Volvo 944 problems

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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.

photo of Volvo 944 car production

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Volvo 944 model years

volvo 944 1992 photo
944 1992
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Common Volvo 944 problems

Based on the sources provided, here are the common problems reported by owners of the Volvo 944:

  1. Engine Problems:
    • Lack of Power
    • Rough Idle
    • Misfires
    • Engine Stalling
    • Oil Leaks
  2. Transmission Problems:
    • Failure to Shift Gears
    • Slipping Gears
    • Transmission Overheating
  3. Suspension Problems:
    • Worn Shock Absorbers
    • Broken Springs
    • Loose Steering
  4. Electrical Problems:
    • Battery Drain
    • Failed Alternator
    • Malfunctioning Dashboard Instruments
  5. Fuel System Problems:
    • Fuel Pump Failure
    • Clogged Fuel Filter
    • Fuel Injector Issues
  6. Cooling System Problems:
    • Overheating
    • Coolant Leaks
    • Failed Thermostat
  7. Braking System Problems:
    • Spongy Brake Pedal
    • Brake Fluid Leaks
    • Failed Brake Calipers

These issues can affect the performance and reliability of the Volvo 944. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these common problems can help owners keep their Volvo 944 running smoothly.

Volvo 944

Are Porsche 944 reliable?

These cars can and will be very reliable as long as you carry out regular maintenance and don't cut corners. With the 944 also gaining value incredibly quickly in recent years, there's been no better time to buy and enjoy yourself an affordable way into classic Porsche ownership.

How long do Porsche 944 engines last?

300,000 miles

Best Answer. I have seen these with well over 300,000 miles on the original engine, without a rebuild. As long as you look after it and use it properly, you shouldn't need to rebuild it soon. Of course, you have no idea how previous owners may have treated it.

What is the best year for 944 Porsche?

Keep in mind that the latest model year you can afford, with a good service history and condition, is the best option. The mid-1985 "oval" dash upgrade and the 1989 engine increase to 2.7 liters, for example, greatly improved the car's interior and performance.

What to know before buying a 944?

Things to look for when buying a Porsche 944:

  • 944 Engine: Check the history file for engine work. ...
  • 944 Transmission: The transaxles do whine. ...
  • 944 Steering, brakes and suspension: Some 944's were non-power-assisted and vague steering could indicate a worn rack. ...
  • 944 Body: ...
  • 944 Air Con:

Percentage distribution of complaints by Volvo 944 years

We have researched Volvo problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volvo 944 cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Volvo 944 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volvo 944 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Volvo 944 years

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

Volvo 944 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Volvo 944 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Volvo 944 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volvo 944 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volvo 944 vehicles.

List of Volvo 944 complaints

Volvo 944 1992
  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
  • Date Complaint: 1997-05-28
  • VIN: YV1JS8833NA
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: STEERING RACK BINDS AT ELEVEN OCLOCK POSITION, EXTRA EFFORT REQUIRED TO TURN LEFT.

Recalls Volvo 944

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Volvo 944.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Volvo 944 1992
  • Report Received Date: 1995-05-25
  • Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
  • Summary: THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING GUIDE (B-PILLAR "D" RING) CAN BREAK UNDER HEAVY LOADS.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN REDUCE THE RESTRAINING CAPABILITIES OF THE SAFETY BELT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE METAL PLATE WHICH IS PART OF THE WEBBING GUIDE ("D" RING) IN THE UPPER SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE FOR BOTH FRONT SEATING POSITIONS.

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