1996 Volvo 850 engine problems

Filed Apr 6, 2009 · Engine · 155,000 miles · NH · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 volvo 850 glt. While parked in the contact's driveway, the vehicle burst into flames unexpectedly. The fire department was called to the scene and a report was filed. The report indicated that the fire originated from the engine compartment. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The garage door, house siding, and driveway surface were damaged. In addition, a small area of the lawn was damaged by the fire. There were no personal injuries. The insurance company and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle is currently being investigated and has not been towed from the scene. The failure and current mileages were 155,000.

Filed Dec 3, 2008 · Engine · DC

Consumer has issues about 1996 volvo 850 engine. *nj the consumer stated that carbon monoxide seeped into the vehicle and white smoke emitted from the tailpipe. The vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil. A mechanic informed the consumer the vehicle needed serious engine work. The consumer was informed a one-time recall had been performed one year before she purchased the vehicle.

Filed Aug 1, 2007 · Brakes, Engine · WA

Heat generated in the engine compartment causes ABS control module and traction control module to fail in my '96 volvo 850r. As of today, there's 3 modules already replaced (each costing $800). The dealer said that the control module fails because it's not designed by the manufacturer to withstand typical engine heat. The chatroom of volvo owners (www.brickboard.com) is filled with the same complaint from various model years. The failure of the braking system is especially dangerous since the failure causes intermittent braking capability and hazardous during winter/snowy road conditions. The failure is sudden and without warning.

Filed Jan 31, 2004 · Engine · 97,500 miles · MA

Rear main seal failure, which appears to be a common occurrence with this particular vehicle, presents fire hazard and calls durability reputation of manufacturer into serious question.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · 37,000 miles · VA

Exhaust: catalytic convertewr failed/plugged up. Transmission: shift lock release button on shifter locked up.

Filed Aug 3, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · MD · fire

The entire alternator wiring harness was melted and destroyed before the fuseable link opened the circuit. This clearly is not an acceptable electrical design. In fact, it is my contention that if my wife had not turned the car off when she did, due to the white smoke from the fan, the wiring harness would have caught on fire. Most likely the resulting fire would have destroyed the car as the melted wiring harness is directly under and around the engines fuel injection system. Personally inspected the electrical damage, and was appalled by how much of the wiring was fused together. If the safety design (fuseable link) of the fan circuit had worked properly the alternator wiring harness would never have been damaged to the extent I saw and more importantly my wife would never have been in personal danger.I have reported this issue to volvo america and they contend that a loose fan mount caused this issue. The repair shop was at a lose to explain this position to me as they could not understand how this was relevent to the extensive damage caused as the wiring harness melted down.

Filed Apr 4, 2003 · Engine · 115,000 miles · CT

Rear main seal failure causing oil to leak over underside of car, including exhaust, potentially causing fire. Numerous other owners have reported the same failure at various mileage intervals.

Filed Mar 17, 2003 · Engine · 85,000 miles · SC

This isn't safety related, but emission's problem. Started latter part of nov.,2002. Tech hasn't been able to make satisfactory repair to date. Auto has been in shop over 30 days and is in shop at present. Tech has replaced almost all emission related parts,some more than once, but auto still running extremely rich, only about 10 mpg(city), normally gets 21-22 mpg. Engine has been checked on latest diag. Equipment to no avail. Am I the only one that has a problem with our 96 volvo(model 850)????

Filed Feb 26, 2003 · Engine · NY · fire

The vehicle caught on fire under the hood.

Filed Dec 5, 2002 · Engine · CT

Rear main seal failure causing engine oil to leak onto exhaust system. Possible fire hazard as this is a very common problem with the 850. Volvo does not authorize out of warranty repairs on this component. Various consumer websites contain multiple postings of this failure that volvo does not admit as a manufacturers defect. Dt