUT, FLAMES SHOT OUT. FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT IN LEFT FRONT SEAT HEATER SWITCH. VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-10
- VIN: YV1FA8945K2
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DASHBOARD CRACKED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: YV1FA8945K2
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG, CAUSING BURNS ON BOTH ARMS, FACE, AND CHEST.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 14VGE22C2R5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-17
- VIN: YV1FA8757K1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTILOCK BRAKE FAILURE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-12-01
- VIN: YV1FA8953K2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YV1FX8846K2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: FIRE--SHORT CIRCUIT CAUSED BY BATTERY CABLES.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-13
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YV1FX8840K2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY CABLE INSULATION WORE OFF, CAUSING SHORT CIRCUIT/FIRE PRIOR TO RECALL.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CAR BATTERY CABLE CAUGHT ON FIRE PRIOR TO RECALL. *AK
1989 Volvo 740 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Volvo 740 problems:
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Volvo 740 Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Top Volvo 740 Problems · Engine Stalling Due to Mass Airflow Sensor Failure · No Start Due to Failed RPM Sensor · "No start" Due to Failed Fuel Pump Relay.
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