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Electrical systemPart report

1990 Volvo 240 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
35%of 20 total for the year
Median mileage
129,288miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 1990 Volvo 240, 35% of the 20 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 129,288 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, 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 owned a 1990 Volvo 240 wagon. The contact stated that the battery was continuously failing. The vehicle was taken to a service station for inspection. The mechanic advised the contact to drive the vehicle into the service bay area. As soon as she shifted from park, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The contact applied the brakes but the vehicle did not respond. The contact made a hard left turn to avoid crashing into the front entrance of the shop and crashed into a wall instead. The building immediately became filled with white smoke and a strong odor of burning rubber. …”

NHTSA complaint #10652550, filed 2014-11, 129,000 miles

“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

“Consumer stated that while driving down the freeway at about 55mph the vehicle just cut off without any warning. The consumer had to turn on the emergency lights so other cars wouldn't hit them. Vehicle had to be towed to a mechanic. The consumer contacted the dealer, they said it was a computer malfunction, and it could stop at anytime. The dealer also told the consumer that it was nothing they could do about it because it was out of warranty.”

NHTSA complaint #813907, filed 1997-07

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
199317%
199229%
1991424%
1990735%
1989529%
1987117%
1986433%
1984120%
1983583%

Other parts of the 1990 Volvo 240

Vehicle speed control
5 complaintsBrakes
3 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 28, 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