VehicleVerdict

1991 Volvo 740 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 24 complaints on file for the 1991 Volvo 740 — 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.

24

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other 740 years?

740 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 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, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 740 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Volvo 740 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1146%
Speed Control28%
Steering28%
Engine28%
Electrical System28%
Seat Belts28%
Transmission14%
Brakes14%
Fuel System14%

Does the 1991 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.

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HAD STOP ON A TRAFIC LIGHT AND THEN BEARLY REALESED THE BRAKE PAD AND INPACTED THE FRONT VEHICLE THAT LET THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY. MANUFACTOR WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE RETRAINT SYSTEM PERFORM PROPERLY AND THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF PRIOR ACCIDENT THAT IT WAS DONE SIX YEARS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 3, 2002 · crash

“SRS LIGHT INDICATES NOT FUNCTIONAL. IN ADDITION, CENTER/REAR SEAT BELT PLASTIC COVER OVER MALE PORTION OF LATCH CONTINUALLY COMES OFF, CAUSING AN INSIDE PART TO FALL OUT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

“WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND AFTER 60 SECONDS THE VEHICLE STARTED UP AGAIN. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 16, 2004

“I TOOK MY CAR IN WHEN THE RED LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD FOR AIR BAG LIGHTS COMING ON. THE FAIRFAX VOVLO DEALER ESTIMATED MY REPAIRS TO BE $1400.00. I FIND THIS OUTRAGEOUS, THE PART ALONE WAS $1100. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND OR IS THIS A ONE TIME CASE. I WILL ALSO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 1, 2000

1991 Volvo 740 — common questions

Is the 1991 Volvo 740 reliable?

The record is thin — 24 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1991 740 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (11 complaints), engine (2 complaints), seat belts (2 complaints).

Does the 1991 Volvo 740 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 Volvo 740. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Volvo 740 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.