On monday night (around midnight) october 10, 2011 I was taking my husband for a routine visit to the hospital for stroke related problems and in normal fashion, I started my car, put my foot on the brake (not the accelerator) and shifted into reverse. Immediately, the car accelerated out of control at a high rate of speed and didn't stop until we were inside my neighbors house, stopped only by the interior wall of his home. We went backwards through his front gate, his exterior wall and ended up completely inside his den/game room. I was not able to stop it with the brakes and there was no explainable reason for the malfunction, but it was bizarre to say the least. There was extensive damage to his home and my car, but luckily no one was killed. My husband was transported to the hospital for neck injuries sustained in the accident and the car is now in a wrecking yard. We bought this particular vehicle because of it's safety rating and well documented maintenance records, but after this problem, I will never own another volvo. Upon research (after the accident) , I discovered numerous complaints of this exact scenario...engaging in reverse and uncontrollable acceleration occurring. This is a major safety issue, regardless of the age of a vehicle, especially if it has been well maintained.
The worst 1990 Volvo 760 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Acceleration8
- Transmission3
- Airbags2
- Brakes2
- Fuel system1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Volvo 760
Recalls 2
Seat belts: front: anchorage
- What is wrong
- Safety belts are designed to be routed under a diagonal cross brace during fastening. The instructional labels for the belt routing are inadequate, and can result in inadvertent release of the belt buckle.
- Risk
- Consequence of defect: safety belt misuse could cause the seat occupant to face greater risk of injury in a sudden stop or vehicle accident if an inadvertent release of the safety belt occurred.
- Remedy
- Install labels to instruct the user in proper safety belt routing; also replace safety belt buckles.
Recall number 91V075000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- If conditions of high ambient temperature, overfilling of the fuel tank, and insufficient torque on the sending unit lock ring exist simultaneously, fuel seepage may occur from the top of the tank.
- Risk
- Fuel seepage could result in fire in the presence of anignition source.
- Remedy
- Retorque sending unit lock ring; replace lock ring gasket if fuel seepage is detected. Note: the only 940 model subject to this recall is the 940se.
Recall number 91V010000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 1990 Volvo 760
Defect investigations
Inadvert. Air bag deploys
There is no summary currently available
EA94015
Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Volvo 760 63
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Vida qr
- Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)
- Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly...
- This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be...
- This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Technician Skillset Requirments
- Software Installation Policy changes.
- Retailers should only use a Volvo part number on claims for items purchased directly from Volvo
- This is a Service Product Journal: Information Notice
- Winter Wheel Applications including rim sizes, steel wheel parts numbers and wheel cover part numbers
- This is a Technical Journal: When sensitive information, like vehicle speed, brake usage, etc
What 1990 Volvo 760 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
When filling the fuel tank fuel spilled out. Recall 91v010000 was issued on this model/make/year; however, this vehicle was not included due to VIN.
The vehicle suddenly accelerated from park to reverse hitting a tree, a curb, and finally stopping in a jacuzzi. Consumer suffered minor injuries.
While vehicle was in reverse gear ,vehicle suddenly accelerated at a high speed. Resulting in an accident causing injuries to the driver. Please more details. Mr
On brakes, change from park to reverse vehicle accelerated at high speed, brake not seem to stop, stopped by wall and tree. Dt
While driving at10 MPH and applying the brakes, pedal went straight to the floorboard, and consumer hit a tree. Upon impact, driver's side air bag did not deploy.
While pulling out of a parking space, and when consumer put key into ignition and turned switch, vehicle shot forward, hitting another vehicle and knocking vehicle out of the way. Consumer kept steering vehicle around with foot on the brake, and vehicle didn't stop. It kept accelerating and then came to a complete stop.
Vehicle thrusted forward at an unknown speed, driver was unable to stop vehicle before crashing into another vehicle and applying the emergency brake.
Separation of parking brake pad and shoe while vehicle was in motion at 30-35 MPH.
After engaging in reverse, vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control, resulting in accident.
Compare the 1990 Volvo 760
Other model years
1990
Questions about the 1990 Volvo 760
Is the 1990 Volvo 760 reliable?
Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 1990 Volvo 760, close to a typical 760 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 Volvo 760?
Acceleration and speed control, with 8 complaints. Next is transmission (3).
How many recalls does the 1990 Volvo 760 have?
2 recalls, covering seat belts and fuel system, gasoline.
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