VehicleVerdict

1989 Volvo 740 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 50 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.0 times the median 740 year — the 1989 model ranks #2 of 13 740 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 18 reports (36% of the total).

50

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

20

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other 740 years?

740 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 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, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Volvo 740 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1836%
Engine1224%
Brakes612%
Airbags36%
Transmission24%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)24%
Speed Control24%
Other12%
Seats12%
Fuel System12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Lighting12%

Does the 1989 Volvo 740 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE STARTER.*AK CONSUMER STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT,AND THEN OBSERVED SMOKE IN HOOD AREA, HE PUULED OVER AN OPENED HOOD, AND THERE WAS FIRE ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE BATTERY CABLE WHICH HAD MELTED, CONSUMER PUT FIRE OUT, AND VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 12, 1996 · fire

“THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, SOURCE UNKNOWN. *AK CONSUMER STATES IT APPEARED THE ELECTRICIAL POWER CABLE FROM THE BATTERY TO THE STARTER MOTOR CAUSED THE FIRE. *JB ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 12, 1996 · fire

“WHILE BRAKING AT THIS SPEED OR HIGHER THE CAR STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHACK AND PULL TO THE LEFT. TOOK IT TO VOLVO AND THEY SAID THE CALIBER WAS NOT RELEASING PROPERLY. HAD CALIBERS REPLACED SEVERAL YEARS PRIOR DUE TO A SIMILAR MALFUNCTION. *JS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 1, 2013

“WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AT 40 MPH AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. VOLVO MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags

1989 Volvo 740 — common questions

Is the 1989 Volvo 740 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 50 complaints put the 1989 model at #2 of 13 740 years. It is one of the 740 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1989 740 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (18 complaints), engine (12 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).

Does the 1989 Volvo 740 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Volvo 740. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 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.