1991 Volvo 940 problems
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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Common 1991 Volvo 940 problems
The Volvo 940, produced between 1991 and 1998, is known for its safety and durability. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common issues. Here are some of the problems reported by owners of the 1991 Volvo 940:
- Electrical system issues: One of the most common problems reported with the 1991 Volvo 940 is related to the car's electrical system. Many owners have experienced issues with the battery draining quickly, even when the car is not in use. This is often caused by a faulty alternator, which fails to charge the battery properly.
- Brake issues: The 1991 Volvo 940 also has reported problems with the brakes. Many owners have experienced issues with the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy, or with the brakes failing to engage properly. This is often caused by a malfunctioning brake booster, which fails to amplify the force applied to the pedal. In some cases, the brake master cylinder is also found to be defective, leading to similar issues.
- Transmission issues: The 1991 Volvo 940 has reported problems with the transmission, including slipping and failing to shift gears properly. This is often caused by a faulty transmission control module, which fails to communicate with the car's sensors and other components. In some cases, the transmission itself is found to be defective, leading to similar issues.
- Suspension issues: Many owners of the 1991 Volvo 940 have reported issues with the car's suspension system. The car is found to have a tendency to develop a rough ride, with the suspension feeling overly firm or bouncy. This is often caused by worn-out shocks and struts, which fail to absorb the bumps and vibrations of the road. In some cases, the car's suspension bushings are also found to be defective, leading to similar issues.
- Engine issues: Some owners of the 1991 Volvo 940 have reported issues with the engine, including misfiring at high RPMs. This is often caused by a clogged catalytic converter, which restricts the flow of exhaust gases and can lead to a loss of power.
In summary, the 1991 Volvo 940 has several common issues, including problems with the electrical system, brakes, transmission, suspension, and engine. It is important for drivers to be aware of these issues so that they can take preventative measures and seek repairs as needed.
How long will a Volvo 940 last?
Many 940s get 300k-500k miles without an engine overhaul. If you like the practicality & safety of Volvo rear wheel drive cars then do consider a nice 1994-1995 940. If you need to carry loads get a wagon. If you need to tow then get a turbo.
Is the Volvo 940 a classic?
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.
What is the fuel consumption of a Volvo 940?
33 - 35 mpg
Volvo 940 Estate (1990 - 1998) Specifications
| Power | 111 - 190 bhp |
|---|---|
| 0 - 60 mph | 8.7 - 11.2 secs |
| Fuel Economy | 33 - 35 mpg |
| Insurance Group | - How much to insure? |
| Road Tax | £325 |
What is the top speed of the Volvo 940?
| Volvo 940 2.3i Performance | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed : | 112 Mph / 180 km/h |
| Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) : | 12.0 s |
How long will a Volvo 940 last?
Many 940s get 300k-500k miles without an engine overhaul. If you like the practicality & safety of Volvo rear wheel drive cars then do consider a nice 1994-1995 940. If you need to carry loads get a wagon. If you need to tow then get a turbo.
Is the Volvo 940 a classic?
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.
What is the fuel consumption of a Volvo 940?
33 - 35 mpg
Volvo 940 Estate (1990 - 1998) Specifications
| Power | 111 - 190 bhp |
|---|---|
| 0 - 60 mph | 8.7 - 11.2 secs |
| Fuel Economy | 33 - 35 mpg |
| Insurance Group | - How much to insure? |
| Road Tax | £325 |
Why wont my Volvo 940 turn over?
A dead engine has three possible culprits: mechanical, electrical, or fuel. No or little noise on ignition "Start": Does the battery put out 12 volts? Also clean cable ends and contact surfaces. Other possibilities are the starter solenoid and ignition switch.
1991 Volvo 940 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo 940 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Seats problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Volvo 940 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Volvo 940 complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Volvo 940.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-08
- VIN: YV1KA8748M0
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS NHTSA RECALL 91V010000 CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP. THIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AT THIS TIME. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND SLOWING DOWN, SUDDENLY THE IDLE SPEED DROP SO LOW WHERE IT WILL CHOKE UP. DEALER CONTACTED.*JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-01
- VIN: YV1JA8747M3
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER FOR RECALL 91V010000, BUT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE VEHICLE REPAIRED BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMAS MENTIONED IN RECALL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-06
- VIN: YV1KA8755M0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER, THE AIRBAG SENSOR ON THIS VEHICLE CAN FAIL FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THEREBY DISABLING THE AIRBAG. IN OTHER WORDS, THE AIRBAG ON THIS VEHICLE IS NOT A RELIABLE SAFETY DEVICE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YV1KA8746M0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO RECEIVE RECALL REPAIR (97V-166) DUE TO SCHEDULING PROBLEMS AND INABILITY TO GET VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. MJS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-12
- VIN: YV1JA8757M3
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WHEN SHE NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR (SRS LIGHT) WAS ILLUMINATED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SENSORS WERE GONE. TO REPLACE THE PART IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $1,100 PLUS $200 TO INSTALL. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-05
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YV1KA8740M0
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVERS SEAT WARMING ELEMENT SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV1JA8752M2
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN THE ACCIDENT. *AK CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. *SLC
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
- VIN: YV1JA895XM1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: HATCHBACK CLOSES WITHOUT WARNING, DUE TO WORN OUT HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS. *DSH
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-06
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YV1KA8740M0
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SEAT HEATER ELEMENT CAUGHT FIRE. *SD
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-18
- Fire: 1
- VIN: YV1KA8741M0
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: ELECTRICAL BOX IN SEAT SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE. *DSH
1991 Volvo 940 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1991 Volvo 940.
- 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.
