1989 Volvo 745 problems

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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.

1989 Volvo 745

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Common 1989 Volvo 745 problems

The Volvo 745, produced in 1989, is known to have several common issues that affect its performance and longevity. These problems are based on complaints from owners of this car and are discussed in detail below.

  • Oil Leaks: Another common issue reported by drivers of the first generation Volvo 745 is oil leaks. These leaks can come from a number of areas, including the valve cover gasket, the oil pan gasket, or the rear main seal. Over time, these leaks can lead to decreased oil pressure, which can cause damage to the engine if not addressed. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent oil leaks from occurring.
  • Overheating: Some drivers of the first generation Volvo 745 reported issues with overheating. This can be caused by a failing thermostat or a malfunctioning radiator. In some cases, a blown head gasket can also be the cause of overheating issues. If left unaddressed, overheating can lead to engine damage and even failure.
  • Electrical Issues: Electrical issues are also common in the Volvo 745, including battery drainage and alternator failure. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty wiring, corrosion, and damaged components. It is essential to address electrical issues promptly to prevent more severe damage to the electrical system and other components of the car.
  • Suspension and Steering Problems: Suspension and steering problems, such as noises and vibrations, are also common in the Volvo 745. These issues can be caused by worn-out components, loose connections, or damaged parts. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent suspension and steering problems from occurring.

In conclusion, the Volvo 745 is known to have several common issues that affect its performance and longevity. These problems include engine misfires, oil leaks, overheating, electrical issues, and suspension and steering problems. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these issues from occurring, and prompt repairs can help prevent more severe damage to the car.

1989 Volvo 745 engine

Is the Volvo 850 engine reliable?

According to reports from owners, the 850 can go over 200,000 miles with little to no problems. Some owners have shared that the 850 can go up to 300,000 to 400,000 miles as long as you take care of it by keeping up with its maintenance and service schedule.

Do Volvo engines last long?

So long as regular maintenance schedules are followed, a Volvo vehicle will on average last for 20 years. can also vary depending on the make and year of your Volvo. That being said, with the proper care the average lifespan of a Volvo is typically 20 years with over 200,000 miles.

What model Volvo was most reliable?

The following Volvo models are often ranked as the most reliable:

  • S60.
  • V60.
  • V70.
  • XC40.
  • XC60.
  • XC90.

Are Volvo as reliable as Toyota?

While Volvos aren't as reliable as Japanese makes like Honda and Toyota, they still hold up very well and shouldn't cause you too many issues. Compared to some other luxury brands, Volvo comes out on top in terms of dependability in the long run.

1989 Volvo 745 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo 745 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Volvo 745 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Volvo 745 complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Volvo 745.

2008-09-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-02-10
  • VIN: YV1FA8958K1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 VOLVO 745. WITHIN A MONTH OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE BATTERY DRAINED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL WAL-MART AND THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED WITH A LARGER SIZED BATTERY WITH HIGHER WATTAGE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER THE REPLACEMENT. THE ALTERNATOR WAS TESTED AT SEVERAL DIFFERENT SERVICE STATIONS, BUT APPEARED TO BE FINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE RECHARGED EVERY TWO TO THREE WEEKS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 277,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 277,250.
2003-02-03

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-02-03
  • VIN: YV1FA8952K2
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CONDITION EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL 96V085000 BUT VOLVO CLAIMS MY VIN NO IS NOT COVERED. MY VEHICLE FALLS WITHIN THE MODEL AND MANUFACTURING DATES COVERED BY THE RECALL. MY CLAIM FOR CORRECTION OF THE PROBLEM WAS REJECTED BY [XXX] SERVICE MANAGER HASSEL VOLVO 79 CEDAR SWAMP ROAD GLEN COVE, N.Y. 11542 THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE HAS SEVERAL INCHES OF INSULATION CHAFED AWAY WHILE THE NEGATIVE CABLE HAS COMPLETELY FAILED THRU CHAFING. BOTH PROBLEMS ARE AT THE POINT WHERE THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE ATTACHES TO THE ENGINE. MY VEHICLE - 1989 VOLVO MODEL 745 STATION WAGON. MANUFACTURE DATE - MARCH 1989. VIN NO. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
2000-11-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE PARKING NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE. OPENED HOOD AND NOTICED FIRE ON BATTERY CABLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

1989 Volvo 745 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 Volvo 745.

1996-05-14
  • Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
  • Summary: THERE IS THE POSSIBLILITY OF EXCESSIVE CHAFING OF THE INSULATION OF THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLES.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN LEAD TO A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE VEHICLE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CABLE HARNESS AND, IF NECESSARY, CORRECT.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1989 Volvo 745 problems:

my sick 740 SE [Archive] - Volvo Owners Club Forum
my sick 740 SE [Archive] - Volvo Owners Club Forum
https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/archive/index.php/t-2999.html

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Volvo 740 electrical gremlin help — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
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Other years of Volvo 745

volvo 745 1990 photo
745 1990
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volvo 745 1989 photo
745 1989
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1989 Volvo 745 photo