1998 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 1998 Volvo 940 problems
The Volvo 940, produced between 1991 and 1998, is known to have several common issues, particularly with the braking system, fuel system, engine, and exhaust system.
One of the most common issues reported with the 1996-1998 Volvo 940 models is with the car's braking system. Many drivers experienced problems with the car's brake pedal feeling soft or spongy, or with the car's brakes failing to engage properly. This was often caused by a malfunctioning brake master cylinder, which would fail to generate enough hydraulic pressure to engage the brakes. In some cases, the car's brake booster or calipers were also found to be defective, leading to similar issues.
Another issue that was commonly reported with the 1996-1998 Volvo 940 models is with the car's fuel system. Many drivers experienced problems with the car's fuel pump failing to operate properly, or with the car's fuel injectors becoming clogged or leaking. This was often caused by a faulty fuel pressure regulator, which would fail to regulate the flow of fuel to the engine properly. In some cases, the car's fuel filter or fuel pressure sensor was also found to be defective, leading to similar issues.
The 1996-1998 Volvo 940 models were also known to have issues with the car's engine. Many drivers reported problems with the car's engine misfiring or stalling, or with the car's power output feeling weak or sluggish. This was often caused by a faulty ignition coil, which would fail to generate enough voltage to spark the engine's fuel mixture properly. In some cases, the car's spark plugs or distributor cap were also found to be defective, leading to similar issues.
Finally, many drivers of the 1996-1998 Volvo 940 models reported issues with the car's exhaust system. The car was found to have a tendency to develop exhaust leaks, with drivers often experiencing a loud rattling noise coming from the car's muffler or exhaust pipes. This was often caused by a cracked or corroded exhaust manifold, which would allow exhaust gases to leak out of the system. In some cases, the car's catalytic converter or muffler was also found to be defective, leading to similar issues.
In addition to these common issues, the Volvo 940 is also known to have issues with rust, particularly in the jacking points, sill ends, and battery tray area. It is important for drivers to be aware of these issues so that they can take preventative measures and seek repairs as needed.
In summary, the Volvo 940 is known to have several common issues, particularly with the braking system, fuel system, engine, and exhaust system. It is important for drivers to be aware of these issues so that they can take preventative measures and seek repairs as needed.
How many miles do Volvo 940 last?
That being said, Volvo Cars is among the top brands when it comes to longevity. Among the factors mentioned above, regular maintenance and driving style can make a huge difference. Overall, expect to see your Volvo vehicle last for over 200,000 miles if you give it proper care each year.
Are Volvo 940s easy to work on?
Like all the other Volvos of that time period, the 940 was hard to kill and usually easy to fix once you became familiar with the car's weaknesses .
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 |
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 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 |
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's the difference between Volvo 940 and a 960?
In general terms, 960 trim is a step up from the equivalent 940; leather is standard on 960 GLEs, but you need to go for the top 940 CD for similar luxury The exceptions are the final 940 versions, which were really given a boost.
1998 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:
- Tires problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Volvo 940 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Volvo 940 complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Volvo 940.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-10
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: MICHELIN TIRES CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE AND HAS BEEN REPLACED MANY TIMES**NAR**CC THE CONSUMER STATED MOST OF THE TIRES SUFFERED TREAD SEPARATION. THE CONSUMER STATED MICHELIN HAS DISCONTINUED THE TIRES, WHICH LED HER TO BELIEVE THEY KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE FLAT TIRE THAT WAS REPAIRED WAS NOT DONE PROPERLY. THE PATCH WAS APPLIED WITHOUT BUFFING THE TIRE TO ENSURE THE REAPER WOULD ADHERE. UPDATED 06/06/07. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH THE CONSUMER WAS HIT NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE CONSUMER SUFFERED SOME MINOR ABRASIONS. CONTACTED DEALER. MR
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Volvo 940 problems:
740, 940 common problems
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