VehicleVerdict

1988 Volvo 740 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 1988 Volvo 740 — 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.

16

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other 740 years?

740 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 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, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1988 Volvo 740 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System638%
Airbags425%
Fuel System213%
Speed Control213%
Engine16%
Visibility & Wipers16%

Does the 1988 Volvo 740 have recalls?

2 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.

89V204000TransmissionNovember 17, 1989 · 38,000 units

Defect

DRIVESHAFT COULD CONTACT THE FUEL TANK AND SCORE AND SCRAPE OUTER SURFACES OF THE TANK AT THE POINT OF CONTACT.

Consequence

A SMALL LEAK COULD DEVELOP WHICH COULD , IN THE PRESENCEOF AN IGNITION SOURCE, RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE FUEL TANK AND/OR INSTALL PROTECTIVE DEVICE BETWEEN DRIVESHAFT AND THE TANK.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“PE96-019 ACTIVE, ELECTRICAL SHORT, UNDER THE HOOD FIRE,AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE FOR 1/2 HOUR.*AK THE FIRE COMPLETELY DESTROYED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT UNDER THE HOOD, THE AUTOMOBILE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 3, 1996 · fire

“1988 740 AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONED. *TS WHEN THE CONSUMER TURN ON THE IGNITION THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE DEPLOYMENT MOMENTARILY KNOCKED THE CONSUMER UNCONSCIOUS. THE AIR BAG SLAMMED INTO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CONSUMER'S FACE AND LEFT BREAST. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED A BLOODY NOSE AND EYE,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 21, 2005

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE INTO GARAGEVEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. OWNER TURNED OFF VEHICLE AND VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control

1988 Volvo 740 — common questions

Is the 1988 Volvo 740 reliable?

The record is thin — 16 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1988 740 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (6 complaints), airbags (4 complaints), speed control (2 complaints).

Does the 1988 Volvo 740 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Volvo 740. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1988 Volvo 740 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.