1990 Volvo 760 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.
Social links
Common 1990 Volvo 760 problems
The Volvo 760, produced from 1982 to 1990, is known for its reliability but is not immune to problems. Here are some common issues based on complaints from owners:
- Engine Issues
- Oil Leaks: The Volvo 760's engine can develop oil leaks, which is a common issue. This can be due to worn-out gaskets, seals, or engine components. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent and detect oil leaks early.
- Overheating: Another engine issue is overheating, which can be caused by a faulty cooling system, low coolant levels, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Regular maintenance and checks of the cooling system can help prevent overheating issues.
- Timing Belt Failure: The timing belt is a critical component of the engine, and failure can cause significant damage. Regular inspections and replacement of the timing belt at the recommended intervals can help prevent timing belt failure.
- Transmission Issues
- Automatic Transmission Slipping or Failing: The automatic transmission in the Volvo 760 can experience slipping or failure, which can be caused by wear and tear, low transmission fluid levels, or a faulty torque converter. Regular maintenance and checks of the transmission fluid level can help prevent transmission issues.
- Manual Transmission Clutch Problems: The manual transmission in the Volvo 760 can experience clutch problems, which can be caused by wear and tear, incorrect clutch adjustment, or a faulty clutch master cylinder. Regular maintenance and checks of the clutch system can help prevent clutch problems.
- Transmission Fluid Leaks: The Volvo 760's transmission can develop fluid leaks, which can be caused by worn-out seals, gaskets, or transmission components. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent and detect transmission fluid leaks early.
- Suspension and Steering Issues
- Front Suspension Wear or Damage: The Volvo 760's front suspension can experience wear or damage, which can be caused by regular use, poor road conditions, or lack of maintenance. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent and detect suspension issues early.
- Power Steering Pump Failure: The power steering pump in the Volvo 760 can fail, which can be caused by wear and tear, low power steering fluid levels, or a faulty power steering pump. Regular maintenance and checks of the power steering system can help prevent power steering pump failure.
- Steering Rack and Pinion Leaks: The Volvo 760's steering rack and pinion can develop leaks, which can be caused by worn-out seals, gaskets, or steering components. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent and detect steering rack and pinion leaks early.
- Model-Specific Problems with the Volvo 760
- First Generation (1982-1987) Issues: The first generation of the Volvo 760 can experience issues such as B28 engine valve guide wear, early model transmission problems, and electrical system issues.
- Second Generation (1988-1990) Issues: The second generation of the Volvo 760 can experience issues such as B280 engine oil pressure problems, ignition control module failures, and ABS brake system malfunctions.
- Turbo and Intercooler Versions: The turbo and intercooler versions of the Volvo 760 can experience issues such as turbocharger failure, intercooler and boost pressure leaks, and fuel injection and fuel pump problems.
- Complectation-Specific Problems with the Volvo 760
- GLE and Turbo GLE Models: The GLE and Turbo GLE models of the Volvo 760 can experience issues such as power window and sunroof issues, climate control system failures, and dashboard instrument cluster problems.
- Diesel Models (D24 and D24T Engines): The diesel models of the Volvo 760 can experience issues such as glow plug failure, fuel injector pump leaks, and cylinder head cracking.
Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent and detect these issues early, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the Volvo 760.
What is the difference between Volvo 740 and 760?
the 740 had either 2l, 2.3l, 2.3l turbo, or turbo diesel. The 760 didn't have the 2l or 2.3l, but had the 2.3 turbo, 2.8 V6, and turbo diesel. Comfort level was different too - 760 had electric seats and climate control. Late model saloons had independant rear suspension.
Why won t my Volvo 760 start?
The most common reasons a Volvo 760 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
When did the Volvo 760 come out?
1982
With the 760 saloon, introduced in early 1982, Volvo entered the small number of manufacturers of prestige vehicles with superior comfort and high performance levels.
What is the toughest Volvo?
Our toughest construction truck. The Volvo FMX is a tough construction truck, loaded with technology that makes the most demanding assignments easier. Electric or diesel powertrains, a driven front axle, generous ground clearance and axles to carry heavy loads.
Do Volvos have transmission problems?
Delayed or Rough Shifting
You might notice that your Volvo hesitates when shifting gears or shifts more forcefully than usual. This can indicate issues with the transmission's fluid pressure or internal components.
When did the Volvo 760 come out?
1982
With the 760 saloon, introduced in early 1982, Volvo entered the small number of manufacturers of prestige vehicles with superior comfort and high performance levels.
