1996 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.
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Common 1996 Volvo 965 problems
Based on the provided sources, here is a summary of common problems associated with the Volvo 960 (965) 3.0 i 24V (204 Hp):
These common problems highlight issues related to seat functionality and engine performance in the Volvo 960 (965) model.
Is Volvo 850 a reliable car?
The Volvo 850 may be a reliable car, but some models have fuel pump problems causing hard starting and stalling, a faulty ignition switch, oil leaks, and A/C problems, among other issues.
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.
Are old Volvos reliable?
For those with older models (4 – 8 years), more owners reported experiencing issues that necessitated repair at the garage. This reduced the rating for older Volvos to 3 stars. Most issues that owners experienced across multiple Volvo models were related to the computer software and Sat-Nav glitches.
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.
Are Volvo 850 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.
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 is high mileage for Volvo?
Your car must have done over 150,000 miles to qualify.
1996 Volvo 965 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volvo 965 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine problems
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Volvo 965 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Volvo 965 complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Volvo 965.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-22
- 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.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-05
- 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-21
- VIN: YUIKW9602T1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED CAUSING COMPONENT FAILURES.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-28
- VIN: YUIKW9602T1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: INNER DOOR HANDLE FELL APART.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-02
- VIN: YUIKW9602T1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE PADS FAILED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-24
- VIN: YUIKW9602T1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-24
- VIN: YUIKW9602T1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BUMPER LOOSE AND HANGING DOWN.
1996 Volvo 965 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1996 Volvo 965.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Volvo 965 problems:
Thinking about buying a 1996 960 : r/Volvo
Mar 16, 2016 ... And do you know of any other common problems I should specifically look for or tell the mechanic to look for? Finally if this particular car ...
1996 Volvo 960 Air Conditioning Problems
Oct 23, 2005 ... I had a similar experience with the ECC on my '95 965. There would be plenty of cold air from the dash vents at steady-state and coasting ...
How common are cylinder cracks on S60R motors? | SwedeSpeed ...
Jul 18, 2020 ... After reading a lot of threads I start to be a bit nervous about the cylinder cracking issues. I see that many people here in Sweden has had ...
Who likes the 960
Dec 27, 2018 ... Year and Model: '96 965 ... The white 6 cylinder engine is by far superior in my opinion to anything Volvo has made since. ... I didn't know that ...
2001 XC70 - 197,000 miles --Issues to look out for? | SwedeSpeed ...
Oct 18, 2016 ... SwedeSpeed - Volvo Performance Forum. in this ... I can't put my finger on it, but I've heard these cars have some common problems, possibly ...
Other years of Volvo 965
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