Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1987 Volvo 245 — 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.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 1 | 100% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
MICRO PROCESSOR IN CONTROL UNITS OF CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM CAN BE AFFECTED BY A SHORT DURATION VOLTAGE DROP.
Consequence
A VOLTAGE DROP WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH IN ONPOSITION COULD CAUSE ERRATIC CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION.
Remedy
REPLACE CRUISE CONTROL UNIT.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSES BY ITSELF. ONLY WAY TO STOP IT IS TO PUSH IN CLUTCH OR TURN OFF IGNITION. IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE CRUISE CONTROL IS ON. *AK”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — 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 1987 Volvo 245. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.