AI Damage1991 Volvo 940: common problems
Owners of the 1991 Volvo 940 filed 11 complaints with NHTSA, most often about air bags and seats. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 11
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Air bags 27% of all complaints
- 2 Seats 27% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 18% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 9% of all complaints
- 5 Structure 9% of all complaints
- 6 Vehicle speed control 9% of all complaints
- Air bags: 3 complaints (27% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Seats: 3 complaints (27% of all).
- Fuel system: 2 complaints (18% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (9% of all).
- Structure: 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
- automatic, 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 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.
Air bag did not deploy in the accident. Consumer was injured in accident.
Dt: the contact states there is nhtsa recall 91v010000 concerning the fuel system gasoline delivery: fuel pump. This vehicle is experiencing the same problems as indicated in the recall, but is not included in the recall due to the vin. No repairs have been made at this time.
While driving and slowing down, suddenly the idle speed drop so low where it will choke up. Dealer contacted.
Consumer contacted dealer for recall 91v010000, but was unable to have vehicle repaired because this vehicle was not included in recall due to vin. Vehicle was experiencing the same problemas mentioned in recall. Please provide further details.
According to the manufacturer, the airbag sensor on this vehicle can fail for no apparent reason, thereby disabling the airbag. In other words, the airbag on this vehicle is not a reliable safety device.
Consumer is unable to receive recall repair (97v-166) due to scheduling problems and inability to get vehicle to dealership. Mjs
Consumer was driving when she noticed that the air bag sensor (srs light) was illuminated. Consumer took vehicle in to dealership and was told that the sensors were gone. To replace the part it would cost approximately $1,100 plus $200 to install.
Hatchback closes without warning, due to worn out hydraulic cylinders.
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 940 has 15 complaints (8 years in the data). This year has 11, below average.
What to check before buying
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Seats. Occupant sensor, power adjustment, seat mounts.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Volvo 940?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: air bags, seats, fuel system. Total complaints: 11. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (27%), airbag warning light (9%), airbags did not deploy (9%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1991 Volvo 940?
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 1991 Volvo 940 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 1991 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.