My fuel tank started leaking exactly as the recall # 04v368000 describes, where the heat shield connects to the fuel tank. I filled up, drove 3 miles home, parked in my driveway, and smelled gas, but did not *see* anything at that time. It lost 6 gallons of fuen in about 3 hours hours. Volvo says this recall does not pertain to my vehicle, because they do it by specific VIN numbers, but would not say anything further. It is in my local shop parking lot, I was unable to photograph the leak as I am disabled and could not climb under the car.
1996 Volvo 850 fuel system problems
26 complaints (14% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 120,760.
- owner complaints
- 26
- of this car's complaints
- 14%
- typical mileage
- 120,760
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Storage: tank assembly20
- Storage2
- Storage: fuel gauge system1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Volvo 850 fuel system problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Volvo 850 fuel system
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: storage
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, after prolonged exposure to heat, the fuel tank may seep or leak fuel at the points where the heat shield is attached.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Volvo will inspect the fuel tank and replace it if any evidence of fuel seepage or leakage is found. All vehicles will receive new reinforcement bushings at the heat shield attachment points to prevent future leaks. This recall will be conducted as a safety recall in the hot weather states of alabama, arkansas, arizona, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, nevada, new mexico, north carolina, oklahoma, south carolina, tennessee, texas, and utah, and as a service recall in the other 33 states and the district of columbia. The recall began on september 24, 2004. Owners may contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552.
Recall number 04V368000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Fuel tank leaks
This engineering analysis was opened on june 11, 2003, based on 54 reports of fuel tank leaks.the subject vehicles were 1993 through 1996 model year (my) 850 vehicles. Model 850 was also produced in my 1997 and was included in this investigation. Analysis of the data reveals two distinct issues. First, the 1994 through 1997 my vehicles stand out by accounting for 95 percent of the reported leaks.these vehicles share the same fuel tank design (pn 9142618). The 1993 my vehicle uses a different fuel tank design (pn 9141101).secondly, the failures occurred predominantly in hot climates, e.g., california, arizona, texas, florida, georgia, louisiana, etc.testing of fuel tanks from consumer vehicles at the vehicle research and test center confirmed leaks through cracks in the fuel tank wall at a heat shield mounting attachment in the 1994 through 1997 my fuel tanks (pn9142618). Details of the tests are available in test report vrtc-dcd3060.volvo will conduct a safety recall on all my 1994 through 1997 vehicles originally sold or registered in the following 17 hot states: ca, az, nm, tx, la, ms, al, ga, sc, fl, nc, tn, ar, ok, ut, nv, and hi.all 1994 through 1997 my vehicles in all other states will be remedied under a service campaign.the remedy for both the recall and service campaign is to install a new bushing at each heat shield attachment point (3 per tank).also, all tanks (vehicles in all states) will be inspected for fuel seepage at the heat shield attachment points and volvo will replace any tank showing signs of fuel seepage.the new bushings will prevent heat shield stresses from being transferred to the three heat shield mounting attachments on the fuel tank.the safety recall is filed under the federal safety agency safety recall number 04v368.this investigation is closed.
EA03008
Fuel tank leaks
The office of defects investigation opened thisinvestigation on january 16, 2003.the basis for opening the investigation was 15 consumer reports alleging gasoline leaking from the fuel storage tank.volvo provided 43 additional reports in its response to the preliminary evaluation, 4 of which were duplicates of the 15 odi reports. This investigation has been upgraded for further study.
PE03003
What 1996 Volvo 850 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
This vehicle has a leak at a seam of the gas tank. Chen engine light is on with obo 11 code p0455 evaporative emission system leak detected large leak no flow. A certified volvo repair facility has verified crack at seam from gas tank.
I own a 1996 volvo 850 turbo. Recently the gas tank began to leak at the seam on the driver side next to exhaust heat shield I called volvo and they told me that my for my VIN # there is no recall; on the internet there is a recall for the same vehicle gas storage issues. Exactly on the same side same problem, but since my VIN # does not coincide with their recall, I have to pay for it. I don't think that it is fair, that just because my VIN # is different from the recall, numbers, it still has the same problem as the models they are recalling. If they are recalling a certain model in this case the 850 model for specific defects, what difference does it make what VIN # it is, if it has the same problem on the recall. And a safety issue. If you can help with this, please let me know what I can do. Because the volvo agent was not very helpful and rude. Bottom line was to bad for you.
Dt*: the contact stated without warning, the speedometer became inoperable. The dealership determined the speedometer needed to be replaced.
