1.6

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
101,497 miles

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problem #4

Apr 022005

850 5-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,988 miles
ABS control unit failure on 96 Volvo 850 with just over 60,000 miles on it. ABS light comes on due to failure in unit. Failure is a result of cracks that develop in circuit board. ABS fails & is no longer operable leading to hazardous braking condition. This is a common & well known issue on 850 Volvo's. internet message boards and Volvo repair specialists and members of Volvo community all know that ABS light coming on means 90% chance total failure of unit is involved. Repair cost is prohibitive. Replacement of defective unit is $650 to $900.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

problem #3

Jan 012000

850 5-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles
1996 850 Volvo wagon ABS brake failure. The ABS brake computer periodically turns itself off (the ABS dash light comes on). This wouldn't be too bad because the brakes will work fine even if the ABS system malfunctions. Except when the system first malfunctions. There is a one to two second interval when you try to apply the brakes and the pedal fights you, vibrates, then allows normal braking (not to be confused with the ABS chatter that happens when it is working properly and a wheel is slipping). My ABS system turns off every time I drive the car, you're just never sure when. If it does when I'm braking, my braking is impaired for a couple seconds - that could be catastrophic! my Volvo dealer says they've had a lot of problems with these "computers", but it doesn't affect safety. Furthermore, it costs $700 to fix! I believe this is a safety factor and I'm appalled that Volvo (of all companies) doesn't issue a recall.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

problem #2

Jul 102003

850 5-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 144,000 miles
ABS computer failure, ABS and traction control light on, ABS fails to function at all. Tsb on wire crimp done allready. Please do something about this, there are hundreds if not thousands of cases of failed ABS ECU modules, some are replaced under warranty and dont even get reported.

- Edison, NJ, USA

problem #1

Dec 102001

850 5-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 148,000 miles
ABS/tracs module defective

- Dallastown, PA, USA