1990 Volvo 240 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 15%of 20 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 129,577miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the brakes of the 1990 Volvo 240, 15% of the 20 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 129,577 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1990 Volvo 240. The contact stated that when shifting from park, the vehicle began to accelerate and the brakes failed. As a result, the vehicle crashed into the glass doors of the auto department and through the building. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The mechanic was unable diagnose the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000. Updated 01/05/14 the consumer stated the vehicle was initially brought in for repairs due to the vehicle constantly shutting off.”
NHTSA complaint #10650380, filed 2014-10, 129,577 miles“I'm reporting this problem with the Volvo (240 dl) because I feel it's a safety issue. When the controller goes out on these vehicles the cars no longer operate, thus creating a very serious hazard, especially if one is traveling on a congested highway. This has been problem with the Volvo 240 dl through 1988 until 1992. Volvo has not recalled any of these cars or corrected the problem, and Volvo is perfectly aware of this problem. Several mechanics and research have indicated to me that the emissions controllers and supporting devices have been failing on these cars. …”
NHTSA complaint #713737, filed 1999-10“While driving brakes failed, causing a collision. Vehicle checked by dealer who determined that 3 failed components; master cylinder/ left front caliper, and booster .”
NHTSA complaint #8019118, filed 2002-09Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 1990 Volvo 240
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Volvo 240
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology