Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1985 Volvo 240 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
8
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2 | 25% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 25% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 2 | 25% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 13% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 13% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
IN THE EVENT OF A LOW SPEED FRONTAL IMPACT, ENGINE MOVEMENT COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE CABLE SLEEVE TO BE PULLED OUT OF THE ADJUSTING FITTING AND NOT RETURN TO ITS ORIGINAL POSITION OR IDLE POSITION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THIS OCCURS AN INCREASE IN ENGINE SPEED WOULD RESULT, MAKING CAR DIFFICULT TO CONTROL IN A POST COLLISION ENVIRONMENT, WHICH CAN CAUSE MORE SERIOUS DAMAGE AND/OR INJURIES.
Remedy
REPLACE THROTTLE CABLES.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“FOLLOWING MULTIPLE BREAKDOWNS FAILED INSULATION ON EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM AND ALTERNATOR WERE FOUND. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO FIRE AND HAVE TAKEN THE CAR OFF THE ROAD PENDING REPAIR. I SEARCHED GOOGLE FOR VOLVO…”
“WHILE BACKING OUT, WITH FOOT APPLIED TO BRAKE, WITHOUT PRESSING GAS, SUDDENLY ENGINE SURGED THEN ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, HITTING A HOUSE, IN REVERSE. *AK”
The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1985 Volvo 240. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.