1994 Volvo 964 problems

General information about Volvo-964
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints 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.

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Common 1994 Volvo 964 problems

The Volvo 964 1994 is a well-regarded model, but like any vehicle, it can experience certain issues over time. Here are some common problems reported by owners of this car:

Fuel Rail Leakage: The fuel rail in the 964 1994 can develop leaks, which can result in fuel odors and potential fire hazards. This issue is typically caused by a failure in the fuel rail's design, which can lead to excessive vibration and eventual leakage.

Charcoal Vapor Canister Replacement: The charcoal vapor canister in the 964 1994 can fail, leading to issues with the vehicle's emissions system. This component is responsible for capturing and storing fuel vapors, and when it fails, it can result in decreased fuel efficiency and increased emissions.

Stuck Thermostat: Some owners have reported issues with the thermostat in the 964 1994, which can become stuck and cause the engine to overheat. This issue can lead to reduced engine performance and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Coolant Loss: Coolant loss is a common issue in the 964 1994, which can be caused by leaks in the coolant reservoir cap or behind the water pump. This issue can lead to engine overheating and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Leaking Oil Cooler Fitting: The oil cooler fitting in the 964 1994 can leak, which can result in reduced engine performance and potential engine damage. This issue is typically caused by a failure in the fitting's design, which can lead to excessive vibration and eventual leakage.

Oil Pressure Problems: Some owners have reported issues with the oil pressure in the 964 1994, which can be caused by O-ring problems or failing oil relief pistons. This issue can lead to reduced engine performance and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Engine Won't Start: Some owners have reported issues with the engine in the 964 1994, which can be caused by sticking valves or loose starter bolts. This issue can lead to difficulty starting the vehicle and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Transmission Lights Flash, Cylinders Quit: Some owners have reported issues with the transmission in the 964 1994, which can be caused by bad grounds. This issue can lead to difficulty shifting and potential transmission damage if not addressed promptly.

Sudden Idle Surge: Some owners have reported issues with the idle in the 964 1994, which can be caused by ECT sensor failure. This issue can lead to reduced engine performance and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Driveline Noise: Some owners have reported issues with the driveline in the 964 1994, which can be caused by failing grease seals at the rear of the driveshaft. This issue can lead to reduced vehicle performance and potential driveline damage if not addressed promptly.

Air Conditioning Failure: Some owners have reported issues with the air conditioning in the 964 1994, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including leaks in the system or failure of the compressor. This issue can lead to reduced vehicle comfort and potential damage to the air conditioning system if not addressed promptly.

It is important to note that these issues are not necessarily common to all Volvo 964 1994 models, and many owners have reported no significant issues with their vehicles. However, these are common problems reported by some owners, and potential buyers should be aware of them when considering purchasing a 964 1994. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent many of these issues from occurring, and prompt attention to any potential problems can help ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle.

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?

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.

What is high mileage for Volvo?

Your car must have done over 150,000 miles to qualify.

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.

How long will a Volvo 850 last?

How long will a Volvo 940 last?

Do Volvo engines last long?

Are Volvo 850s reliable?

Great car for 12 years.

I bought my 1997 Volvo 850 used in 2000 with 29,000 mile on it. It just turned 202,000 and I've never had a major problem with it. It has never failed to start and get me to my destination. I have loved this car and wish I could buy a new one just like it.

1994 Volvo 964 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo 964 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Unknown or other problems
Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Volvo 964 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1994 Volvo 964 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Volvo 964.

2005-08-20

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-08-07
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.

Add Complaint

1998-04-17

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: YVIKS9511R0
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: PLASTIC HOSE RADIATOR FAILED.

Add Complaint

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1994 Volvo 964 problems:

Who likes the 960

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=87841

Dec 27, 2018 ... ... 964, 95-945, 91-780t, 96-960, 98-XC ... Year and Model: 1994 Volvo 960: Location ... I didn't know that what I'm experiencing was a common issue.

Timing Cover Gasket Repair | SaabCentral Forums

https://www.saabcentral.com/threads/timing-cover-gasket-repair.252391/

Apr 28, 2013 ... ... Volvo 245-->1989 Volvo 740-->1994 Volvo 964-->1998 Volvo V90-->Volvo S70-->1998 SAAB 900SE-->2001 Volvo XC70. Save Share. Like ...

1995 Volvo 960 Transmission won't engage, car wont move

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=41057

Jul 18, 2011 ... ... problems. The car is a 1995 Volvo 960 automatic. The problem is transmission ... Year and Model: 964 1994: Location: Medinah, IL. Post by danr960 ...

2006 Volvo XC 90 2.5T : What issues arise? | SwedeSpeed - Volvo ...

https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/2006-volvo-xc-90-2-5t-what-issues-arise.586955/

Nov 27, 2018 ... 2006 Volvo XC 90 2.5T : What issues arise? ... Past: 89 744 GLE 16V, 90 745 GLE 16V, 95 964, 94 ... Regarding SRS, the dealer is taking it to Volvo ...

Volvo 960-Good choice? [Archive] - Volvo Owners Club Forum

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/archive/index.php/t-85448.html

I have three 960 CD Estates '94 ... Anecdotally, the aircon not working is a common problem. ... A personal opinion. T240. Dec 17th, 2009, 20:52. I ...