Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Volvo F86 — 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.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAVE TORQUE REACTION LEAVES WHICH ARE SEPARATED ON ONE SIDE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION. UNDER SEVERE CONDITIONS THIS SEPARATED TORQUE REACTION LEAF WILL OVERSTRESS THE REACTION LEAF ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE LEFT AND RIGHT TORQUE REACTION LEAVES WITH MODIFIED DESIGN LEAVES AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Defect
THE SERVICE BRAKES MAY NOT RELEASE WITHIN 0.55 SECONDS, AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS".
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL A QUICK RELEASE VALVE IN THE TRAILER SERVICE BRAKE LINE, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Volvo F86. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.