AI DamageVolvo 242: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Volvo 242 across 2 model years: 2 owner complaints and 0 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
| Year | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) | YouTube repair videos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9999 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 50% of all complaints
- 2 Suspension 50% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (50% of all).
- Suspension: 1 complaints (50% of all).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Engine has stopped suddenly without prior notice. Dealership is aware of problem.
Possible strut bracket or housing snapped causing the body to fall on front right tire cutting tire severely.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.