1993 Volvo 850 problems
The Volvo 850 is a compact executive car that was produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1991 until 1996. Designed by Jan Wilsgaard, the car was introduced in a saloon body style; an estate style was introduced in 1993.
The Volvo 850 was shown for the first time in June 1991, and the car marked a departure for Volvo, featuring multiple unprecedented features for the company; these included a transverse 5-cylinder engine driving the front wheels, a Delta-link rear axle, a side impact protection system, and a self-adjusting front seat belt mechanism.
The Volvo 850 was succeeded by the Volvo S70 and Volvo V70.
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Common 1993 Volvo 850 problems
The Volvo 850, produced in 1993, is known to have several common problems that owners have reported. One of the most significant issues is related to the transmission, specifically the first and second gears. This problem is caused by a design flaw that leads to premature wear and damage to the gears. To address this issue, owners would need to have their transmission rebuilt or replaced with a newer model.
Another common issue with the Volvo 850 is related to the cooling system. Over time, the radiator and water pump may become worn and begin to leak coolant. This can cause the engine to overheat and potentially lead to more serious engine damage if not addressed promptly. Regular maintenance of the cooling system, including replacing the coolant and checking for leaks, is recommended to prevent this issue.
In addition to these mechanical issues, the Volvo 850 was also known to have issues with its electrical system. This included problems with the battery and alternator, which could lead to a dead battery or the car not starting. Electrical issues could also affect the airbag system, causing warning lights to come on or the airbags to malfunction. Replacing the battery or alternator as needed and addressing any wiring issues can help to prevent these problems.
There are also specific issues related to the PCV system, timing belt, oil cooler, engine mounts, and fuel system that can occur in the Volvo 850.
Regarding the electrical system, the shift interlock micro-switch is prone to failure, which can prevent the car from being driven unless the driver knows about the emergency override button. Additionally, the ABS control module can cause the ABS warning lamp to illuminate due to internal failures or erroneous reporting of faulty wheel sensors.
Overall, while the Volvo 850 was a reliable and well-made car, it still had its fair share of issues. By staying on top of regular maintenance and addressing any issues promptly, owners can help to extend the lifespan of their Volvo 850 and ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
Is the Volvo 850 a good first car?
With such vast production numbers, the Volvo 850 is not that difficult to find even now, when even the last production models have been on the roads for 25 years. With superb reliability, safety, and comfort, this revolutionary Volvo is simply the perfect first car.
How much horsepower does a 1993 Volvo 850 Turbo have?
The vehicle was based on the 850 Turbo, utilizing the B5234T5 engine with a special ECU (Bosch #628 in U.S and #629 in EU) that added an additional 2 psi (0.1 bar) of turbocharger boost pressure, giving the engine an extra 18 hp (13 kW; 18 PS) for a total of 243 hp (181 kW) and 250 lb⋅ft (340 N⋅m) of torque.
How many Volvo 850 are left?
There are 33,705,243 cars & other vehicles with valid MOTs. There are 7 VOLVO 850 left in the UK with an MOT. 0.0000% of all UK vehicles are VOLVO 850.
When did they stop making Volvo 850?
VOLVO 850 (1991-1996)
Is the Volvo 850 a good first car?
With such vast production numbers, the Volvo 850 is not that difficult to find even now, when even the last production models have been on the roads for 25 years. With superb reliability, safety, and comfort, this revolutionary Volvo is simply the perfect first car.
How much horsepower does a 1993 Volvo 850 Turbo have?
The vehicle was based on the 850 Turbo, utilizing the B5234T5 engine with a special ECU (Bosch #628 in U.S and #629 in EU) that added an additional 2 psi (0.1 bar) of turbocharger boost pressure, giving the engine an extra 18 hp (13 kW; 18 PS) for a total of 243 hp (181 kW) and 250 lb⋅ft (340 N⋅m) of torque.
When did Volvo stop making the 850?
The 850 was officially launched in 1991. It acted as a successor to the successful 240 model series and was produced in Sweden, Belgium, Canada, Indonesia, Philippines. The car remained on sale until 1996 when it was replaced by the even sleeker S70 and V70.
When did they stop making Volvo 850?
