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.
Volvo 850 brake failure problems
11 of the 569 owner complaints about the Volvo 850 describe brake failure, most of them for the 1996 model year.
- owner complaints
- 11
- worst model year
- 1996
By model year
- 19972
- 19965
- 19951
- 19941
- 19932
Often reported together
What owners say
While applying the brakes the ABS brake light appeared on the dashboard, and remained on. Following that the brake pedal went to the floor. This caused a loss of braking power. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it home. Consumer contacted the dealer, and the mechanic determined that the ABS modular unit needed replacement.
1996 850 volvo wagon ABS brake failure. The ABS brake computer periodically turns itself off (the ABS dash light comes on). This wouldn't be too bad because the brakes will work fine even if the ABS system malfunctions. Except when the system first malfunctions. There is a one to two second interval when you try to apply the brakes and the pedal fights you, vibrates, then allows normal braking (not to be confused with the ABS chatter that happens when it is working properly and a wheel is slipping). My ABS system turns off every time I drive the car, you're just never sure when. If it does when I'm braking, my braking is impaired for a couple seconds - that could be catastrophic! My volvo dealer says they've had a lot of problems with these "computers", but it doesn't affect safety. Furthermore, it costs $700 to fix! I believe this is a safety factor and I'm appalled that volvo (of all companies) doesn't issue a recall.
Volvo 850 anti-lock brake system hydraulic modulator pump developed a significant fluid leak (3-6 oz per day, or greater). This part is non-repairable and must be replaced at great cost (quoted $1900). As a key brake system component, failure of this part may cause (1) significant loss of brake function due to air & moisture intrusion into the brake lines, (2) non-functioning brakes when greater amounts of fluid are suddenly lost, and/or (3) fire danger, when dripping brake fluid contacts nearby exhaust manifold components.
Abs control module fails each time the car is driven. This failure causes momentary loss of braking and is a serious safety issue. Www.brickboard.com is a good source for others with this problem. It is very widespread and the dealers are aware of the issue. The part costs $500 to replace and it can also fail at any time. Dt
Brakes fail at low speeds; pedal goes all the way to the floor without stopping car. This is accompanied by a groaning sound. Persistent problem, reported repeatedly to two volvo dealer service shops since september 1997, without satisfactory repair or resolution.
While driving, ABS hydraulic control unit developed an external leak resulting in significant immediate loss of brake fluid and brake function. Visual inspection of part suggests manufacturer defect. Volvo of north amercia contacted per instructions in owners manual, but volvo representative refused to log-in (record) the incident.
Anti-lock brake failure.
Brake problems; intermittently when applying the brakes on any road conditions the pedal goes to the floor and the vehicle requires extended stopping distance. Vehicle has been in the shop for a total of (37) days for brake problems since feb of 96.
During normal brake application pedal went to the floor. No response from the anti lock braking system. Tt
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Volvo 850 brake failure
Which Volvo 850 years have brake failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1996 (5 complaints), 1993 (2 complaints) and 1997 (2 complaints).
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