1994 Volvo 940 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 50 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.6 times the median 940 year — the 1994 model ranks #1 of 8 940 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.
The trouble concentrates in one system: airbags issues account for 42% of all reports (21 of 50), far ahead of tires & wheels at 5.
50
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
15
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
10
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1994 compare to other 940 years?
What are the most common 1994 Volvo 940 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 21 | 42% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 5 | 10% | — flat |
| Engine | 4 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT. CAR STOPPED AT LIGHT. DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF BRAKE AND CAR IMPACTED AT LOW SPEED CAR IN FRONT ALSO STOPED AT LIGHT. NO DAMAGE TO VAN IN FRONT, SMALL SILVER DOLLAR SIZE DENT IN FRONT BUMPER 1/4 INCH DEEP (EST.) AIRBAG BROKE WINDSHIELD AND SEATBELT WAS ACTIVATE AND…”
“THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THEN IT WAS PUT INTO DRIVE AND IT ACCELERATED UNEXPECTANTLY AND CRASHED INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE GARAGE. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK ”
“WHILE DRIVING A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND NOTICED THAT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE SIDEWALL. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO CHANGE THE TIRE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MICHELIN, MXV4, 195/65R15.*AK”
“AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT. CAR STOPPED AT LIGHT. DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF BRAKE AND CAR IMPACTED AT LOW SPEED CAR IN FRONT ALSO STOPED AT LIGHT. NO DAMAGE TO VAN IN FRONT, SMALL SILVER DOLLAR SIZE DENT IN FRONT BUMPER 1/4 INCH DEEP (EST.) AIRBAG BROKE WINDSHIELD AND SEATBELT WAS ACTIVATE AND…”
“I WAS SOLD A VOLVO 1994 940 SERIES FROM EAST LAKE AUTO IN ISSAQUAH, WA. A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED AND THE COMPANY PROMISED TO FIX WHATEVER IT WAS INDICATING. I LEFT IT AT THEIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION, AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM RELATED TO THE LIGHT, AND THAT IT WAS A FAULTY LIGHT.…”
1994 Volvo 940 — common questions
Is the 1994 Volvo 940 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 50 complaints put the 1994 model at #1 of 8 940 years. It is one of the 940 years to avoid.
What are the most common 1994 940 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (21 complaints), tires & wheels (5 complaints), speed control (5 complaints).
Does the 1994 Volvo 940 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1994 Volvo 940.
Is the 1994 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.