VOLVO 850 (1991-1996)
1993 Volvo 850 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo 850 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Equipment problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Volvo 850 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1993 Volvo 850
The NHTSA has received 83 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Volvo 850. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1993 Volvo 850 vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-04
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YV1LS5509P2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 VOLVO 850. AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE. TWO MINUTES LATER, THE HOOD BURST INTO FLAMES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. IT HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS ONLY COVERED FOR LIABILITY INSURANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-19
- VIN: YV1LS5509P2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1993 VOLVO 850GLT ENGINE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. NEWSPAPER AD SAID 1999 THROUGH 2001, C70,S60,S80,V70 & V70XC. THE 850 WAS NEVER MENTIONED. HAVE HAD THE CAR SINCE 1998 & IT HAS HAPPENED FOUR TIMES. REAL SCARY, CAN IT BE FIXED? *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-14
- VIN: YV1LS550XP2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: GOOD EVENING;THIS IS MORE OF A QUESTION ABOUT A POTENTIAL VEHICLE THAT I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE. I AM INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A 1993 VOLVO 850 4 DOOR. SEDAN ,AUTO/A/C,4 CYL,LOADED. I WENT TO TEST DRIVE THE CAR AND THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHTS STAYED ON WHILE I DROVE THE CAR. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE LOT THE CAR STALLED,BUT RESTARTED RIGHT AWAY. THE USED CAR DEALER SAID THE CAR WAS LOW ON FUEL THAT'S WHY THE LIGHTS STAYED ON? I DOUBT THIS VERY MUCH!!ARE THERE ANY RECALLS ON THESE CARS FOR THIS PROBLEM?IF SO I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION. THANK YOU! JM *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-30
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I HAVE A 1993 VOLVO 850. IT HAS BEEN STALLING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS, LOW SPEEDS, FOR OVER 10 YEARS. NO ONE HAS EVER FIXED THE PROBLEM. SINCE YOU ARE INVESTIGATING CURRENT VOLVO MODELS FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER INVESTIGATING THE OLDER MODELS. *NM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-15
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: SRS LIGHT IS ON. BROUGHT TO LOVERING VOLVO AND THEY ADVISED THE WHOLE SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1200. IN READING PAST COMPLAINTS LISTED ON THIS SIGHT, I SEE QUITE A FEW ARIBAG PROBLEMS, ONE BEING THAT THE WIRES ARE CROSSED FROM PRODUCTION AND THAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. I ALSO SEE MANY COMPLAINTS THAT AIRBAGS ARE DEPLOYING FOR NO REASON....IS THIS BECAUSE OF THIS WIRING??? I THINK VOLVO NEEDS TO LOOK AT THIS ISSUE. RIGHT NOW I AM DRIVING WITHOUT AIRBAGS BECAUSE OF THE COST. I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE DOING THE SAME!! VOLVO NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE ASAP BEFORE A LAWSUIT ARISES!!*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-31
- VIN: YV1LS5509P2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ENGINE WILL CEASE SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO A VOLVO DEALERSHIP TO BE FIXED, BUT THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING.*AK
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-28
- VIN: YV1LS5505P2
- Components: POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: FAILED TRANSMISSION AFTER 45,000 MILES. EXTENDED WARRANTY REPLACED IT. FAILED CONTROL SWITCH FOR AIR CONDITIONING A/C AND EVAPORATOR UNIT AT 135,000. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-16
- VIN: YV1LS5509P2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1993 VOLVO 850 GLT HAS BEEN JUST "TURNING OFF" DURING DRIVING, 20-60 MPH. NEVER AT IDLE. YOU MUST COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURN THE KEY OFF AND RESTART THE CAR. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER TWICE AND MY LOCAL GARAGE TWICE AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL NOT CORRECTED. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION THAT ALMOST CREATED AN ACCIDENT THIS PAST WEEK. I RESEARCHED THE INTERNET TO SEE IF OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND I FOUND MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-20
- VIN: YV1LS550XP2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: NAR 05/21/2003. *MR DEFECTIVE ANTILOCK BRAKE PUMP. *CB
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHILED BLADES WERE REPLACED, THE GASOLINE TANK WAS LEAKING, AND THE HOOD LATCHES WERE ADJUSTED.*JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-03
