Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 29 complaints on file for the 1986 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.
29
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting | 5 | 17% | new |
| Electrical System | 5 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 2 | 7% | — flat |
| Seats | 2 | 7% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | — flat |
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.
“CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD…”
“I OWNED A 1986 240 GL VOLVO 4 DOOR SEDAN. ONE NIGHT LAST MONTH MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME AND WITHIN A BLOCK OF OUR HOUSE SHE NOTICED A FIRE ON THE BACK OF THE CAR. THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS ON FIRE. I CONTACTED VOLVO USA AND ABOUT A MONTH LATER THEY HAD AN "EXPERT" INSPECT OUR CAR. THEY WILL…”
“CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD…”
“CRUISE CONTROL/SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER/AIR INTAKE SENSOR/GLOVE BOX DOOR HINGE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER INDOOR FAN/ RADIO ANTENNA/INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR/DOME LIGHT, TAIL LIGHT LENSE/CATALITIC CONVERTER/WATER PUMP/TIMING BELT/PLASTIC COVER UNDER ENGINE/WHEEL STUDS/THROTTLE CABLE/BRACKETS THAT HOLD…”
“UPON DEPRESSING DRIVER'S SEAT WARMER BUTTON, DRIVER SMELLED BURNING ODOR FOLLOWED BY FLAMES BELOW DRIVER'S SEAT, VEHICLE TOTALLY DESTROYED, INJURY TO CONSUMER.”
The record is thin — 29 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (5 complaints), lighting (5 complaints), engine (4 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1986 Volvo 240. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation 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.