Is Volvo engine reliable?
The answer is that, when it comes to reliability, Volvo is average. In its 2019 study, ReliabilityIndex gave Volvo a score of 127, which placed the manufacturer in 23rd place on a list of 40 brands.
How long do Volvo transmissions last?
Ideally, your Volvo's transmission would last the entire lifespan of your vehicle. That isn't always the case, though. Unfortunately, sometimes you need transmission repair before you're ready to retire the car. It's important to address transmission issues quickly before they worsen or get more expensive.
1990 Volvo 760 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo 760 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Volvo 760 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Volvo 760 complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Volvo 760.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV1GA6943L0
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ON MONDAY NIGHT (AROUND MIDNIGHT) OCTOBER 10, 2011 I WAS TAKING MY HUSBAND FOR A ROUTINE VISIT TO THE HOSPITAL FOR STROKE RELATED PROBLEMS AND IN NORMAL FASHION, I STARTED MY CAR, PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE (NOT THE ACCELERATOR) AND SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. IMMEDIATELY, THE CAR ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND DIDN'T STOP UNTIL WE WERE INSIDE MY NEIGHBORS HOUSE, STOPPED ONLY BY THE INTERIOR WALL OF HIS HOME. WE WENT BACKWARDS THROUGH HIS FRONT GATE, HIS EXTERIOR WALL AND ENDED UP COMPLETELY INSIDE HIS DEN/GAME ROOM. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP IT WITH THE BRAKES AND THERE WAS NO EXPLAINABLE REASON FOR THE MALFUNCTION, BUT IT WAS BIZARRE TO SAY THE LEAST. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO HIS HOME AND MY CAR, BUT LUCKILY NO ONE WAS KILLED. MY HUSBAND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR NECK INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THE ACCIDENT AND THE CAR IS NOW IN A WRECKING YARD. WE BOUGHT THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE BECAUSE OF IT'S SAFETY RATING AND WELL DOCUMENTED MAINTENANCE RECORDS, BUT AFTER THIS PROBLEM, I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER VOLVO. UPON RESEARCH (AFTER THE ACCIDENT) , I DISCOVERED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS EXACT SCENARIO...ENGAGING IN REVERSE AND UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATION OCCURRING. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE, REGARDLESS OF THE AGE OF A VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IF IT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. *KB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-13
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHEN FILLING THE FUEL TANK FUEL SPILLED OUT. RECALL 91V010000 WAS ISSUED ON THIS MODEL/MAKE/YEAR; HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV1GA8755L0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FROM PARK TO REVERSE HITTING A TREE, A CURB, AND FINALLY STOPPING IN A JACUZZI. CONSUMER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. *JG
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV1GA8755L0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE GEAR ,VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED. RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSING INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. PLEASE MORE DETAILS. MR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV1GA8755L0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ON BRAKES, CHANGE FROM PARK TO REVERSE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT HIGH SPEED, BRAKE NOT SEEM TO STOP, STOPPED BY WALL AND TREE. DT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-11
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT10 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD, AND CONSUMER HIT A TREE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-03
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV1GA874XL0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, AND WHEN CONSUMER PUT KEY INTO IGNITION AND TURNED SWITCH, VEHICLE SHOT FORWARD, HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE AND KNOCKING VEHICLE OUT OF THE WAY. CONSUMER KEPT STEERING VEHICLE AROUND WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND VEHICLE DIDN'T STOP. IT KEPT ACCELERATING AND THEN CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-21
- VIN: YV1GA8746L0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE THRUSTED FORWARD AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO STOP VEHICLE BEFORE CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND APPLYING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE.
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-11
- VIN: YV1GA8741L0
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: SEPARATION OF PARKING BRAKE PAD AND SHOE WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT 30-35 MPH.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-15
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: AFTER ENGAGING IN REVERSE, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-01-01
- VIN: YV1GA8747L0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE SURGED TWICE. *DSH
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV1GA874XL0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DRIVER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YB1GA8742L0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED BY ITSELF, IT ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-12-14
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV1GA8759L0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. (OTHER VEHICLE ON 479611) *SKD
1990 Volvo 760 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1990 Volvo 760.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: IF CONDITIONS OF HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE, OVERFILLING OF THE FUEL TANK, AND INSUFFICIENT TORQUE ON THE SENDING UNIT LOCK RING EXIST SIMULTANEOUSLY, FUEL SEEPAGE MAY OCCUR FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK.
