VehicleVerdict

1993 Volvo 940 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 26 complaints on file for the 1993 Volvo 940 — 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.

26

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other 940 years?

940 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted50 complaints1990: 1 complaints1991: 11 complaints1992: 17 complaints1993: 26 complaints1994: 50 complaints1995: 30 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 2 complaints
940 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 940 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Volvo 940 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control519%
Airbags519%
Brakes312%
Tires & Wheels312%
Fuel System28%
Electrical System28%
Visibility & Wipers14%
Engine14%
Latches & Locks14%
Other14%
Suspension14%
Transmission14%

Does the 1993 Volvo 940 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

93V074000Speed ControlApril 28, 1993 · 1,864 units

Defect

PLASTIC HOOD INSULATION CLIP(S) WAS(WERE) INADVERTENTLY DROPPED INTO THE HOSE BETWEEN THE CHARGE AIR COOLER AND THE THROTTLE HOUSING WHICH CAN INTERFERE WITH THE THROTTLE OPERATION.

Consequence

IF A PLASTIC CLIP MOVES TOWARD THE THROTTLE HOUSING ITCAN BECOME LODGED THERE AND PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE. LOSS OFTHROTTLE CONTROL CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

CHECK FOR INSULATION CLIPS IN THE HOSE BETWEEN THE CHARGE AIR COOLER AND THE THROTTLE HOUSING, AND REMOVE IF FOUND.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“RECALL 93V074000; VEHICLE HAD OIL CHANGE, AND WHEN LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP WENT UP HILL AT 62MPH BEHIND A TRUCK. CAR SPEEDED ON THE HILL, HIT THE TRUCK, AND FLIPPED OVER. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. MANUFACTURER AWARE OF THE RECALL, BUT THIS VEHICLE DID NOT COMPLY WITH THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE'S THROTTLE IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 16, 1998 · crash

“ABS BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE CAUSING FRONTEND AT COLLISION AT 15MPH. AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT CAUSED ABRASIONS TO FACE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 11, 1995 · crash

“AUTO-TRAN: SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK, WITH FOOT STILL ON BRAKE, ENGINE ACCELERATED FORWARD/BACKWARD; UNUSUALLY HIGH ACCELERATION; VEHICLE HIT WALL/OTHER CARS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 23, 1995 · crash

“A GOODYEAR EAGLE GTR4 TIRE (P185 65 R15) EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, WHEN THE TIRE SEPARATED, DAMAGE WAS CAUSED TO THE VEHICLE. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 3, 2000

“AFTER BEING STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT 10 OR 15 FT FOWARD, THE VEHICLE STALLED/CUT OFF AND THEN HAD TO RESTART IT. *AK VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY AND SO INFREQUENTLY THAT DEALER UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM BY TEST DRIVING, STALLING HAPPENS AFTER A FULL STOP WHEN BEGINNING TO ACCELERATE AGAIN,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

1993 Volvo 940 — common questions

Is the 1993 Volvo 940 reliable?

The record is thin — 26 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 1993 940 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (5 complaints), airbags (5 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints).

Does the 1993 Volvo 940 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1993 Volvo 940. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1993 Volvo 940 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Volvo 940 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 940 years to avoid are 1994, 1995. The cleanest record among 940 years belongs to 1997.

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.