VehicleVerdict

1996 Volvo 855 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 1996 Volvo 855 — 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.

7

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other 855 years?

855 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted7 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 7 complaints1996: 7 complaints1997: 4 complaints2000: 1 complaints
855 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 855 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Volvo 855 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes457%
Airbags114%
Seat Belts114%
Tires & Wheels114%

Does the 1996 Volvo 855 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.

“ABS BRAKE SYSTEM IS NOT BRAKING THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. BRAKE LIGHT WOULD COME ON/GO OUT AT RANDOM, AND ON TWO OCCASIONS THE BRAKE WOULD TURN TO MANUAL BRAKING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON SEVEN OCCASIONS, AND CONDITION HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT NOTHING COULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WOULD NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND WILL NOT REPAIR UNLESS COST IS TO THE CONSUMER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · July 1, 1996

“IN THE FIRST ACCIDENT THE SUBJECT VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND REAR ENDED AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND DRIVEN IN THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SUBJECT VEHICLE SUSTAINED 13000 DOLLARS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END AND TO THE REAR. THE AIRBAGS ( BOTH FRONT AND SIDE, DID NOT DEPLOY). ONE YEAR LATER THE SAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 10, 1998 · crash

1996 Volvo 855 — common questions

Is the 1996 Volvo 855 reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1996 Volvo 855 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Volvo 855. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Volvo 855 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.