1989 Volvo 780 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 780

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Common 1989 Volvo 780 problems

The Volvo 780, produced in 1989, is known for its unique blend of Swedish and Italian design, as it was designed and built by Bertone in Italy. However, like any car, it has its share of common problems that owners have reported over the years.

One of the most frequently mentioned issues is rust, particularly around the body of the car. This is not uncommon for cars of this age, but it seems to be a particular problem for the 780. The original poster in the Carsurvey.org thread mentions that rust spots are the biggest problem they've encountered with their 780, and that they've had to address some slight rust that was likely caused by shoddy body work from before they owned the car.

Another common issue is electrical gremlins. The original poster in the Carsurvey.org thread mentions that they've had to work on many of the electrical gremlins in their 780, although some still exist.

The fuel system is another area where owners have reported issues. One owner mentions that their 780 has a slow leak around the rear main seal and the rear differential, which they plan to fix in a few years.

The interior of the 780 can also be problematic. One owner mentions that the leather in the back of their 780 is like new, but that the front seats are being redone because old Volvo leather is terrible.

Finally, parts availability can be an issue for the 780. While it shares many mechanical and electrical components with the 760 Series cars, miscellaneous parts such as trim pieces, body mouldings, and head or taillamp assemblies demand a premium price thanks to the 780’s limited edition status.

In summary, the Volvo 780, while a unique and stylish car, is not without its share of common problems. Rust, electrical gremlins, fuel system issues, interior problems, and parts availability are all areas where owners have reported issues. However, with proper maintenance and care, these issues can be addressed and the 780 can be a reliable and enjoyable car to own.

1989 Volvo 780 engine

What engine is in Volvo 780?

VOLVO 780 2.8L V6 4AT RWD (170 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.8L V6 4AT RWD (170 HP)
Displacement:2849 cm3
Power:125 KW @ 5400 RPM 170 HP @ 5400 RPM 168 BHP @ 5400 RPM
Torque:177 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 240 Nm @ 4500 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection

What years was the Volvo 780 produced?

Between 14 April 1927 and 31 January 2024 Volvo Cars produced 24,081,723 cars.

MODELYEARSENGINE
7801987-1988B230-B280-D24
7801988-1989B230-B280-D24
7801989-1990B230-B280-D24
7801990 (Sept- Aug)B230-B280-D24

Who designed the Volvo 780?

Bertone

The Volvo 780 was the elegant result of a collaboration between Volvo Car Corporation and the Italian company Bertone. The mechanical elements came from the 700 series, while the body was designed by Bertone.

How much horsepower does a Volvo 780 truck have?

The D17 engine delivers

With up to 780 hp, the D17 is the most powerful engine put in a Volvo truck. But it's the fuel efficiency and the massive torque available that makes the Volvo FH16 the perfect match for heavy transports and other demanding assignments.

What engine is in Volvo 780?

VOLVO 780 2.8L V6 4AT RWD (170 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.8L V6 4AT RWD (170 HP)
Displacement:2849 cm3
Power:125 KW @ 5400 RPM 170 HP @ 5400 RPM 168 BHP @ 5400 RPM
Torque:177 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 240 Nm @ 4500 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection

What years was the Volvo 780 produced?

Between 14 April 1927 and 31 January 2024 Volvo Cars produced 24,081,723 cars.

MODELYEARSENGINE
7801987-1988B230-B280-D24
7801988-1989B230-B280-D24
7801989-1990B230-B280-D24
7801990 (Sept- Aug)B230-B280-D24

Who designed the Volvo 780?

Bertone

The Volvo 780 was the elegant result of a collaboration between Volvo Car Corporation and the Italian company Bertone. The mechanical elements came from the 700 series, while the body was designed by Bertone.

Is Volvo engine good?

Exploring Volvo Engine Reliability

All Volvo engines like the T4, T5, B5, T6, B6, T8, or P8 offer the latest durable & sustainable drivetrain technology. In addition to the complimentary maintenance offered by Volvo Cars with every new vehicle, you can count on a worry-free ownership experience long into the future.

1989 Volvo 780 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo 780 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Seats problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Volvo 780 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Volvo 780 complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Volvo 780.

1999-10-13

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-10-13
  • VIN: YV1HA6924KD
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: SEATS ARE OVERHEATING, AND CONSUMER IS NOT ABLE TO TURN THEM OFF. *AK
1996-04-08

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-05
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO RUN INTO A GATE. *AK
1995-05-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: YV1HA6925KD
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE ENGINE GASKET COVER VALVE LEAK ABOUT FOUR WITHIN 16 MONTH HAD THE MASTER CYLINDER REPLACE TWICE WITHIN FOUR MONTH HAS ABS ANTI-LOCK BRAKE. TT
1995-05-15

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: YV1HA6925KD
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: THE ENGINE GASKET COVER VALVE LEAK ABOUT FOUR WITHIN 16 MONTH HAD THE MASTER CYLINDER REPLACE TWICE WITHIN FOUR MONTH HAS ABS ANTI-LOCK BRAKE. TT

1989 Volvo 780 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Volvo 780.

1997-09-22
  • Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO LIMITED SPACE AND VARIATIONS IN THE ASSEMBLY OF THE CABLES, CHAFING OF THE INSULATION OF THE CABLES FEEDING THE SEAT HEATER, POWER SEAT MOTORS AND SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATOR SITUATED UNDER THE FRONT SEAT, CAN OCCUR.
  • Consequence: THIS CHAFING CAN LEAD TO A LOW OHM SHORT CIRCUIT.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CABLE HARNESSES AND, IF NECESSARY, CORRECT OR REPLACE THESE CABLES.
1991-01-08
  • 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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1989 Volvo 780 problems:

1989 780 - Should I buy it?
1989 780 - Should I buy it?
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Other years of Volvo 780

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780 1990
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780 2006
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