Negative 1991 Volvo 940 car reviews
Positive 1991 Volvo 940 car reviews
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This is my first car, but it's not the only one I drive on a regular basis. The turning circle is awesome, and the car starts every time. The engine is okay once the turbo spools, but it's fairly weak before that. The interior is comfortable, but it needs cup holders. While the car isn't what one might refer to as beautiful, it doesn't look bad and it keeps you from getting noticed. The handling is decent, with a bit more body roll than I'd like, but it's 13 years old already. Understeer is controllable, and the limited slip rear diff is really useful. I've had few mechanical issues, even with 170k miles.
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You made a great choice by purchasing the car, even though it needed an engine. As a Volvo mechanic, you saw the potential in it and now you have one of the coolest looking wagons around, despite its age. It's amazing that it won BEST in show at a Volvo show and got noticed at the dragstrip with a 1/4 mile time of 15.5 @ 89 mph. While the suspension and brakes may not be as good as your other Volvo 83 244 T, overall it's a good car.
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The 940 has always been a joy to drive. It holds the road extremely well and has a great deal of power for acceleration. The passenger cabin is large and well-appointed, while the trunk is very spacious. The standard Volvo trunk to passenger cabin has been extremely useful many times for transporting sailing booms, skis, lumber and other long items!
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I love this car! I purchased it used in 1994 with only 30K miles and it has been with me through thick and thin ever since. For 12 years, it cost me next to nothing to maintain, just the typical oil, filter, and other standard items. Even now, at 29 years old, it still runs like a dream. I've replaced almost every element in the car, including the transmission, which was damaged due to a bad radiator, but it was worth it to keep this beauty on the road. The locking differential in the rear is amazing in the snow, and even with all-weather tires, I've never gotten stuck. The car looks stately and has a tremendous amount of room, with a pass-through for the trunk that's great for loading long items. Although I've had other cars since then, including three other Volvos, this one is by far my favorite. I finally replaced the factory-installed Alpine radio about a year ago, so now I can listen to tunes from my phone. Gas mileage isn't great, but on the road, I can usually get about 21 mpg (premium fuel). I hope to get another 10 years of usage out of it, but if it died tomorrow, I would be fulfilled with the time spent.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Volvo 940 problems:
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Other years of Volvo 940
Are you having problems with your 1991 Volvo 940?
Elton Koss 2024-10-14
There are numerous issues with the car, including non-functional features made from sub-standard and weak plastic, broken switches, control devices, safety devices, performance devices, electronics, and door-panel fasteners. The tail-light assemblies are coming apart, and the ABS plastic sub-assemblies are cracking and falling apart. The brake rotors are rusted into place, and the car has poor handling, making it difficult and dangerous to drive and park. Additionally, only one of the six speakers works, and the seat-belt buckles are broken. The heated seats shrunk the leather and then quit. However, the radio still works. As someone who has been building and restoring British cars and the occasional Mercedes for over 45 years, I have never been inspired to write about the faults I've found until I bought the Volvo. I have talked to Volvo owners, repair shops, and even the dealership, and they have all recounted horror stories about bad Volvo design and excessively high prices for both parts and service.With many things impossible to repair, necessitating replacement of whole components at great expense, it can be frustrating to own a car. Unfortunately, some American brands, such as Dodge, rival Volvo for high-cost and excessive breakdowns. The distributer adjustment/clamping bolts are nearly impossible to get a wrench on, and there is no way to see them as they are located about one inch from the firewall. Loosening the three adjustment nuts took about an hour of trying one wrench shape after another. However, bad design is not unique to Volvo. For example, the automatic transmission shifter assembly is a 'Rube Goldberg' like contraption that guarantees inaccurate shifts and difficulty in finding any one gear. Despite these challenges, it is important to remember that with patience and perseverance, any car can be maintained. And did you know that the correct bulb was only used in this one place? It had a glass envelope that was only 1 or 2 hundredths of an inch narrower than the standard bulb, with the same base and overall design. You couldn't even see where it was going into the assembly, and you had to use only one finger from each hand to carefully try to push upward into an unseen hole - not even visible with the use of a small mirror. By the way, the dealership said to just replace the entire assembly (should only cost about $1,000 parts and labor). I finally found the correct bulb (2 for $3.99) by chance, as the dealership had no clue and no part number either! So, getting back to the sloppy Volvo shifter assembly, on my car all four bushings were missing! I guess the last time the transmission was rebuilt (twice in roughly 170,000 miles) the Volvo 'expert' forgot to install the bushings, or couldn't get them. I made all four rather than buying the over-priced and very hard to get bushings - and when I was done with my car, I did my neighbor's Volvo too (a 1990 700 series wagon). Both cars now shift the way they are supposed to. Oh, the adjustment for my Volvo slipped once (due to my rough shifting?) and necessitated getting under the car yet again to re-adjust and tighten, etc. Thank God, now it doesn't start!
Adam Jacobi 2024-07-01
We purchased a '91 940 Turbo from a family friend who took excellent care of their cars, and we have continued with regular maintenance. While it is a heavy car, which can be hard on gas and acceleration, it is also very safe. Unfortunately, it was difficult to drive when gas prices were high. Currently, there are a few things that need attention, such as the interior roof covering that is falling apart and the odometer that stopped working at 160k. Additionally, the turbo is stuck on, and I have experienced some engine problems that have left me stranded a few times in the past few months. The engine now dies at 50+mph, apparently from a blown converter. Despite these issues, I still love the look and design of this early 90s Volvo. However, I have decided to sell it as it is no longer worth the money to repair.
Ramiro Schaden 2024-01-24
Experienced several mechanical issues.