Volvo 900 problems

General information about Volvo 900
Volvo 900 years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Volvo 900 Series is a range of executive cars produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1990 to 1998. The 900 Series was introduced in 1990 to replace the 700 Series from which it derived. Prior to the end of its production, the 960 was renamed as the Volvo S90 (saloon) and Volvo V90 (estate), and the 940 was renamed 940 Classic, becoming the last rear-wheel-drive cars from Volvo, until the 2023 Volvo XC40.

Visible differences between the 700 and the 900 Series included redesigned rear styling of the saloon models (late 700 estates and early 900 estates are visually identical). The 960 was introduced in 1991 along with a new family of modular engines, and then was substantially revised for the 1995 model year, improving the handling. The range was augmented by the new Volvo 850 in 1991. The last of the 900s was sold in 1998. Some 900 Series were built as chassis for ambulances and hearses after the main production run had been completed.

Volvo 940

Introduced in September 1990, the 940 was essentially a cosmetic reskin of the 740 aside from the completely redesigned rear from the C pillar back on the sedan. The new, taller trunk did diminish rearward vision but provided a larger opening to a larger boot than on the 700-series. The dashboard and seats were all new, offering a bit more headroom and the option of an integrated child booster seat in the rear. All drivetrains, and most options available in the 940 had been available in the 740, with the exception of the 780 Coupé. The 940 was more closely related to the 740 than the 760, sharing similar drivetrain choices and sheet metal from the A-pillar forward. In contrast, the 960 was an evolution of the 760. The 760 / 960 front sheet metal, independent rear suspension, dashboard, and other interior features were all exclusive to the two upscale models. The 940 estate, introduced in May 1991, was almost identical to its 740 estate predecessor.

The engines options were carried over from the 740, with 8-valve 2-litre (B200) and 2.3-litre (B230) four cylinder gasoline engines, either naturally aspirated or turbocharged, as well as the familiar 2.4-litre Volkswagen six-cylinder diesel and turbodiesels being fitted. There were also 16-valve versions of the gasoline engines fitted on some 1991 and 1992 models (B204, B234, naturally aspirated). The 2-litre 16-valve engine was fitted to the 940 base model in Italy at the time of introduction, to mark it being a step up from the 740. After the 740 was discontinued, the eight-valve engine found its way into the 940 as well. The 2.3-litre turbocharged version produces 165 PS (121 kW); Volvo sold a chip tuning kit called Turbo+ which boosted the power to 190 PS (140 kW).

In 1994, gasoline engine range was limited to 2.3 engines in Britain, but the 2.0-litre engines remained available in markets with tight tax limits, such as Italy, Belgium, and Portugal. A low-pressure turbocharged version of the B230, the B230FK, debuted in 1994 – maximum power was only up slightly over the B230FB, from 131 to 135 PS (96 to 99 kW), but torque increased throughout the range and there was virtually no turbo lag due to the small size of the charger. The 155 PS (114 kW) turbocharged 2.0 was first presented in February 1991. Originally intended for Italy and other markets with significant taxation thresholds at two litres, it was later also installed in the British-market 940 SE. The most commonly found engines on 940s were the naturally aspirated B230FB with 131 PS (96 kW) (all markets but US), B230FD with 115 PS (85 kW) (mainly for the US market), the turbocharged B230FK and FT, and the D24TIC diesel engine with 116 PS (85 kW). The share of sales for the turbodiesel were much lower for the 900-series than in earlier years.

Engines were fitted with either a 5-speed (M47) or 4-speed+overdrive (M46) manual gearbox or an automatic transmission, either Aisin-Warner AW70/71/72 (3-speed+overdrive) or ZF 4HP22 (4-speed) for some B230FB (or E) and diesel engines. In 1995, the manual gearbox was replaced with a full 5-speed (M90), and the ZF was abandoned for gasoline engines and fitted only on diesels.

The SE emblem denoted very different trim and engine levels in different countries. In Sweden, the 940 SE was an ordinary non-turbo 940 with some optional extras as standard, most notably painted mirrors and bumpers. In the UK it was a high trim level available with all engines (from 2.0 to 2.3 turbo). In Australia, the 940 SE was a high trim level with only the 2.3 Turbo B230FT with some extras as standard and featured, rather unusually, full painted bumpers. In Thailand the 940 SE was a Turbo (LPT) model with leather seats, ABS brakes and SRS Airbag. In the US, the 940 SE utilised the body from the 960 (different dashboard, firewall, hood, recessed windscreen wipers etc) with the four-cylinder B230FT engine, the 940 SE badge presumably chosen by Volvo in order to maintain the link between name and number of cylinders.

