VehicleVerdict

1985 Volvo 740 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 1985 Volvo 740 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

10

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other 740 years?

740 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted55 complaints1985: 10 complaints1986: 11 complaints1987: 16 complaints1988: 16 complaints1989: 50 complaints1990: 55 complaints1991: 24 complaints1992: 8 complaints1993: 2 complaints1995: 1 complaints1998: 2 complaints2000: 3 complaints2002: 1 complaints
740 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Volvo 740 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control330%
Electrical System220%
Engine110%
Brakes110%
Steering110%
Body & Structure110%
Transmission110%

Does the 1985 Volvo 740 have recalls?

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

91V075000Seat BeltsMay 6, 1991 · 485 units

Defect

SAFETY BELTS ARE DESIGNED TO BE ROUTED UNDER A DIAGONAL CROSS BRACE DURING FASTENING. THE INSTRUCTIONAL LABELS FOR THE BELT ROUTING ARE INADEQUATE, AND CAN RESULT IN INADVERTENT RELEASE OF THE BELT BUCKLE.

Consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SAFETY BELT MISUSE COULD CAUSE THE SEAT OCCUPANT TO FACE GREATER RISK OF INJURY IN A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE ACCIDENT IF AN INADVERTENT RELEASE OF THE SAFETY BELT OCCURRED.

Remedy

INSTALL LABELS TO INSTRUCT THE USER IN PROPER SAFETY BELT ROUTING; ALSO REPLACE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES.

87V064000Electrical SystemMay 11, 1987 · 106,602 units

Defect

ENGINE WIRING HARNESS COULD CHAFE AGAINST AN AIR CONDITIONING PIPE.

Consequence

A SHORT CIRCUIT AND MALFUNCTIONING OF THE ELECTRICALSYSTEM, AS WELL AS CHARRING OF THE WIRING INSULATION, COULD RESULT.

Remedy

RELOCATE WIRING HARNESS AND SECURE WITH A NEW BRACKET AND CLAMP.

85V002000EngineDecember 2, 1985 · 7,390 units

Defect

CERTAIN VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WATER PUMP PULLEYS WHICH MAY CONTAIN A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, REDUCING THE DURABILITY OF THE PULLEY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE PULLEY FAILS, PIECES MAY BE THROWN ABOUT INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO ENGINE COMPONENTS. IF THE HOOD SHOULD BE OPENED IT IS POSSIBLE A PULLEY FAILURE COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PERSONS IN THE AREA.

Remedy

INSPECT AND REPLACE THE PULLEY WHERE NECESSARY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE WAS IN IDLE POSITION, CHANGED FROM PARK TO DRIVE, VEHICLE WENT INTO OPEN THROTTLE POSITION RPMS UNKNOWN, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 4, 1996 · crash

“AFTER DRIVING FROM THE GROCERY STORE, I STOPPED AT A STORE AND LET MY GRANDDAUGHTER RUN IN FOR A COKE. WHILE SHE WAS INSIDE,I LET THE CAR IDLE. WITHIN 3 MINUTES, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ON FIRE. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE MOTOR NEVER GAVE ANY INDICATION OF A PROBLEM. THE PEOPLE IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 15, 2000 · fire

1985 Volvo 740 — common questions

Is the 1985 Volvo 740 reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1985 740 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), transmission (1 complaints).

Does the 1985 Volvo 740 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Volvo 740. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo 740 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 740 years to avoid are 1990, 1989. The cleanest record among 740 years belongs to 2002.

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.