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1996 Volvo 854 problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Volvo 854 is brakes. It has fewer complaints than a typical 854 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
7
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 1996 Volvo 854 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Tires
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 2

Seats: front assembly: seat heater/coolerReported November 19, 2002 · 65,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On some sedans and station wagons equipped with seat heaters, it is possible that excessive compression of the seat cushion could cause damage to the electrical wiring of the seat heater.
Risk
If this occurs, the damage could result in a short circuit that could cause a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will disconnect the existing wires and install a new electronic thermostat and cable harness. Owner notification began on february 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volvo at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 02V314000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed controlReported October 11, 1996 · 12,530 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The screws which attach the throttle plate to its axle (shaft) can loosen allowing the throttle plate to come in contact with the throttle housing.
Risk
This condition could prevent the throttle from returning to idle position increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the throttle housing.

Recall number 96V199000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1996 Volvo 854

Defect investigations

Fuel tank leaksOpened January 16, 2003, closed June 11, 2003

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

Seat firesOpened August 22, 2002, closed December 18, 2002

Volvo is conducting a safety recall based on its analysis of complaints and technical information developed during its investigation.volvo'ssurvey of vehicles routinely brought in for maintenance at east-coast dealerships produced evidence that bare metal wires (that provide support for the seat bottom) can contact the thermostat and electrical wiresin or beneath the seat cushion.this can result in an electrical short.volvo confirmed in testing that if such a condition is present, the short to the wire seat support could cause burning of the seat cushion without activating (opening) the seat heater fuse.volvo will replace the entire thermostat assembly with an electronic timer delay unit.

EA02019

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Volvo 854 7

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

What 1996 Volvo 854 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 6, 2019 · Fuel system · 225,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 volvo 854. When the contact filled up the tank with fuel, he smelled fuel fumes without getting close to the vehicle. The contact called dyer & dyer volvo cars (5260 peachtree blvd, chamblee, ga 30341, (800) 552-7023) and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 225,000.

Filed May 4, 2018 · Fuel system · ID

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 volvo 854. The contact stated that there was a strong odor of fuel progressing for an extended period of time. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Jul 23, 2003 · Brakes · CO

Yet another 1996 volvo 850 suffering from ABS control unit failure.

Filed Mar 10, 1998 · Tires · NJ

Tire and rim combination causes blow outs in the front tires when going over road hazards.

Filed Sep 19, 1997 · Brakes · CA

Abs microswitch failed.

Compare the 1996 Volvo 854

Other model years

1994199519961997

Questions about the 1996 Volvo 854

Is the 1996 Volvo 854 reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 1996 Volvo 854, fewer than a typical 854 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Volvo 854?

Brakes, with 2 complaints. Next is fuel system (2).

How many recalls does the 1996 Volvo 854 have?

2 recalls, covering seats and vehicle speed control.

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