> 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.
1996 Volvo 850: gas smell in the cabin
5 of the 192 complaints about the 1996 Volvo 850 describe gas smell in the cabin.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 1
Gas smell in the cabin by model year
- 19974
- 19965
- 19952
- 19942
What owners say
Fuel system, gasoline storage smell of fuel fumes present at all times while operating vehicle when filling tank, fuel leaks from top of fuel tank assembly just as tank becomes completely full.
On the night of may 13, 2003 a few hours after parking the car (1996 volvo 850) in the garage the smell of gas became so strong it was overwhelming. Inspection of the car and floor of the garage revealed gas leaking in a fast steady drip from the fuel tank. The leaked gas had formed a small puddle on the floor. On the morning of may 14, I arranged to take the car in for service where it was confirmed that the fuel tank was indeed leaking from the seam. The car has not been repaired because the fuel tank was is on back order and is not expected to be available until june 1, 2001. The car is not drivable because of the leaking fuel. I believe this leak is the result of a defect in the original fuel tank as there is no apparent damage to the tank.
Upon smelling gas fumes, consumer inspected vehicle and discovered that the fuel tank was leaking near the muffler. Discovered fuel puddle while vehicle was parked in driveway. Mr
Since the vehicle was purchased owners have experienced problems with the exhaust smell/fumes entering the vehicle, not able to remedy fume smell.
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
Questions about the 1996 Volvo 850 fuel smell
Is gas smell in the cabin a common problem on the 1996 Volvo 850?
5 of 192 owner complaints about the 1996 Volvo 850 (3%) mention gas smell in the cabin. The model year with the most reports is 1996.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Volvo 850?
There is 1 recall and 0 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Volvo 850
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