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW, BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT VEHICLE BEING IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS RESULTED IN DRIVER BEING BURNT ON THEIR NECK AND STOMACH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE PLASTIC GASOLINE TANK LEAKED GASOLINE. *SCC
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-10
- VIN: YV1LS5501P2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT 99,000 AND NOW AT 27,000 ON THE ORGINAL VOLVO REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION I HAVE TO REPLACE THE SECOND TRANSMISSION. THIS TRANSMISSION OF THE 850 VOLVO IS A LEMON. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YV1LS5501P2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DASHBOARD CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IN PARKING GARAGE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-15
- VIN: YV1LS550XP2
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS JACKING VEHICLE UP AND JACK BROKE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-29
- VIN: YV1LS5511P2
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK, DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, CONSUMER STATES THAT CLOSE EXAMINATION SHOWED THE PLASTIC CASING WAS DISENTEGRATING, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-29
- VIN: YV1LS5511P2
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER CYCLES OFF AND ON TOO FREQUENTLY, DEALER STATED SYSTEM WAS LOW ON FREON CHARGE AND INSPECTED FOR LEAKS, HOWEVER COULD NOT FIND ANY. *SLC
POWER TRAIN,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YV1LS5512P2
- Components: POWER TRAIN,TIRES
- Summary: REPLACED 7 TIRES. TOO MANY FOR LOW MILES. VOLVO FRONT END CAUSES EXCESSIVE WEAR?*AK (TIRESIZE: 195/60VR15)
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-06
- VIN: YV1LS5508P2
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE BELT WILL NOT ENGAGE, REAR LEFT BELT WILL NOT DISENGAGE, REAR RIGHT BELT VERY HARD TO DISENGAGE.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT IS LOCKED IN PLACE, IT WOULD UNLOCK WHEN LEANING FORWARD. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *SLC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YV1LS5509P2
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE, ONE OF TWO FACTORY INSTALLED "FOG LAMPS" BROKE OUT OF ITS HOLDING BRACKET AND STARTED A FIRE, WHICH BURNED THE PLASTIC FOR THE LAMP HOUSING. DEALERSHIP LATER REPAIRED AND REPLACED THE FOG LAMP. THEN, DURING THE BEGINNING OF AUGUST 2001, THE OTHER FOG LAMP BROKE LOOSE AND BEGAN TO BURN PLASTIC LAMP HOUSING. CONSUMER RECOGNIZED PROBLEM AND TURNED LIGHT OFF. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE FOR THE SECOND OCCURRENCE. *AK DEALER STATES THE SECOND OCCURRENCE WAS CAUSED BY FAULTY BRACKETS ALSO. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-01
- VIN: YV1LS5505P2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE KEEPS SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING, AFTER AN INITIAL WARM-UP PERIOD. HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER SERVICE 4 TIMES, BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. I THINK IT HAS BECOME A SAFETY PROBLEM, AND I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT IF SIMILAR PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCED BY OTHER VOLVO OWNERS.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ONCE THE VEHICLE IS WARMED UP THE VEHICLE ACTS AS THOUGHT IT IS IN NEUTRAL. NLM
CHILD SEAT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-01
- VIN: YV1LS5505P2
- Components: CHILD SEAT
- Summary: BACK OF INTEGRAL CHILD SAFETY SEAT DOES NOT STAY UPRIGHT, AND WILL FALL BACKWARDS INTO STORAGE COMPARTMENT OF VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-01
- VIN: N/A
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: PASSENGER'S AIR BAG STICKS OUT FROM DASH BOARD. HAS NOT CONTACTED DEALER YET.*AK
1993 Volvo 850 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1993 Volvo 850.
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
- Summary: ENGINE BLOCK HEATERS INSTALLED AS ACCESSORIES. THE BLOCK HEATER CONTACT SURFACE DOES NOT MATCH CORRECTLY WITH THE ENGINE BLOCK AS INTENDED. THE BLOCK HEATER COULD COME LOOSE FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK, AND IF BEING USED, COULD POSSIBLY OVERHEAT CAUSING DAMAGE IF IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH OTHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT COMPONENTS.
- Consequence: ENGINE COMPARTMENT DAMAGE COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BLOCK HEATER AND SECURE THE BOLTS USED TO INSTALL THE HEATER. IN SOME CASES, THE SURFACE TOLERANCES MAY BE SO INAPPROPRIATE THAT THE HEATER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH A HEATER OF A MODIFIED DESIGN.
