1996 Volvo 855: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
4 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
98,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1996 model year. Data snapshot: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Service Brakes, Air:Antilock is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 4 complaints (25.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 2 | 50.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Air:Antilock | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
Service Brakes, Air:Antilock: 1; Service Brakes, Electric: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module: 1; Tires: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 1 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
2002: 1; 2003: 2; 2008: 1
Pattern summary
Service Brakes, Air:Antilock leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10003427 · 2003-01-26 (January 26, 2003)
KUMHO TIRE HAD STEEL BELTS SHOWING THROUGH THE TREAD AFTER ONLY 29,500 MILES
Owner-reported narrative. 73,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10003427 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10041632 · 2003-10-11 (October 11, 2003)
MY '96 VOLVO 855 HAS INTERMITTENT ABS FAILURE. THE ABS LIGHT GOES OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE CAR HAS 123,000 MILES. AFTER A BRIEF SEARCH ON THE INTERNET I FOUND THAT THIS WAS TOO COMMON PROBLEM WITH ABS CONTROL MODULE. IT SEEMS THAT VOLVO DOES NOT ADMIT IT AS A SYSTEMATIC PROBLEM AND THERE IS NO RECALL CAMPAIGN (THAT I KNOW OF). JUST VOLVO DEALERS MAKING A LOT OF MONEY TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND INSTALLING THE NEW ABS CONTROL MODULES. IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE TO LET MANY VOLVO CARS WITH EITHER FAILING ABS SYSTEM OR CHARGE HUNDREDS FOR THE REPAIR OF A …
Owner-reported narrative. 123,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10041632 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10237886 · 2008-08-12 (August 12, 2008)
THE ABS SENSOR HAS COME ON AND IT IS DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. THIS IS A VARY COMMON AND SERIOUS FAILURE FOR THE VOLVO 850 AND IS A WELL KNOW TO VOLVO. THEY OFFER REPAIR BUT IT IS AROUND $900. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 98,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10237886 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 767798 · 2002-09-27 (September 27, 2002)
TS
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 767798 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
02V314000 · Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler
Reported: 2002-11-19 (November 19, 2002)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗96V199000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Reported: 1996-10-11 (October 11, 1996)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