Similar to the federal safety agency id number: 10365806. When fuel tank is filled completely, there is a strong odor of fuel outside the vehicle and some fuel odor in the trunk. No odor when tank is only partially full, e.g., 80% full. Odor noticed when vehicle stationary. No odor in passenger compartment. Issue ongoing for roughly last 7 years (not sure). No dripping fuel observed. Leak may be at fuel pump quick-disconnect fittings. Leak may have started as a result of evap system repair in late 2009--not sure. Dealer claimed to have fixed leak at fuel pump fittings in 2011, but odor issue persists if tank completely full. No check engine light issues since 2011. I avoid filling tank completely to avoid odor. If I inadvertently fill tank completely, odor returns. "when did this happen" date I entered is just a rough guess of when the issue started. Vehicle is stored outdoors and driven infrequently, ~ once per week average. Odor is easily noticeable outdoors when tank is completely full.
Volvo 850 fuel smell problems
13 of the 569 owner complaints about the Volvo 850 describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 1996 model year.
- owner complaints
- 13
- worst model year
- 1996
By model year
- 19974
- 19965
- 19952
- 19942
Often reported together
What owners say
I have had the smell of gas and evidence of leaks at the gas tank for about two years plus. I called volvo two years ago about the recall (the federal safety agency # ea03008 from july/2004). I was told that my car VIN does not match the recall. I just had the tank pulled by my mechanic and it is a plastic tank which is leaking from the 3 bolts which attach it to the heat shield- exactly as described in the recall- and it has been operated in a hot weather state(tx). This should be included in this recall. What could possibly exclude this from recall. I am getting the runaround from volvo.
Tl*the contact owns a 1995 volvo 850. He noticed a gas smell coming from the rear of the vehicle. He stated that gas leaks from the gas tank when he fills it up. He has not spoken with the dealer or the manufacturer. The current and failure mileage was 132,000.
Dt: the contact stated vehicle was leaking oil but he was unsure where it was coming from. The dealership suggested changing the master cylinder and it was changed at a local service station, however the leak continued. The contact claimed the leak was coming from the ABS. The module was changed, the leak stopped and the brakes worked properly. He then received the federal safety agency recall 04v368000 concerning the fuel system. Recall repair was performed but there was still a smell of fuel. This happened with the windows up or down. The check engine light was came on. Upon inspection at the dealership the computer found the air mass flow meter was not working properly. This caused the vehicle to idle rougher and not run smoothly. The air mass flow meter has been replaced four times by the dealership. The check engine light was still on. *ak updated 12/27/2005.
> 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.
Consumer received a recall notice for 1995 volvo 850 in which she sold. Consumer wants the new owner contacted in reference to the recall.***no answer required***. *mr before the consumer sold the vehicle she complained of a gas odor, but the dealer always stated there was nothing wrong.
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
After noticing a strong smell of fuel consumer took vehicle to dealer . Dealer found that leakage was coming from fuel lines, wich had to be replaced. Please provide more information.
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 Volvo 850 fuel smell
Which Volvo 850 years have gas smell in the cabin problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1996 (5 complaints), 1997 (4 complaints) and 1994 (2 complaints).
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