Negative 1993 Volvo 850 car reviews
Positive 1993 Volvo 850 car reviews
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Bought this as my first car and I absolutely love it! The styling is fantastic and the seats are incredibly comfortable, especially with the soft leather. The engine is surprisingly powerful for its 168hp and the sport mode on the transmission is a lot of fun. Just make sure to check the maintenance records and take good care of it. After buying, I replaced the air filter and did an oil change. I plan to flush the transmission and always use premium gas to keep it running smoothly.
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I absolutely love this car! It's my first car and thanks to the awesome handling of the Volvo, I've managed to avoid two accidents on wet roads. I do want to mention that swerving at 70 and going left then right is not recommended, so please avoid oversteering in this car.
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I purchased this car with 90,000 miles on it and unfortunately, the timing belt failed last year. Although I should have changed it sooner according to the manual, I take full responsibility for the oversight. Regrettably, the timing belt has failed again. Despite my love for this car and my belief that Volvo is the safest option for my daughter and me, it is not financially feasible to repair it. This car had some great features, including a built-in child seat and a sporty red exterior. However, it was a bit sluggish on takeoff and could have used some cup holders. Overall, I am confident in my decision to retire this car.
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I've only had this car for 2 months and unfortunately, the compressor and evaporator had to be replaced, even though the car only had 37000 miles. However, I'm grateful that the dealership covered the $2500 of repairs under the initial 60 day/3000 mile warranty. If nothing else major goes wrong and I can get about 125,000 more miles on this car, I'll be over the moon!
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You've owned this car for 10 years? That's fantastic! It sounds like it's been an excellent car for you.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1993 Volvo 850 problems:
IPD Volvo's Top 10 Most Common Problems with 1993-2000 850 ...
Jan 16, 2020 ... IPD Volvo's Top 10 Most Common Problems with 1993-2000 850, C70, S70 and V70 Models · Upper Engine Mount Failure · Anti Sway Bar End Link ...
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Aug 31, 2023 ... 1993-1997 Volvo 850 fuel pump problems may cause your vehicle to stall and become difficult to start. These issues usually happen to high- ...
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Jul 16, 2011 ... It's true, as these cars get older they tend to nickle and dime you a bit, but so many of the common problems are documented at this point, you ...
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Top Volvo 850 Problems · Engine Cranks Over and Doesn't Start · Evaporator Leak and Pollen Filter Kit Upgrade · Dash Lights May Stay on Due to Malfunction in ...
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Jul 22, 2009 ... I had no idea relay problems were so common on these vehicles. ... So, i am not the only one! I have a 1993 Volvo ... Tags 1993, 850, 93, 95, back, ...
Other years of Volvo 850
Are you having problems with your 1993 Volvo 850?
Sanford Armstrong 2024-09-28
This car is one of the best values we've ever purchased in a used car. However, after almost 5 years of ownership, I must say that it is bittersweet. While the maintenance costs are quite high, it is built like a tank and has the most comfortable seats I have ever experienced. On the highway, we get an impressive 27 mpg (imperial gallon)!
Wiley Bechtelar 2024-04-22
I recently purchased a car from a garage sale in Franklin, Tennessee for only $1,000! Although there were a few minor issues such as a missing left turn signal cover and some coffee stains, the car was in good condition overall. I did have to spend some time cleaning it when I got home, but it was worth it. Unfortunately, a few days after purchasing the car, I was involved in a minor accident when another driver turned in front of me. Despite the inconvenience, I remained calm and handled the situation appropriately.
Osbaldo Deckow 2024-03-05
Your 1993 Volvo 850 was in excellent condition when you bought it from a private party in 2000 with only 56,000 miles on it. Even now, at 85,000 miles, it still runs and looks great, almost like a late model. The engine burns no oil between changes and the ride is serene. Although it's not a performance vehicle, it's capable enough on both long and short trips. The seats are excellent and the rear seat fold down has been useful for the occasional long cargo. The brakes are excellent and gas mileage has been 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway. While driving this car is generally an enjoyable experience, the ride can be noticeably harsh on rough roads. The frequency of repair has been about average but can be expensive.