1993 Volvo 850 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 38%of 73 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1993 Volvo 850, 38% of the 73 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1. Auto trans failed with grinding/slippage. At my expense a rebuilt Volvo trans installed in 2-99. About 6000 miles later again failure with slippage. Another rebuilt trans was installed...so far it's good. 2. A/c compressor/condenser have both failed . Repaired at my expense. 3. Radio failed to get fm at about 40k miles. Replaced at my expense. Are there any technical bullitens regarding these issues? Especially the expensive trans problems? Please advise me of any . Thank you”
NHTSA complaint #715330, filed 1999-11“Manual transmission failure at a little over 100,000 miles. Have contacted numerous Volvo specialists, and was told that this is common on the 1993 model 850, and that the 1994 and later gearboxes were revised..”
NHTSA complaint #731098, filed 2000-09“Engine mount replaced, belt tensioner replaced, gear shift box locked up and gear could not be changed unless gear shift override pressed, winter traction system engaged on its own”
NHTSA complaint #9001257, filed 2000-07Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1993 Volvo 850
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsEquipment
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1993 Volvo 850
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