Most common 1995 Volvo 850 problems
Share of the 111 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo 850 complaints by model year
Best 850 years: 1997, 1995. Years to avoid: 1996. Compare all years →
1995 Volvo 850 recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage
On certain passenger vehicles, after prolonged exposure to heat, the fuel tank May seep or leak fuel at the points where the heat shield is attached.
Remedy: Volvo will inspect the fuel tank and replace it if any evidence of fuel seepage or leakage is found. All vehicles will receive new reinforcement bushings at the heat shield attachment points to prevent future leaks.
Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift
Some of the jacks supplied with the vehicles do not have the necessary load capacity.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace suspect jacks with a jack meeting the load requirements for these cars.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 1995 Volvo 850:
Inadvertent side air bag deployment
Fuel tank leaks
The office of defects investigation opened thisinvestigation on January 16, 2003.the basis for opening the investigation was 15 consumer reports alleging gasoline leaking from the fuel storage tank.Volvo provided 43 additional reports in its response to the preliminary evaluation, 4 of which were duplicates of the 15 odi reports. This investigation has been upgraded for further study.
Fuel tank leaks
This engineering analysis was opened on June 11, 2003, based on 54 reports of fuel tank leaks.the subject vehicles were 1993 through 1996 model year (my) 850 vehicles. Model 850 was also produced in my 1997 and was included in this investigation. Analysis of the data reveals two distinct issues.
What 1995 Volvo 850 owners say
Wheels & tires
While driving at freeway speed, I noted an increase in vehicle interior noise. Auto handled normally at that time. Within probably less than a minute it was clear that noise change was not related to road surface variation, and I started to pull over to side of freeway. While doing so, tire blew out. Car fishtailed ending up against guardrail. Tire basically destroyed. No indication of debris in road at time problem started. I am vehicle's original owner. This tire had never been punctured or repaired and had never had a period of underinflation. Tread inspected by dealer at routine service about 5 days prior and was in great shape. Tire inflation pressure was checked by me approximately 12 hrs prior to event and was proper. Very scary!! (tiresize: 195/60r15)( dot number: tire size: 195/60r15 )
Michelin tires 205/50zr16; on two occasions two tires performed erratically, one tire leaked quickly before driver could reach a destination and the other blew out from sidewall. Please describe details.
Air bags
Consumer was involved in a crash at impact speed of 50 MPH, impact location front driver's side door, in which neither driver's side nor passenger's side air bags deployed. Driver was injured. Volvo says that impact was not sufficient to activate air bags.
Side airbag did not deploy in collision where vehicle was travelling at low speed, and struck by another vehicle running stop sign (impact speed unknown). Impact was on driver's side front fender and door
Electrical system
. I have spent $2200 in the last 3 months while herb gordon tries to figure out the problem with the brakes. They have replaced the brake master cylinder, cleaned and resealed the brake calipers and now as a last resort are replacing the internal ABS system, which finally fixed the problem. Ignition switch replaced, the windshield wiper bolts came loose causing the windshield wipers to stop in the middle of driving on a highway in the rain, air sensors and oxygen sensors seem to need replacing at least twice a year.
At 70 MPH, on cruise control, having been on the highway continuously for 60+ miles, the cruise control cut out, throttle did not respond, smoke started billowing from behind vehicle, engine quit and within approx. 10 seconds of coming to stop and driver exiting vehicle, car was engulfed in flames. Contacted Volvo and they refused comment after their investigation.
1995 Volvo 850 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.3L 5-cyl turbo | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1995 Volvo 850 a good car?
Based on 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1995 850 rates average: 27% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 850 at the same age. It is one of the best 850 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1995 Volvo 850?
The wheels & tires — 14 complaints, 13% of all complaints for this model year, most often about sidewall. Next are the air bags (13) and electrical system (13).
How many recalls does the 1995 Volvo 850 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1995 Volvo 850, the most recent from July 30, 2004 (storage). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volvo 850?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1997 and 1995. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1996. See the full Volvo 850 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1995 Volvo 850 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 116,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.