VehicleVerdict

1990 Volvo 740 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 55 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.5 times the median 740 year — the 1990 model ranks #1 of 13 740 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

Speed Control leads the complaint categories with 14 reports (26% of the total).

55

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other 740 years?

740 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Volvo 740 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control1425%
Airbags916%
Electrical System713%
Engine59%
Brakes59%
Tires & Wheels35%
Transmission24%
Latches & Locks24%
Seat Belts24%
Body & Structure24%
Suspension24%
Lighting12%
Fuel System12%

Does the 1990 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.

90V165000Fuel SystemSeptember 6, 1990 · 253 units

Defect

FUEL DAMPER LOCATED BEHIND THE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL RAIL MAY BE IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED. OVER TIME, THE SOLDER JOINTS COULD ALLOW A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL TO LEAK.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE,COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE FUEL DAMPER.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1990 VOLVO 740. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE GARAGE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT AND WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 13, 2015 · crash

“I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT GOING AT LEAST 40MPH, AND I WAS HIT IN THE FRONT. MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE MULTIPLE INJURIES DUE TO ME BEING THROWN INTO THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE DASHBOARD, AND MY HEAD HIT THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 17, 1999 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THICK SMOKE CAME FROM AIR CONDITIONER'S VENTS, SHORTLY AFTER, CONSUMER SAW FLAMES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY BURNED BEFORE FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT TO SCENE. DRIVER SUFFERED SMOKE INHALATION.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 6, 2002 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1990 VOLVO 740. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE GARAGE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT AND WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 13, 2015 · crash

“THE RADIATOR OPENING TO WHICH THE HOSE ATTACHES [FOR RETURN OF THE COOLANT TO THE ENGINE] CRACKED AND BROKE OFF. THERE ARE CRACKS IN THE PLASTIC PORTION OF THE RADIATOR WHERE THE HOSE ATTACHES. THE FAILURE IS NOT THE RESULT OF ANY IMPACT OR OTHER EXTERNAL FORCES. THE PLASTIC OUT OF WHICH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 11, 2004

1990 Volvo 740 — common questions

Is the 1990 Volvo 740 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 55 complaints put the 1990 model at #1 of 13 740 years. It is one of the 740 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 740 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (14 complaints), airbags (9 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints).

Does the 1990 Volvo 740 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Volvo 740. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 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.