1992 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.
Social links
Common 1992 Volvo 940 problems
Based on the information gathered from various sources, here is a list of common problems reported by owners of the Volvo 940 1992:
- Transmission Overdrive Relay Failure:
- Owners have experienced issues with the transmission overdrive relay failing, leading to transmission problems.
- Fuel Pump Relay Failure:
- A common complaint is the failure of the fuel pump relay, resulting in starting issues and potential stalling of the engine.
- Mass Air Flow Sensor Failure:
- Engine stalling has been linked to mass air flow sensor failures, impacting the performance and reliability of the vehicle.
- Electrical Problems:
- Electrical issues, including problems with the automatic climate control system, power seats, power sunroof, power mirrors, mirror heaters, and rear defroster, have been reported.
- Air Conditioning System:
- Owners have faced challenges with the air conditioning system, with reports of leaking condensers and costly repairs associated with this component.
- Rust Issues:
- Rust in front frame members has been highlighted as a concern, requiring attention to prevent structural damage over time.
- Starting Problems:
- Intermittent starting difficulties have been noted, potentially caused by issues such as a blocked fuel filter, faulty fuel pump relay, or other related components.
- Timing Belt Maintenance:
- Ensuring proper maintenance of the timing belt is crucial, as failure to replace it when necessary can lead to significant engine issues.
- Exhaust System Leaks:
- Exhaust leaks at the rear flange or flex-joint of the catalytic converter have been identified as costly problems that owners should watch out for.
- General Maintenance:
- Regular maintenance, including checking for open service campaigns, verifying the vehicle's history with a Volvo Service department, and ensuring timely replacements of critical components like the timing belt, is essential to prevent major issues.
By addressing these common problems proactively and staying vigilant about maintenance and repairs, Volvo 940 1992 owners can enhance the longevity and performance of their vehicles.
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.
What is the top speed of the 1992 Volvo 940?
Specs
- Engine Specifications.
- Engine Configuration. 2.3 I4.
- Engine Type. Petrol.
- Drive Type. RWD.
- Transmission. Manual, 4-speed.
- Power. 121 kW (165 hp)
- Top Speed. 210 km/h.
- Acceleration 0-100km/h. 9.1 s.
What is the mpg on a 1992 Volvo 940 GL?
Based on data from 7 vehicles, 208 fuel-ups and 57,060 miles of driving, the 1992 Volvo 940 gets a combined Avg MPG of 21.31 with a 0.72 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 0 outliers (0.00%) removed.
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.
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.
What engine did the Volvo 940 have?
Engines
| Model | Engine code | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 940/960 | B230GT | 1991–1994 |
| B230GK | 1995–1998 | |
| 940 GLT 2.3 16V | B234F | 1991–1992 |
| B234G | 1991–1992 |
What is the top speed of the 1992 Volvo 940?
Specs
- Engine Specifications.
- Engine Configuration. 2.3 I4.
- Engine Type. Petrol.
- Drive Type. RWD.
- Transmission. Manual, 4-speed.
- Power. 121 kW (165 hp)
- Top Speed. 210 km/h.
- Acceleration 0-100km/h. 9.1 s.
What is the fuel consumption of a Volvo 940?
33 - 35 mpgVolvo 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 |
1992 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
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Volvo 940 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1992 Volvo 940 complaints
The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Volvo 940.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: YV1JS8832NA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN IN A 1992 VOLVO 940 GL WITH 180,000 FAILURE MILEAGE WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR AND PUSHED HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, AND THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE AND WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE CONTACT WILL CALL THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER CONCERNING THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING. *AK UPDATED 05/21/07. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-19
- VIN: YV1JS8834N3
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DRIVER SUSTAINED ABRASIONS AND CHEMICAL SKIN BURNS TO BOTH ARMS WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. *PH *MR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YV1JS870XN3
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED.*AK IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE FLYWHEEL BROKE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS DIFFICULT TO GET THE VEHICLE TO START DURING COLD WEATHER. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE ONLY PROBLEM THE DEALER FOUND WAS THAT THE HEATER WAS BLOWING COLD AIR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT. *NM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-29
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THIS MODEL BRIDGESTONE TIRE IS NOT CURRENTLY INCLUDED IN BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE RECALL, BUT CLEARLY SHOULD BE. THIS TIRE SEPARATED, LUCKILY, AT LOW SPEED. HOWEVER, THE PREVIOUS THREE DAYS, I HAD DRIVEN AT 70 MPH FOR 1 TO 2 HOURS ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS. THIS COMPANY CLEARLY HAS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR ENGINEERING/MANUFACTURING PROCESSES AT ALL PLANTS AND WITH ALL TIRES. THEY ARE CLEARLY PUTTING MY SAFETY, MY FAMILY'S SAFETY AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC'S SAFETY AT RISK.( DOT NUMBER: EM&KDLF178 TIRE SIZE: 55HR16 )
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YV1JS8835N3
