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1997 Volvo 850 brakes problems

33 complaints (31% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 64,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
33
of this car's complaints
31%
typical mileage
64,000
crashes
2
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    9
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
    8
  • Antilock: control unit/module
    6
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light
    3
  • Foundation components
    2
  • Antilock
    2
  • Foundation components: disc: pads
    1
  • Brake fluid low warning: lamp
    1

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 brakes problems in other years

19931994199519961997

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Volvo 850 brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 26

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1997 Volvo 850 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 3, 2009 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 50,000 miles · IL

Abs module failed. Looks like major dealer repair. This is a major component of the vehicle and should be treated as such and no longer treated as an accessory item. For these devices to be considered an "accessory" they should then be made as user replaceable which is not the case. Then again, is it a good idea to have every sunday-mechanic replacing such a critical item? I have had an ABS warning light for over two years now. Diagnostics say its the ABS electronics. I do not have the budget or experience to replace it. Several websites point to failing or defective capacitors on the electronic module itself.

Filed Jul 14, 2008 · Brakes, Suspension · 127,700 miles · MA

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 volvo 850 wagon. The vehicle was taken to a service station for tire repair and the following failures were discovered: both rear brakes and calipers were seized and completely inoperable, the emergency brake was also inoperable, and both front inner and outer tie rods needed to be replaced. The estimated repair cost was $1,230. The volvo dealer diagnosed the following failures: both front lower control arms and the driver side tie rods failed, an alignment was needed, the front and rear brakes failed, including the rotor and calipers, and there was an emissions issue as well. The vehicle needs complete emission repair. The vehicle was purchased on june 21, 2008 and passed inspection on june 25, 2008. The failure mileage was 127,700.

Filed Jun 13, 2005 · Brakes · 51,000 miles · VA

Abs control module failure on 1987 volvo 850

Filed Oct 11, 2004 · Brakes · 57,183 miles · IL

Abs light coming on and staying on repeatedly. After numerous resets by my volvo repair shop, they determined that the ABS traction control computer module had failed. The unit had to be replaced at a cost to me of $642.93. The repair shop informed me that they were doing an average of one or two such replacements on this model per week and that they believed this to be a defect from the manufacture for this model in general. The repair shop works exclusively on volvos, hubbard woods motors, 985 greenbay road, winnetka, il, 60093; phone 8470446-0711; owner, robert l. Berger.

Filed Oct 11, 2004 · Brakes · 57,183 miles · IL

Abs traction controller failure on my 1997 volov 850 requiring replacement costing approx. $750. The repair shop I use works exclusively on volvos and has indicated to me that they have on average one such failure and customer repair each week. The repair shop is hubbard woods motors, 985 greenbay road, winnetka, il 60093, phone 847‑446‑0711, owner, robert l. Berger.

Filed Sep 15, 2004 · Brakes · 58,000 miles · MA

I have a 1997 volvo 850r that is currently experiencing problems with the ABS/tracs system - the lights came on for the ABS and the tracs system. In researching my problem it has become apparent that the 850 volvo is known for failures to its ABS module and the entire braking system in general. The amount of information that I have been able to find on this common problem leads me to believe that this should be a recalled item. Apparently volvo now offers a new and improved ABS control module (that they charge dearly for) because of the numerous problems and replacements of the old units. Volvo should bear the expense of replacing these units. This is clearly a safety issue. When the ABS light is on, the ABS is not functional. The failure also causes intermittent pulsation in the brakes. The shear number of these instances leads me to believe that it is an obvious design flaw. This should be corrected before someone gets killed.

Filed Jul 25, 2004 · Brakes · 50,000 miles · TX

Abs control unit failure.

Filed Feb 13, 2004 · Brakes · 64,000 miles · TX

1997 volvo 850 model ABS control module fails making the anti lock brakes malfunction.

Filed Dec 17, 2003 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · TX

1997 volvo 850r. Gradual increase in frequency of intermittent problem where ABS and tracs lights illuminate and then go off. There seem to be so many of these complaints that this isn't an unusual problem for this vehicle. Having unpredictable brakes is a serious safety issue. Also I've gone through 4 sets of front brake discs and 5 sets of front brake pads in 90,000 miles. Even when the discs are not worn out the brake pedal is spongy even though the system has been repeatedly bled of air. The discs also warp very easily easily. How can volvo tolerate this? I've owned this vehicle since new and would never buy another. We picked up a lexus yesterday and the volvo is up for sale. I can understand a manufacturer having problems but I cannot forgive it's turning a blind eye to this very serious safety issue.

Filed Oct 26, 2003 · Brakes · 112,000 miles · RI

Intermittent failure of the ABS control module.

Questions about the 1997 Volvo 850 brakes

Does the 1997 Volvo 850 have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 33 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Volvo 850, 31% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1997 Volvo 850 brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 64,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Volvo 850 brakes?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Volvo 850 have bad brakes?

The Volvo 850 model years with the most brakes complaints are 1996 (55 complaints), 1997 (33 complaints) and 1995 (11 complaints).

Other 1997 Volvo 850 problems

Electrical 13Seats 10Tires 9Lights 8Seat belts 7Visibility 7Acceleration 6Engine 6Steering 6Transmission 6Fuel system 5Suspension 4Body 3Airbags 2Wheels 2Driver assistance 1Locks 1

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