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 1997 Volvo 850 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1997 Volvo 850. The ABS and tracs lights are on approx. 90% of the time while driving vehicle. When lights are on, brake pedal is very soft and stopping distance is significantly increased. When lights are off, brake pedal gets firmer after pumping and braking distance is reduced. This problem has gotten progressively worse over the past 24 months. Dealer and independent mechanic were able to determine cause or correct the problem during repeated visits. Ineffective brakes and loss of steering control while braking contributed to a serious accident involving the vehicle and a semi-trailer.
I have a 1997 Volvo 850r that is currently experiencing problems with the ABS/tracs system - the lights came on for the ABS and the tracs system. In researching my problem it has become apparent that the 850 Volvo is known for failures to its ABS module and the entire braking system in general. The amount of information that I have been able to find on this common problem leads me to believe that this should be a recalled item. Apparently Volvo now offers a new and improved ABS control module (that they charge dearly for) because of the numerous problems and replacements of the old units. Volvo should bear the expense of replacing these units. This is clearly a safety issue. When the ABS light is on, the ABS is not functional. The failure also causes intermittent pulsation in the brakes. The shear number of these instances leads me to believe that it is an obvious design flaw. …
1997 Volvo 850r. Gradual increase in frequency of intermittent problem where ABS and tracs lights illuminate and then go off. There seem to be so many of these complaints that this isn't an unusual problem for this vehicle. Having unpredictable brakes is a serious safety issue. Also I've gone through 4 sets of front brake discs and 5 sets of front brake pads in 90,000 miles. Even when the discs are not worn out the brake pedal is spongy even though the system has been repeatedly bled of air. The discs also warp very easily easily. How can Volvo tolerate this? I've owned this vehicle since new and would never buy another. We picked up a Lexus yesterday and the Volvo is up for sale. I can understand a manufacturer having problems but I cannot forgive it's turning a blind eye to this very serious safety issue.
I have a 1997 Volvo 850r that is currently experiencing problems with the ABS/tracs system - the lights came on for the ABS and the tracs system. In researching my problem it has become apparent that the 850 Volvo is known for failures to its ABS module and the entire braking system in general. The amount of information that I have been able to find on this common problem leads me to believe that this should be a recalled item. Apparently Volvo now offers a new and improved ABS control module (that they charge dearly for) because of the numerous problems and replacements of the old units. Volvo should bear the expense of replacing these units as it is a safety issue and the shear number of these instances leads me to believe that it is a systematic design flaw.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Volvo 850 wagon. The vehicle was taken to a service station for tire repair and the following failures were discovered: both rear brakes and calipers were seized and completely inoperable, the emergency brake was also inoperable, and both front inner and outer tie rods needed to be replaced. The estimated repair cost was $1,230. The Volvo dealer diagnosed the following failures: both front lower control arms and the driver side tie rods failed, an alignment was needed, the front and rear brakes failed, including the rotor and calipers, and there was an emissions issue as well. The vehicle needs complete emission repair. The vehicle was purchased on June 21, 2008 and passed inspection on June 25, 2008. The failure mileage was 127,700.
The ABS control unit on my 1997 Volvo 850 has an internal short or loose connection as told by the dealership. If you do research into this matter on the internet or by calling the Volvo dealerships, you will find this problem occurs very frequently in these cars. When the ABS light is on there is no anti-lock brakes, and this can cause the brakes to lock up during hard braking applications, and easily on moist or wet roads. As a major safety feature on these cars and especially a Volvo, who is known for their safe automobiles this control module fails very often and can cause an accident if brakes lock up in a panic stop. Jb
ABS module failed. Looks like major dealer repair. This is a major component of the vehicle and should be treated as such and no longer treated as an accessory item. For these devices to be considered an "accessory" they should then be made as user replaceable which is not the case. Then again, is it a good idea to have every Sunday-mechanic replacing such a critical item? I have had an ABS warning light for over two years now. Diagnostics say its the ABS electronics. I do not have the budget or experience to replace it. Several websites point to failing or defective capacitors on the electronic module itself.
ABS light coming on and staying on repeatedly. After numerous resets by my Volvo repair shop, they determined that the ABS traction control computer module had failed. The unit had to be replaced at a cost to me of $642.93. The repair shop informed me that they were doing an average of one or two such replacements on this model per week and that they believed this to be a defect from the manufacture for this model in general. The repair shop works exclusively on volvos, hubbard woods motors, 985 greenbay road, winnetka, il, 60093; phone 8470446-0711; owner, robert l. Berger.
ABS/traction control module faulty...cost us $700 to repair...according to our Volvo dealer, Volvo is aware that this problem has occurred in a lot of Volvo's but they have chosen to not conduct a recall...this is wrong and Volvo needs to be punished for not taking care of their customers...it's an absoulute disgrace...we'll never buy another Volvo...too many problems, very poor reliability!
ABS traction controller failure on my 1997 volov 850 requiring replacement costing approx. $750. The repair shop I use works exclusively on volvos and has indicated to me that they have on average one such failure and customer repair each week. The repair shop is hubbard woods motors, 985 greenbay road, winnetka, il 60093, phone [phone], owner, robert l. Berger.
Brake complaints in other 850 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Volvo 850?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Volvo 850, 31% of the model year's 107 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Volvo 850 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Volvo 850, though it has 3 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 1997 Volvo 850 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 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.