Volvo 965 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
Common Volvo 965 problems
Common Problems with Volvo 965 Cars
- Starting Issues: Owners have reported difficulties with starting the Volvo 965, particularly related to sticking valves and low cranking speed. This problem can be exacerbated by issues with the hydraulics and battery condition, leading to challenges in getting the engine to fire properly.
- Valve Clatter: Intermittent noisy valve clatter has been a recurring issue in some Volvo 965 cars, especially during hot weather and slow-moving conditions. This noise can be bothersome and may indicate underlying issues with the engine's valve operation.
- Electrical Problems: Some owners have faced electrical issues with the Volvo 965, which can impact various systems within the vehicle. These problems can range from minor glitches to more significant malfunctions that affect the overall performance and reliability of the car.
- Vacuum Leaks: Another common complaint involves vacuum leaks affecting the vent controls of the Volvo 965. These leaks can lead to issues with the air conditioning system, causing improper airflow and temperature control, ultimately affecting the comfort and functionality of the car's climate control.
These problems highlight some of the key issues that Volvo 965 owners have encountered, impacting the starting, engine performance, electrical systems, and climate control of these vehicles. Addressing these concerns promptly and with the help of qualified mechanics can help maintain the optimal functioning and longevity of the Volvo 965 cars.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Volvo 965 years
We have researched Volvo problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volvo 965 cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Volvo 965 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volvo 965 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Volvo 965 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Volvo 965 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Volvo 965 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Structure problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Volvo 965 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volvo 965 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volvo 965 vehicles.
List of Volvo 965 complaints
Volvo 965 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-22
- Date Complaint: 2015-09-28
- VIN: YV1KW9604T1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 VOLVO 965. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE HOUSING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,488.
Volvo 965 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-13
- Date Complaint: 2006-02-13
- VIN: YV1KW961XS1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUEL WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, AND THERE WAS A NOTICEABLE DRIPPING OF FUEL FROM THE FUEL FAIL. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE FUEL RAIL MUST BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP STATED A NEW FUEL RAIL HAD BEEN MANUFACTURED AND THERE WAS NOW A BUFFER FOR THE FUEL RAIL. THE LEADK RESULTED DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A NEWLY DESIGNED FUEL RAIL WHICH THE DEALER WILL INSTALL FOR $340.00. UPDATED 03/03/06.
Volvo 965 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-05
- Date Complaint: 2000-10-11
- VIN: YV1KW9609T1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THERE WAS A CRACK IN POWER STEERING HOSE, CAUSING POWER STEERING FLUID TO LEAK, RENDERING VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE. DEALER WAS REPAIRING VEHICLE.*AK
Volvo 965 1996
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-21
- Date Complaint: 1998-07-10
- VIN: YUIKW9602T1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED CAUSING COMPONENT FAILURES.
Volvo 965 1996
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-28
- Date Complaint: 1998-07-10
- VIN: YUIKW9602T1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: INNER DOOR HANDLE FELL APART.
Volvo 965 1996
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-02
- Date Complaint: 1998-07-10
- VIN: YUIKW9602T1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE PADS FAILED.
Volvo 965 1996
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-07-10
- VIN: YUIKW9602T1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED.
Volvo 965 1996
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-07-10
- VIN: YUIKW9602T1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BUMPER LOOSE AND HANGING DOWN.
Recalls Volvo 965
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Volvo 965.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Volvo 965 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 965 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 965 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 965?
