AI Damage1986 Volvo 740: common problems
Owners of the 1986 Volvo 740 filed 11 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 11
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 27% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 27% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 9% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel system 9% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 9% of all complaints
- 6 Seat belts 9% of all complaints
- 7 Structure 9% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (27% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 3 complaints (27% of all).
- Engine: 1 complaints (9% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (9% of all).
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (9% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.3 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 2.3 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- 2.8 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- 2.4 L · diesel · turbo · 6 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 4-speed
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 11 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 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.
Consumer was in an accident and the driver side seat belt restraint failed, broke consumer neck, please describe .
Tl* the contact owns a 1986 volvo 740 gle (na). The contact stated that the mass air flow sensor malfunctioned. As a result, the vehicle was unable to pass state emissions standards. The vehicle was taken to a state certified mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the mass air flow sensor needed to be replaced.
Im afraid one day, that the driveshaft will fall and hit street , cause a spark and start a fire.
Consumer believes wiring problem existed which caused plastic odor and fire to start when consumer noticed smoke coming from near the gear shifter, flames appeared and the passenger compartment was completely incinerated, engine relatively undamaged.
Consumer stated due to the electrical wiring problems this cause the headlights, turn signals and parking lights to be inoperative as well as other componets that are affected.
While parked in garage vehicle caught on fire. Consumer put out fire with fire extinguisher.
There was a fire in the engine compartment of the vehicle. The vehicle was totaled. The dealer was contacted about the fire.
This particular model has defective battery cable which caused a vehicle fire, however vehicle not included in the recall due to model year. (representative of auto shop)
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 10,520 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 29% most complained about).
On average one model year of the 740 has 14 complaints (13 years in the data). This year has 11, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Volvo 740?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine and cooling, engine. Total complaints: 11. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (64%), headlights and tail lights (9%), seat belts (9%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1986 Volvo 740?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1986 Volvo 740 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1986 models
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.