VehicleVerdict

1977 Volvo 242 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1977 Volvo 242 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1977 compare to other 242 years?

242 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1977 highlighted1 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1983: 1 complaints
242 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1977 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 242 years to avoid →

Does the 1977 Volvo 242 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

79V048000Fuel SystemFebruary 13, 1979 · 61,000 units

Defect

THE INVOLVED VEHICLES CONTAIN A POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE IN THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WHICH, THROUGH EXCESS PRESSURE OVER EXTENDED PERIODS, COULD CAUSE METAL FATIGUE AND EVENTUALLY FUEL VAPORS TO BE EMITTED INTO THE ATMOSPHERE THROUGH HAIRLINE CRACKS IN THE FUEL TANK.

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TANK AND MAKE REPLACEMENTS, IF NECESSARY. THE VALVE WILL BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THE EMISSION AND SAFETY-RELATED PROBLEMS. CERTAIN VEHICLES WILL REQUIRE INSTALLATION OF A FILLER INLET FUEL TRAP AND A FEEDER PUMP TO ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL SURGE AND VAPOR LOCK.

78V062000TransmissionMarch 24, 1978 · 28,000 units

Defect

THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, MAY HAVE RECEIVED AN INADEQUATE AMOUNT OF LUBRICATION. THIS CONDITION WOULD INITIALLY CAUSE THE ROLLER BEARINGS TO DEVELOP A RUMBLING NOISE.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL EITHER LUBRICATE THE BEARINGS OR REPLACE THEM WITH NEW BEARINGS AND SEALS WITH LUBRICATION AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.

1977 Volvo 242 — common questions

Is the 1977 Volvo 242 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1977 Volvo 242 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1977 Volvo 242. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.