> my family received a notice from volvo cars of north america, via us mail, dated february 2005 > notice explains that: "in certain cases, after prolonged exposure to extreme heat, the fuel tank in model year 1994-1997 volvo 850 vehicles may develop seepage at the heat shield attachment. When this occurs, a fuel odor may be present." >this is a serious understatement and, in my opinion based on my family's recent experience on our volvo 850 listed ed in the recall, borders on criminal neglect. > we experienced this problem with our own volvo 850 within the last two weeks, and it was much more than fuel vapor. I will explain: - a very strong intermittent fuel odor became noticeable, followed several days later by sever leaking from near the top of the gas tank down onto the cars exhaust pipe. I am really surprised it had not caught fire while we were driving the vehicle. - gas was dripping from the tank at a rate of one drop every two to three seconds. My wife and I noticed this after a quick trip to the grocery store where we had parked on level ground, allowing the gas to pool under the car. - we had to call the fire department to secure the vehicle; they had em move the car to a sloped gravel area to keep the gas to one side of the tank and to absorb the dripping gas. > the dealer took care of the problem immediately. The point that I am trying to make with all this is that if the notice had been worded more strongly and indicating the potential severity of this problem, we would have had the car in a lot sooner. I'm just glad we didn't have the car parked in a garage attached to our residence. Feel free to give me a call or e-mail and I will be glad to forward a copy of this notice to your office for review. John dominski fairfax, va.
Dt: caller received a recall letter but the consumer feels the dealer did not repair the problem. The manufacturers recall #140 and the federal safety agency recall #04v368000 were to replace a heat shield. The caller said she feels the dealer did not do the recall because after the repair fuel leaked when she filled the tank. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer have been contacted about the problem.
I own a 1996 volvo 850 glt station wagon with 72,500 miles. The fuel tank cracked and developed a leak from the foward heat shield mount on the gas tank. There was raw gas leaking 3 to 4 inches from the exhaust pipe. The car has never been in a crash nor have we hit or run over anything that damaged the gas tank or heat shield. I replaced the gas tank and seals and have the old gas tank.
I'm reporting the fuel tank on our 1996 volvo 850, VIN no. [xxx], calif. Lic. [xxx], mileage 93238. The fuel tank started leaking around march 27, 2004, upon my investigation I observed fuel leaking from the left side of the fuel tank at the seam behind the exhaust heatshield. On the left side of the fuel tank there are three (3) screws that fasten the heatshield to fuel tank. Removing the two (2) of the screws allowed me to further observe fuel leaking from molded screw retainer. The car has not been driven due to the dangers associated with this leaking fuel tank. I found on the federal safety agency website a preliminary evaluation (pe03-003) was opened in january of 2003 but closed in june 2003. I also found an engineering analysis (ea03-008) has been opened and that the federal safety agency has been investigating this matter and has correspondence with volvo concerning the other fifty four (54) incidences. We purchased this vehicle new in june 1996, and have properly maintained the vehicle as specified by volvo. This car is in excellent condition and has never been in an accident or damaged. Please advise what solutions or remedies this agency or volvo is planning or doing regarding this serious matter. Updated 07/30/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
Steady gas leak from gasoline fuel storage tank on 1996 volvo 850 sedan. Leak from tank itself confirmed by independent garage who regularly serviced the car. After I contacted volvo u.s. (customer care office), I cancelled a replacement tank through the independent garage and took the car to the local volvo dealership (royal automotive in birmingham, al) for the repair. Volvo has notified me that they will repair/replace the tank without charge to me but only if the work is done through their dealer. The car is currently at the dealer awaiting inspection by the volvo u.s. Tech field rep.
Consumer own a 1996 volvo 850 and it experienced a substantial gas leak from he gas storage tank itself. Mr. John abbott answered by phone. *ph
Questions about the 1996 Volvo 850 fuel system
Does the 1996 Volvo 850 have fuel system problems?
Owners have filed 26 complaints about the fuel system of the 1996 Volvo 850, 14% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1996 Volvo 850 fuel system problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 120,760 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Volvo 850 fuel system?
Yes, 1 recall: 04V368000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Volvo 850 have the most fuel system problems?
The Volvo 850 model years with the most fuel system complaints are 1996 (26 complaints), 1994 (14 complaints) and 1995 (13 complaints).
Other 1996 Volvo 850 problems
Brakes 55Engine 21Electrical 18Transmission 15Seat belts 11Tires 11Body 10Seats 9Steering 6Airbags 5Lights 5Visibility 5Acceleration 4Suspension 2Locks 1Wheels 1
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