VehicleVerdict

1997 Volvo 854 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1997 Volvo 854 — 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.

8

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other 854 years?

854 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted13 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 13 complaints1996: 5 complaints1997: 8 complaints
854 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 854 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Volvo 854 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System450%
Brakes338%
Steering113%

Does the 1997 Volvo 854 have recalls?

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

02V314000SeatsNovember 19, 2002 · 65,000 units

Defect

ON SOME SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH SEAT HEATERS, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT EXCESSIVE COMPRESSION OF THE SEAT CUSHION COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRING OF THE SEAT HEATER.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL DISCONNECT THE EXISTING WIRES AND INSTALL A NEW ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT AND CABLE HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

96V199000Speed ControlOctober 11, 1996 · 12,530 units

Defect

THE SCREWS WHICH ATTACH THE THROTTLE PLATE TO ITS AXLE (SHAFT) CAN LOOSEN ALLOWING THE THROTTLE PLATE TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE THROTTLE HOUSING.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE POSITION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE HOUSING.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT 3000 MILES AFTER PURCHASE BECAUSE THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED EVERY 5000 MILES UNTIL THE DEALER DISCOVERED THAT THE CAUSE WAS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 1, 1997

“FAILURE OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM COMPUTER. THIS SEEMS TO BE A REGULAR OCCURRENCE ON THE VOLVO 850. I FEEL THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY RELATED ISSUE, AND A RECALL INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 13, 2003

“THE BELT THAT DRIVES THE POWER STEERING AND ALTERNATOR PERIODICALLY SLIPS WHEN WET. THIS OCCURS REPEATEDLY AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN GOING THROUGH EVEN SMALL PUDDLES. A KIT WAS ADDED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AT ABOUT 10K MILES. THE DEALER CLAIMS THE PERSISTENT LOSS OF POWER WITH THE KIT IS NORMAL. WHEN THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering

1997 Volvo 854 — common questions

Is the 1997 Volvo 854 reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Volvo 854 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Volvo 854. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Volvo 854 under NHTSA investigation?

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

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.