Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1988 Volvo Fe Series — 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
VARIANCES IN THE LOCATION OF THE TIE ROD ARM BOLT HOLES AND STEER AXLE SPINDLE MOUNTING HOLES RESULT IN THE ATTACHING BOLTS BEING INCORRECTLY TORQUED. THIS CAUSES THE TIE ROD ATTACHING BOLTS TO FAIL RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE TIE ROD FROM THE STEERING AXLE SPINDLE.
Consequence
THE TIE ROD SEPARATION RESULTS IN A LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL AND POSSIBLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE THE ATTACHING BOLTS, TIE ROD ARMS AND SPINDLES AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE AFTER VEHICLE INSPECTION.
Defect
COMPLIANCE LABEL DOES NOT AGREE WITH WEIGHT CAPACITY OF NEW REAR AXLE TIRES.
Consequence
TRUCKS DO NOT COMPLY WITH CFR PART 567.
Remedy
AFFIX NEW COMPLIANCE LABEL WITH CORRECT INFORMATION IN SAME LOCATION.
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 1988 Volvo Fe Series. 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.