1989 Volvo 740 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 37%of 41 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Volvo 740, 37% of the 41 complaints for this model year. 10 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Made an appointment with volvoville USA for recall campaign 96v08500 for date below. Showed up on time and provided VIN # for vehicle that was purchased from volvoville (as a new car by my wife pennie wilfong ) and all other data requested by service writer. I stated I was not interested in any other service and only wanted the recall item taken care of. The service writer went into her database and informed me there was nothing there and did not provide any explanation even when one was requested. …”
NHTSA complaint #10100165, filed 2004-11“The vehicle stalls out constantly due to the battery being drained for no reason. Consumer states that vehicle stalls soon after being started, it seems as though there is not enough gas to restart vehicle, it will eventually restart, vehicle was once repaired, it worked fine for a while and then started experiencing problems again.”
NHTSA complaint #986590, filed 1996-07“The vehicle caught on fire in the starter. Consumer stopped at traffic light,and then observed smoke in hood area, he puuled over an opened hood, and there was fire on the right hand side battery cable which had melted, consumer put fire out, and vehicle was towed to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #986887, filed 1996-07“The vehicle caught fire in the rear while driving, prior to this fire the vehicle had been plagued with electrical system problems and short circuits, no injuries were sustained. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #561576, filed 2001-06“Car was sitting for over two hours and car caught on fire. Electrical fire under the hood. Vehicle was totalled. Consumer states she received a recall letter in the mail after she contacted the manufacturer to file a complaint.”
NHTSA complaint #987298, filed 1996-07Related 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 1989 Volvo 740
12 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Volvo 740
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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