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-29
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE PARKING VEHICLE SOMETHING SPARKED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO JERK AND ACCELERATE. WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED- BRAKE'S VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING,CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO RUN INTO A TREE. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHEN IT RAINS THE VEHICLE IS HARD TO START OR WILL NOT START AT ALL.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: YV1JS8833N3
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER HAS HAD TO HAVE COOLANT ADDED EVERY YEAR IF NOT TWICE A YEAR SINCE PURCHASE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-08
- VIN: YV1JS8834NA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING A 40 MPH HEAD-ON COLLISION.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-08
- VIN: YV1JS8834NA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING 40-45 MPH COLLISION.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-27
- VIN: YE1J58835N1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DEFECTIVE DRIVER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WILL NOT LATCH, WONT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *AK *SLC
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A 30 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE GIVE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: YV1JW8707N3
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: THIRD BRAKE LIGHT HAS BEEN ADDED AS AN AFTERTHOUGHT; IT IS POORLY SECURED TO TRIM PANEL AND NOT SECURED AT ALL TO REAR WINDOW. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-28
- VIN: YV1JS8833N1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN FAILS TO WORK USUALLY WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-25
- VIN: YV1JS8832N1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE NOT EQUIPPED WITH INTERLOCK SYSTEM, ALLOWING TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIFTED WITHOUT KEY IN IGNITION. *SKD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-28
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: KEY CAN COME OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN THE CAR IS NOT IN PARK. TT
Negative 1992 Volvo 940 car reviews
Positive 1992 Volvo 940 car reviews
-
Your father bought this car back in 1992 when it was new. It has proven to be a great car, and it only has 92,000 miles on it, with many more to go. Although acceleration is a little on the slow side, the power of the engine is overwhelming. You still get compliments on it!
-
I bought this car brand new in Germany back in 1992. I had the pleasure of driving it on the Autobahn for over a year and it was an absolute joy. I even managed to hit a speed of 110 MPH and it handled like a dream, just like a Mercedes Benz. I was even able to pass Mercedes Benz cars going uphill all the time! 😜
-
Your dad made a great choice when he bought his 940GL two years ago with 114,000 miles. It's amazing that the previous owner took such good care of the car, and your dad has been lucky enough to not have to replace anything, not even the brake pads, since he bought it. The car has never left him stranded during his 40-mile commute to work, and the ride is truly unsurpassed. It's impressive to hear that this car outshines even your '90 240DL.
-
The B230F 4 cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection was purchased new from Volvo. The car gets 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. It has a driver's side airbag and side impact protection. Despite its box-like exterior, which most Volvo purists enjoy, and plain but functional interior, the car has been a pleasure to own.
-
This is my eighth Volvo. I bought it with 126,000 miles and now it has 132,000 miles. I am always pleased with the comfort of Volvos. They are just as reliable as a Mercedes, but cost half as much to maintain. I plan on keeping this one for many years and will definitely own more in the future.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1992 Volvo 940 problems:
940 - 945 Turbo - Common Problems? | Turbobricks - The Volvo ...
Aug 8, 2014 ... Are we talking about a 1993 945 Turbo Wagon? 740 production ended in 1992.
Q&A: 1992 Volvo 940 Non-Turbo - Common Issues & Solutions
Nov 30, 2010 ... Hello, the problem is most likely the throttle valve cable. There is a cable that comes off your throttle assembly that runs to the transmission ...
1992 Volvo 940 Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Problem with your 1992 Volvo 940? Our list of 8 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1992 Volvo 940.
1992 940 gl problems - Volvo Forums - Volvo Enthusiasts Forum
Dec 10, 2009 ... Volvo 240, 740 & 940 - 1992 940 gl problems - I have owned a 1992 940 gl volvo for two years now, its been a great car until yesterday.
740, 940 common problems
May 14, 2021 ... Check for info on Brickboard site for more info on red block Volvos. volvolugnut. The Fleet: Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 ...
Other years of Volvo 940
Are you having problems with your 1992 Volvo 940?
Cicero Hills 2024-09-26
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!
Kenny Smitham 2024-06-16
Experienced several mechanical issues.
Colten Padberg 2024-04-19
It's great to hear that you've had this car for 2 years and it's been treating you well! Regular maintenance is key to keeping any car in good condition, and it sounds like you've been doing a great job with that. It's normal to need to replace parts on an older car, like the tires, window regulator, and switches you mentioned. As long as you keep up with the maintenance, this car should continue to serve you well. It's good to hear that you enjoy driving it, even if you could use a bit more power. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!