1985 Volvo 740 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 20%of 10 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the electrical system of the 1985 Volvo 740, 20% of the 10 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“After driving from the grocery store, I stopped at a store and let my granddaughter run in for a coke. While she was inside,I let the car idle. Within 3 minutes, the engine compartment was on fire. No warning lights came on and the motor never gave any indication of a problem. The people in the parking lot told me to get out of the car ,it was on fire, I cut off the car , popped the hood and then started to open the hood but the smoke was so thick, dark tan and peppered with black, that I couldn't get close. The store employees called the fire department, they came and put out the fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #729626, filed 2000-08“There is a short within electrical system which is draining the battery, and vehicle won't start unless the consumer gives vehicle a boost. Dealer is aware of problem.”
NHTSA complaint #840775, filed 1999-06Related recalls
- 87V064000May 11, 1987Engine wiring harness could chafe against an air conditioning pipe.Covers: Volvo 740 1985–1987, 760 1985–1987
Related service bulletins
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- 10169394Nov 19, 2019This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to…
- 10169393Nov 14, 2019This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to…
- 10169391Nov 9, 2019Software Installation Policy changes.
- 10164851Aug 12, 2019Software Installation Policy changes.
- 10163310Jun 5, 2019This is a Service Product Journal: Information Notice. We process the personal data that you provide in connection with the creation of your VIDA account. The purpose of our…
- 10156282Aug 4, 2018This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle Key Not Found
- 10157931Mar 29, 2018Software Installation Policy changes - Canada
- 10156271Mar 20, 2018Software Installation Policy changes - Canada
- 10159065Mar 7, 2018Software Installation Policy changes - Canada
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 1985 Volvo 740
3 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1985 Volvo 740
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