1992 Volvo 944 problems

General information about Volvo-944
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls 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.

Social links

Common 1992 Volvo 944 problems

The Porsche 944, a beloved classic car, is known for its unique position in the Porsche lineage and its blend of classic Porsche DNA with a more modern approach to sports car design. However, owning a Porsche 944 comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to maintenance and understanding common issues.

One of the most common issues with the Porsche 944 is engine concerns, specifically oil and coolant leaks. Regular checks for puddles or drips under the vehicle are essential, as common leak points include the oil pan gasket, front and rear crank seals, head cover gasket, coolant hoses, and water pump.

Another issue specific to the Porsche 944 is the timing belt. If the timing belt fails, the pistons and valves will smash into one another, potentially resulting in expensive damage. Post 1987 models have an automatic tensioning device built in, but the first batch of cars requires an expensive proprietary tool to tension the belt. Belts on 944s should be changed every 28,000 miles, and the job can cost at least £300.

Engine mounts often fail on the exhaust side, resulting in excess vibration at idle. This issue is particularly common on the Porsche 944.

When purchasing a Porsche 944, it is important to avoid anything that has been extensively modified. Wheels should be Porsche items, and any evidence of spoiler kits or aftermarket paint jobs should be given a wide berth. A complete maintenance record is essential, as the 944 has an interference engine. If the timing belt fails, the pistons and valves will smash into one another, potentially resulting in expensive damage. Post 1987 models have an automatic tensioning device built in, but the first batch of cars requires an expensive proprietary tool to tension the belt. Belts on 944s should be changed every 28,000 miles, and the job can cost at least £300.

In conclusion, while the Porsche 944 is a desirable classic car, it is not without its common issues. Regular maintenance and checks are essential to keep the car running smoothly. When purchasing a Porsche 944, it is important to avoid modified cars, look for a complete maintenance record, and be aware of the potential for expensive engine repairs if the timing belt fails.

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.

How long will a Volvo 850 last?

Some Volvo 850 owners have said that the 850 is a reliable vehicle that can last up to 300,000 to 400,000 miles as long as you take care of it.

Are Volvos reliable after 100k miles?

Volvo is known for its safety and durability, so a well-maintained model could still have a lot of life left in it even at 100,000 miles. Here's what you should consider: Maintenance History: A well-documented service history is a good sign. It shows the car has been cared for properly.

Why do Volvo engines last so long?

That adds up to about two decades of driving. So, why do Volvos last so long? Volvo engineering has been designed to go the extra mile – and Volvo drivers can attest to that. Between their durable builds and high-quality materials, these vehicles are the kind that you can truly depend on, year after year.

Is the Volvo 850 engine reliable?

According to reports from owners, the 850 can go over 200,000 miles with little to no problems. Some owners have shared that the 850 can go up to 300,000 to 400,000 miles as long as you take care of it by keeping up with its maintenance and service schedule.

How long will a Volvo 940 last?

Do Volvo engines last long?

So long as regular maintenance schedules are followed, a Volvo vehicle will on average last for 20 years. can also vary depending on the make and year of your Volvo. That being said, with the proper care the average lifespan of a Volvo is typically 20 years with over 200,000 miles.

What model Volvo was most reliable?

The following Volvo models are often ranked as the most reliable:

S60.
V60.
V70.
XC40.
XC60.
XC90.

1992 Volvo 944 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo 944 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Volvo 944 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1992 Volvo 944 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Volvo 944.

1997-05-28

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
VIN: YV1JS8833NA
Components: STEERING
Summary: STEERING RACK BINDS AT ELEVEN OCLOCK POSITION, EXTRA EFFORT REQUIRED TO TURN LEFT.

Add Complaint

1992 Volvo 944 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1992 Volvo 944.

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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1992 Volvo 944 problems:

Is the volvo 940 a good first car? : r/Volvo

https://www.reddit.com/r/Volvo/comments/ws6d3l/is_the_volvo_940_a_good_first_car/

Aug 19, 2022 ... They're old, so rust and loose suspension bushings are very common problems. Otherwise the b230 is an extremely robust engine, if with the m90 ...

How reliable are 850's?

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=97042

Apr 25, 2021 ... ... 1992-2000 ... Some common problems are bad valve stem seals, clogged pcv and bad piston rings. ... 1993 Volvo 944 D24TIC M46 - SOLD 1994 Volvo ...

How reliable are the 960's? | SwedeSpeed - Volvo Performance ...

https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/how-reliable-are-the-960s.22122/

May 29, 2004 ... ... problems with it, the AC (like all Volvos ... 1992 Volvo 960 $6,950 87,291 Volvo of Nashville Sedan green 698 mi. ... engine, transmission replaced ...

New Axle Stuck in Transmission

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=87130

Oct 24, 2018 ... seems to be a common problem with new aftermarket axles. ... 91 944 Turbo 175k … ... I don't recall if this occurs on volvos though (definitely on ...