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1996 Volvo 960 problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Volvo 960 is brakes. It has 3.0 times the complaints of a typical 960 model year.

Typical year3.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
60
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
108
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
18-19mpg

The worst 1996 Volvo 960 problems

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

Problems by type

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

  • Brakes
    12
  • Electrical
    11
  • Fuel system
    10
  • Acceleration
    7
  • Engine
    7
  • Airbags
    6
  • Body
    6
  • Steering
    4
  • Lights
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Locks
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Volvo 960

Fuel smell 7No deployment 5

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Defect investigations

Inadvertent side air bag deploymentOpened June 7, 1999, closed October 27, 1999

PE99040

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Volvo 960 108

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

See all 108 bulletins for the 1996 Volvo 960

1996 Volvo 960 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.9L 6‑cylRWD162419
2.5L 6‑cylRWD162218

What 1996 Volvo 960 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 16, 2015 · Fuel system · 73,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 volvo 960. The contact stated that fuel fumes emitted inside of the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that fuel was leaking from the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that the leak was from the fuel rail and the fuel rail needed to be replaced. The vehicle as not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000. Updated 09/10/15*lj updated 11/27/2017

Filed Nov 19, 2012 · Fuel system · TX

Raw gasoline leaking from manufacture defective fuel rail. Manufacture machined sealed tapet/flanged aluminum seal on fuel rail leaking raw gasoline under high pressure in engine bay. Problem only occurs during engine operation. Raw gasoline is flammable. Fuel rail deliver system part of emissions system. Occupants may or not notice gasoline smell (noxious fumes) during operation inside cabin. Manufacturer recall advised.

Filed Oct 8, 2012 · Fuel system · 166,800 miles · TX

Raw gasoline leaking from manufacture defective fuel rail. Manufacture machined sealed tapet/flanged aluminum seal on fuel rail leaking raw gasoline under high pressure in engine bay. Problem only occurs during engine operation. Raw gasoline is flammable. Fuel rail deliver system part of emissions system. Occupants may or not notice gasoline smell (noxious fumes) during operation inside cabin. Manufacturer recall advised.

Filed Jan 23, 2011 · Fuel system · 136,511 miles · TX

Leaking fuel rail - our 1996 volvo 960, which was bought new and serviced regularly by volvo mechanics, developed a bad fuel odor inside the cabin, and, when I opened the hood, it was apparent that it had a serious gasoline leak, which was mode worse when the engine was hot. I tried to find the leak, but couldn't find any fuel lines leaking. We took it to our local volvo mechanic, and he said it was the fuel rail, and said that it was quite common on that model. I asked him if it was dangerous, and he looked at me like I was a complete dummy! We had the fuel rail replaced, at great expense, of course, but I couldn't have my family at risk daily in the car. There appears not to be a recall, but I am having one of the local personal injury attorneys look into the situation. Surely there is a bulletin out on this dangerous situation!

Filed Aug 24, 2009 · Electrical · 177,000 miles · GA

I live in ga and last friday I was coming home from work in the rain, I hit a big puddle and my car stalled out then came back on after I cleared the puddle, I checked underneath when I got home and there was nothing loose that I could see. This was the first time this has ever happened to me. My car is a 1996 volvo 960 with 177,000 miles on it, it runs good but does have other electrical issues too.

Filed Feb 9, 2007 · Engine · 114,000 miles · NM

At 110k I noticed coolant level dropping faster than usual, and coolant on garage floor. Dealer removed side engine cover and showed me a line of pinhole leaks in the aluminum block. Technician said this was a manufacturing defect he had seen before, and that the engine would have to be replaced. Volvo offered no help, "out of warranty." I purchased a used 1998 960 engine for $1900 and dealer installed for $1800, including incidental parts. Soon thereafter, radiator blew and ruined cylinder head. The 1 year used engine warranty covered cylinder head and I paid about $800 for new radiator. Total outlay $4500! I folded my cards and got $3500 for volvo toward a new toyota corolla. No more volvos for me!

Filed Nov 21, 2006 · Fuel system · 160,000 miles · WA

For the past year my car has been reeking of gasoline fumes, normally in the morning when cold starting, but would occur periodically throughout the day. The smell was so overwhelming that I could not turn the heater on in the car, and would have to put the windows down in the car while driving down the road to try to rid the car of fumes. I took the car to the volvo dealer and left it with them for days. They assured me it was a accumulation of something in the vent system, and they cleaned that out. The problem still existed. I finally took it to another mechanic who found the problem. The fuel rail. The end piece would allow fuel to virtually spill out. Please refer to this web site which describes this potentially dangerous situation in detail: http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/960_90info.html#960b6300fuelrailleakageproblems my car was a potential time bomb. Not only did volvo not find the problem, but when my new mechanic found the problem it took my mechanic three trips to volvo in order to have them order the correct parts as volvo no longer manufacturers that particular part - hmmmm....I wonder why. This could have caused a horrible situation, especially with my children in the vehicle. We experienced sore throats, and froze to death on cold mornings not being able to turn the heater on due to being fumigated with gasoline fumes. *nm

Filed Dec 3, 2005 · Fuel system · 139,420 miles · GA

The fuel rail began leaking from plug in front end of rail. I was able to smell the leak in the passenger compartment and was able to avoid a fire or other damage. Local independent parts store indicated that this is a common problem with the 960. Bought a new, redesigned fuel rail from local volvo dealer. It was in stock and they indicated that they sell a fair number of these. They indicated that there is not a recall on this part. The new part has a different design of the end plug which leaked on my car. I no longer have the old part available.

Filed Aug 22, 2005 · Airbags · 125,000 miles · TN · crash · 2 injuries

Dt: the consumer stated that 1996 volvo 960 vehicle was involved in a crash. While traveling at 40 MPH. Upon impact, frontal and side airbags did not deploy. Consumer's vehicle hit a car that did not stop at a stop sign. There were 2 injuries. The consumer contacted volvo dealership and the manufacturer. The car was totaled. A police and insurance report were taken. Also, there are pictures of the collision.

Filed Aug 3, 2005 · Engine · 170,000 miles · MD

As of july 29, 2005, my 1996 volvo 960 started losing speed and the engine stalls without warning! Thus far, no injuries have been sustained. The car has been taken off the road. On august 1, 2005, wbal-tv reported the same problems with 1999-2001 volvos. My car has always been maintained and up to now has been in excellent working condition. Please advise.

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Questions about the 1996 Volvo 960

Is the 1996 Volvo 960 reliable?

Owners have filed 60 complaints about the 1996 Volvo 960, 3.0 times a typical 960 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Volvo 960?

Brakes, with 12 complaints. Next is electrical (11).

How many recalls does the 1996 Volvo 960 have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 1996 Volvo 960 get?

Official estimates for the 1996 Volvo 960 range from 18 to 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.9L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 16 city and 24 highway.

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