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Volvo 740 Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns across the Volvo 740, 1985–2002. Owners have filed 175 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 13 model years with settled counts, the 1990 drew the most (47) and the 1995 the fewest (1).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Volvo 740 complaints by model year

175 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

1985198619871988198919901991199219931995199820002002
ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 1995 · 1 complaints
  • 2002 · 1 complaints
  • 1993 · 2 complaints

Most complaints

  • 1990 · 47 complaints
  • 1989 · 41 complaints
  • 1991 · 19 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 1988–2002. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Volvo 740 owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component1988198919901991199219931995199820002002
Electrical system 61572100000
Air bags 43911020000
Vehicle speed control 22142201110
Engine and engine cooling 11252100000
Service brakes 0551000000
Power train 0221100101
Fuel system 2111100000
Seat belts 0022200000

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Volvo 740 recalls (6)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one 740 model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Volvo 740
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
91V075000May 6, 1991INTERIOR SYSTEMS:ACTIVE SEAT AND SHOULDER BELTS AN1985–1991—
90V165000Sep 6, 1990FUEL:FUEL SYSTEM OTHER PARTS1990—
89V204000Nov 17, 1989POWER TRAIN:DRIVESHAFT1986, 1987, 1988—
87V064000May 11, 1987ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:HARNESS:FRONT:UNDERHOOD1985, 1986, 1987—
86V083000Jun 24, 1986STRUCTURE:TAILGATE ASSEMBLY:LATCHES AND LOCKS1986—
85V002000Dec 2, 1985ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP:WATER1985—

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗

Fuel economy by model year

198918–21 mpg
199018–21 mpg
199118–22 mpg
199218–20 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

Volvo 740 FAQ

How many recalls has the Volvo 740 had?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns that cover at least one Volvo 740 model year from 1985 to 2002. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Volvo 740 year has the most complaints?

Among the last 13 model years with settled counts, the 1990 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (47) and the 1995 the fewest (1). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Volvo 740 problems?

Across the 1988–2002 model years, owners most often name the electrical system, air bags, vehicle speed control in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Volvo 740 get?

EPA rates the 1992 Volvo 740 at 18 to 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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