- Consequence: FUEL SEEPAGE COULD RESULT IN FIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF ANIGNITION SOURCE.
- Remedy: RETORQUE SENDING UNIT LOCK RING; REPLACE LOCK RING GASKET IF FUEL SEEPAGE IS DETECTED. NOTE: THE ONLY 940 MODEL SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL IS THE 940SE.
Positive 1990 Volvo 760 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Volvo 760 problems:
1991-1990, 940->760 Engine Swap. Known Problems?
Jun 26, 2014 ... They're basically the same car. I don't see any problem doing the swap. The 1991 Volvo 940 SE was a 960 Turbo in every market except North ...
1990 740 Turbo problems - Volvo Owners Club Forum
Nov 4, 2018 ... ... engine when running, mainly when hot again. The car has been stood for 2 years and done 220,000 miles. Upon reading the common problems with ...
Stalling problems with my 1990 Volvo 240
May 23, 2011 ... I have a 1990 volvo 240 DL. It has been acting up for some time now. We are huge fans of the 240's. My car has been acting up while driving ...
760 fuel gauge not working .....! | Volvo Forums
running a 760 gle 1990. The problem a none working fuel gauge, or intermitent one. Can anyone suggest a thorough test procedure to pin the ...
Prv v6 [Archive] - Volvo Owners Club Forum
Volvo Owners Club Forum ... What are they like to maintain, common problems and running costs ? ... In 1990 my dad got himself a brand new 760 ...
Other years of Volvo 760
Are you having problems with your 1990 Volvo 760?
Karl Kerluke 2024-11-25
I have the 1987 760 wagon - same as the 1990. This car drives great, even though it's 20 years old. Although the gear change is a little rough and the gas mileage could be better, it's still an amazing car. It's one of the safest cars ever built, and the paint is literally impossible to rust off. Despite having almost 200,000 miles, it still goes 0-60 in 8 seconds thanks to the turbo - which is awesome. The seats are super comfortable, and it has all the conveniences of a modern car - power everything, heated everything, and an awesome stereo for only having 4 speakers. If you get a chance to buy a 700 series Volvo, I highly recommend it!
Evan Hansen 2024-11-11
I've been the proud owner of this car since it first arrived on the lot in 1990. It's been an incredibly reliable vehicle, with minimal issues over the years. It's impressively powerful and can handle any challenge with ease. Even when driving in the mountains, it outperforms my father's Porsche and BMW (he'll even admit it!). The cost of maintenance has been very reasonable, with only regular oil changes, tire rotations, and diagnostic check-ups required. The 8-speaker stereo with 600 watts is truly exceptional and unlike any other. The only minor drawback is that the gas mileage could be better.
Graham Hessel 2024-04-27
I bought this car with over 130,000 miles on it and it seemed like a great deal. The car had no rust, the interior was immaculate, the engine bay was spotless, and it had low miles for a Volvo, especially a wagon. It has been a great car to drive, especially when you get into the turbo's powerband. I feel safe in it and I can haul all my friends and our stuff. Unfortunately, I bought something of a lemon with electrical and engine-related issues. I am on my third mass air flow sensor/air mass meter since I got the car, but thankfully, the parts were covered by warranties. She's reliable when she wants to be and burns a little oil mostly due to the turbo. Overall, it's a great car that's fun, fast, and can carry everything and more.
Darwin O'Kon 2024-03-02
Hi there! I came across this amazing car at an auto auction, but unfortunately, nobody was interested in it because the interior had been trashed by the former ski bum owners. However, I saw the potential in it and decided to give it a chance. After a good cleaning and a pair of $50.00 wrecking yard leather seats, the car is now great! It has 219,000 miles on it and runs and drives perfectly. The previous owners replaced the turbo and several other items, so it's a very good solid car that is also very comfortable to drive. I believe that this car is definitely worth putting money into because I know it will last me for quite some time and still retain its value. What do you think?
Lamont Dickens 2024-02-22
I'm quite young and I got this car for a great price as the car I'll be taking with me to college. I love its styling and for such low mileage (130k) and a well-kept car (garage kept, perfect paint, clean title, no rust), I couldn't have found a better deal. It only needed a strut replacement that I learned to do myself, and now it runs smoothly. It's the perfect road trip car, gets decent mpg for an old car, has good visibility from the windows, and the small turbo is surprisingly powerful! Let's make the 700 Series great again!