Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Volvo 850 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The ABS and tracs off idiot lamps turn on and off intermittently in my 850. I can be driving around on dry pavement with very little throttle input, and the traction control will engage (audible whirring of the ABS modulator pump and stiff pulsating brake pedal - quickly applied to confirm my suspicion). This will light the lamps. Likewise, I can be braking on a dry surface at a low decel, and the ABS will engage. This will also light the lamps and shut off ABS/tracs. After a while, the lights will turn off, and ABS and tracs function normally. This happens about once or twice a day since the first incident on 7/11/03. I've given an estimate number in the field below. Furthermore, the speedometer functions intermittently. I've traced this issue back to a faulty connection between the vehicle wiring harness and the ABS controller. …
1996 850 Volvo wagon ABS brake failure. The ABS brake computer periodically turns itself off (the ABS dash light comes on). This wouldn't be too bad because the brakes will work fine even if the ABS system malfunctions. Except when the system first malfunctions. There is a one to two second interval when you try to apply the brakes and the pedal fights you, vibrates, then allows normal braking (not to be confused with the ABS chatter that happens when it is working properly and a wheel is slipping). My ABS system turns off every time I drive the car, you're just never sure when. If it does when I'm braking, my braking is impaired for a couple seconds - that could be catastrophic! My Volvo dealer says they've had a lot of problems with these "computers", but it doesn't affect safety. Furthermore, it costs $700 to fix! …
I noticed an odd noise which sounded like something rolling around in the back of the car, but nothing was. At time of state inspection, I alerted the inspectors. They felt something bumping from within the gas tank. I disassembled the floor coverings and inspection ports for fuel pump and gauge sender. I removed the gauge sender and looked into the tank and observed a plastic bowl-like object surrounding the fuel pump. I rocked the car and this bowl would slosh against the pump. This object appears to be a baffle to reduce sloshing around the pump. It would seem that it was intended to be glued in place, but has broken loose. I suppose that this would eventually damage pump or tank. A new tank will cost close to $400 which I will now order. Additional problem is intermittent failure of anti-lock brake/tracs system module.
ABS control unit failure on 96 Volvo 850 with just over 60,000 miles on it. ABS light comes on due to failure in unit. Failure is a result of cracks that develop in circuit board. ABS fails & is no longer operable leading to hazardous braking condition. This is a common & well known issue on 850 Volvo's. Internet message boards and Volvo repair specialists and members of Volvo community all know that ABS light coming on means 90% chance total failure of unit is involved. Repair cost is prohibitive. Replacement of defective unit is $650 to $900.00.
1996 Volvo 850 - ABS light intermittent - not sure if ABS is working or not - told by Volvo repair specialists that this is a common occurrence on the 96 & 97 models - also told that ABS computer has tendency to burn out relatively quickly on this model & year - told to go ahead and replace it - again - had it replaced less than 4 years ago -
I have a 1996 Volvo 850 turbo station wagon. It has only 41,000 miles but the ABS light would come on and off. I am told this is a common problem for the car. Volvo claims it is one of the safest car on the road and quite reliable. I disagree. Pls. Ask Volvo to issue a recall as this is annoying and could prove to be dangerous.
ABS computer failure, ABS and traction control light on, ABS fails to function at all. TSB on wire crimp done allready. Please do something about this, there are hundreds if not thousands of cases of failed ABS ECU modules, some are replaced under warranty and dont even get reported.
While driving 50 MPH, applied brakes, received no apparent braking action; swerved out of right lane into exit lane, pumped several times still no braking action, pedal went almost to floor, caused an accident; vehicle into sign/light pole.
ABS warning light came on. I took the car into dealer and was told that control unit needed to be replaced. It seemed strange to me, so I asked if this was a common problem for my type of car. I was told this type problem happens. But, it continued to bother me, so I researched the issue, and I came across an article in the March 1, 1999 issue of motor age. According to the article, if ABS warning light comes on, the problem May be a faulty electronic brake distribution switch. The article went on to state that if the part number stamped on the switch is 9157358, the switch must be replaced, and if brake fluid has already leaked into the switch connector, the switch, wiring harness and the ABS control unit must all be replaced. According to the article, this is considered a safety recall and the factory has issued a recall notice to owners. I did not receive a recall notice. …
Left front caliper broke in January 1999, roght front caliper broke at this time. Parts were on back order. Consumer was told it would take 3 months to get vehicle repaired. Consumer has had many problems with vehicle, instrument lights were replaced, dash bulb lights and other bulbs replaced. Headlight wiper and windshield wiper blades replaced. Consumer smelled an odor in the air conditioner and later the air conditioner was not cooling properly, dealer replaced the temperature sensor, evaporator, receiver, and dryer. Battery failed and was replaced, consumer had a recall on the central electrical relay and when returning to vehicle that was shut off the phone and radio were on. …
Brake complaints in other 850 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Volvo 850?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Volvo 850, 29% of the model year's 192 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (32 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Volvo 850 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 Volvo 850, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Volvo 850 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.