Volvo 964 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
Volvo 964 model years
Common Volvo 964 problems
The Volvo 960 is a luxury sedan that was produced from 1990 to 1998, and it is known for its safety, reliability, and comfort. However, like any other car, it is not immune to problems and issues that can arise over time. Here are some of the common problems with the Volvo 960, based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Gas Smell After Fillup: Another common problem with the Volvo 960 is a strong gas smell right after filling the car up, which seems to come through the vents and lasts for about 5 minutes. This problem happened to Tom Irwin when he first got his 95 960. The cause of this problem is a rigid plastic pipe that ties into the fill neck, behind the opening where you stick the nozzle. It is only accessible from underneath and by tearing out the lining on the left side of the trunk. It cracks and is not visible from above.
- Engine Problems: The Volvo 960 is known to have several engine problems, such as intake manifold gasket leaks, head gasket leaks, fuel rail leakage, charcoal vapor canister replacement, and coolant loss. The intake manifold gasket and head gasket can leak, causing coolant to mix with oil. The fuel rail can leak, causing gasoline to leak from the fuel injector. The charcoal vapor canister can leak, causing a gas smell in the car. Coolant loss can be due to a faulty coolant reservoir cap or a leak behind the water pump. The oil cooler fitting can also leak, causing oil to leak from the engine.
- Transmission Problems: The Volvo 960 is known to have transmission problems, such as automatic transmission questions, transmission won't restart, and flashing transmission lights. The automatic transmission can have problems with shifting, slipping, or not engaging. The transmission can also have problems with the wiring harness, causing the transmission lights to flash.
- Driveline Noise: The Volvo 960 is known to have driveline noise, which can be caused by a failing grease seal at the rear of the driveshaft. This problem can cause a grinding or growling noise when accelerating or decelerating.
- Air Conditioning Failure: The Volvo 960 is known to have air conditioning failure, which can be caused by a faulty air conditioning compressor or a leak in the air conditioning system. This problem can cause the air conditioning to blow warm air or not work at all.
- Coolant Replacement: The Volvo 960 is known to have coolant replacement problems, with many reports of leaking, porous blocks appearing in Volvo enthusiast sites such as Brickboard. Many of these failures are in low mileage, late model B6304 engines. Consensus opinion is that these are due to failure to change coolant regularly and to use the proper coolant.
In summary, the Volvo 960 is a reliable and safe car, but it is not immune to problems and issues that can arise over time. Some of the common problems with the Volvo 960 include exhaust manifold pipes, gas smell after fillup, engine problems, transmission problems, driveline noise, air conditioning failure, and coolant replacement. Owners of the Volvo 960 should be aware of these common problems and take preventive measures to avoid them.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Volvo 964 years
We have researched Volvo problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volvo 964 cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Volvo 964 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volvo 964 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Volvo 964 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Volvo 964 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Volvo 964 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Structure problems
- Tires problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Volvo 964 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volvo 964 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volvo 964 vehicles.
List of Volvo 964 complaints
Volvo 964 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-07
- Date Complaint: 2005-08-20
- VIN: YV1KW9510R1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I DRIVE VOLVO 960 STATION WAGON, 1994. I HAVE HAD 2 EPISODES OF THE CAR SUDDENLY LOSING SPEED ON THE FREEWAY AND LAST WEEK HAD A HAIR RAISING EXPERIENCE OF THE CAR LOSING ALL POWER WHILE IN THE FAST LANE OF THE FREEWAY. ALL POWER TO THE CAR QUIT AND I AM LUCKY THAT MY CHILDREN AND I WERE NOT INJURED OR KILLED. TODAY IN THE SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE NEWSPAPER I READ A SMALL ARTICLE REGARDING THE NHTSA IS OPENING A PRELIMINARY STUDY REGARDING VOLVO'S C70, S60, S70 V70 AND V70XC 1999-2001 MODELS DUE TOLOSS OF SPEED AND STALLING PROBLEMS. EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS OLDER THAN THESE MODELS, I TOO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. IT IS TRUELY TERRIFYING AND DANGEROUS.
Volvo 964 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-08
- Date Complaint: 2000-09-11
- VIN: YV1KS9612S1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: MFG. PLUG AT END OF INJECTOR RAIL LEAKS, SPRAYS FUEL FWD, INTO COOLING FAN, VAPORIZES, BLOWS IT BACK OVER HOT COMPONENTS. CAR BECOMES A ROLLING BOMB. *AK
Volvo 964 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-04-17
- VIN: YVIKS9511R0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PLASTIC HOSE RADIATOR FAILED.
Volvo 964 1996
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-22
- Date Complaint: 1997-12-03
- VIN: YV1KS960171
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE FAILED.
Volvo 964 1996
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-15
- Date Complaint: 1997-12-03
- VIN: YV1KS960171
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: RIGHT FRONT TIRE FAILED.(MICHELIN, TIRE SIZE- XGT 205/55VR-16).
Recalls Volvo 964
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the Volvo 964.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Volvo 964 1996
- Report Received Date: 1996-10-11
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE SCREWS WHICH ATTACH THE THROTTLE PLATE TO ITS AXLE (SHAFT) CAN LOOSEN ALLOWING THE THROTTLE PLATE TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE THROTTLE HOUSING.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE POSITION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE HOUSING.
- Model: Volvo 964 1997
- Report Received Date: 1996-10-11
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE SCREWS WHICH ATTACH THE THROTTLE PLATE TO ITS AXLE (SHAFT) CAN LOOSEN ALLOWING THE THROTTLE PLATE TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE THROTTLE HOUSING.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE POSITION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE HOUSING.
- Model: Volvo 964 1995
- Report Received Date: 1995-05-09
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: THE TIRE LABEL CONTAINS SIZE AND PRESSURE INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SPARE TIRE. THE LISTED SIZE (155R15) AND PRESSURE (40 PSI) ARE INCORRECT. THE CORRECT SIZE AND PRESSURE FOR THE SPARE TIRE ARE T125/90R15 AND 60 PSI.
- Consequence: IF AN OWNER INSTALLS A SPARE TIRE AND ADJUSTS ITS PRESSURE TO 40 PSI, THERE IS A RISK OF TIRE FAILURE, ESPECIALLY IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME.
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED A NEW, CORRECT TIRE PRESSURE LABEL TO INSTALL ON THEIR VEHICLES. IF OWNERS PREFER, THEY CAN TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND HAVE THEM INSTALL THE LABEL.
- Model: Volvo 964 1995
- Report Received Date: 1994-11-01
- Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF NA, INC.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE MAY NOT PROPERLY DEPLOY.
- Consequence: THIS WOULD RESULT IN REDUCED ACCIDENT/INJURY PROTECTION FOR THE DRIVER IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE.
Are you having problems with your Volvo 964?