From MY 1993 on, in Italy all 940 estates were badged "Polar" (engine B200F) or "Super Polar" (engine B200FT). Towards the end of the model cycle, certain countries (as Sweden, Germany and Switzerland) received a well equipped, limited series badged "Classic". Production of the 940 series extended from 1990 to 1998 with a total of 246,704 units of sedan and 231,677 units of estate. The Volvo 940 is among the last in the long-running line of rear-wheel drive cars from Volvo.

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Volvo 900 model years

900 1996

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900 1995

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Common Volvo 900 problems

Volvo 900 cars, produced between 1992 and 1998, are known for their durability and safety features. However, like any other vehicle, they can experience common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the issues that Volvo 900 owners have reported:

Fuel Injection Relay: The main fuel pump relay in 1978-1985 240 models can be troublesome, causing intermittent stalls and hard starting. This issue is often caused by a failed pre-pump in the gas tank, which overworks the main fuel pump and causes excessive amperage that overheats the circuit.

Worn Air Intake Hose & Air Box Thermostats: 240 models with Bosch LH electronic fuel injection have a large plastic accordion-style intake hose that connects the air mass meter to the intake manifold. This hose can wear out, causing air leaks and affecting engine performance.

Transmission Failure: At around 101,000 miles, some Volvo 900 owners have reported transmission failure, with strange noises and complete failure occurring while driving. Replacing the transmission can cost an average of $3,500, with additional repairs needed in some cases.

Engine Coolant Leaks: Engine coolant leaking into the passenger compartment is a common problem in Volvo 900 cars, often caused by a leaking heater valve or heater core. This issue can lead to engine overheating and damage if not addressed promptly.

Steering & Suspension Issues: Volvo 900 owners have reported issues with steering and suspension, including clunking noises, worn suspension bushes, and incorrect tracking. These issues can affect the car's handling and safety, and should be addressed promptly.

Electrical Problems: Electrical issues, such as CEM failure, can affect the operation of various components in Volvo 900 cars, including the dashboard clocks, brake lights, and interior features. These issues can be difficult to diagnose and repair, and may require the assistance of a professional.

In summary, while Volvo 900 cars are known for their durability and safety features, they can still experience common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include flame trap system problems, fuel injection relay failure, worn air intake hose and air box thermostats, transmission failure, engine coolant leaks, steering and suspension issues, and electrical problems. Owners of Volvo 900 cars should be aware of these issues and address them promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of their vehicles.

What is the most common problem with Volvos?

Troubleshooting Cooling Fan Issues:

Engine overheating remains one of the most common problems with Volvo cars. But as mentioned previously, this doesn't have to be a costly repair. Typically this comes down to preventative maintenance.

What are common faults on the Volvo XC90?

Several owners praised the XC90 for its dependable performance, noting few issues within the first years of ownership. However, others reported recurring problems, including faulty warning lights, electronic glitches and drivetrain malfunctions. These issues sometimes led to costly repairs.

Is the Volvo 4 cylinder engine reliable?

They have been built to last: Volvo cars often break the coveted 300,000-mile mark. One of the most common engines from the VEA family is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

What year did the Volvo XC70 have transmission problems?

Aside from the 2012 Volvo XC70, the 2003-2008 and 2010-2012 model years could also develop transmission shifting problems.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Volvo 900 years

We have researched Volvo problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volvo 900 cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Volvo 900 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volvo 900 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Volvo 900 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Volvo 900 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Volvo 900 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Seats problems
Equipment problems
Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Volvo 900 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volvo 900 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volvo 900 vehicles.

List of Volvo 900 complaints

Volvo 900 1995

Date Of Incident: 2000-01-01
Date Complaint: 2001-01-10
VIN: YV1KW9614S1
Components: SEATS
Summary: THE HEATED FRONT SEAT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE GETS SO HOT THAT I HAVE TO TURN IT OFF. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN A BURNING SMELL. I TOOK THIS VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND(BARRY TEL# 401847 5600. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID THAT HE SEEN A NU

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