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Electrical systemPart report

1995 Volvo 850 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
13about this part
Share
12%of 111 total for the year
Median mileage
133,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 1995 Volvo 850, 12% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 133,000 miles. 4 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.

“. I have spent $2200 in the last 3 months while herb gordon tries to figure out the problem with the brakes. They have replaced the brake master cylinder, cleaned and resealed the brake calipers and now as a last resort are replacing the internal ABS system, which finally fixed the problem. Ignition switch replaced, the windshield wiper bolts came loose causing the windshield wipers to stop in the middle of driving on a highway in the rain, air sensors and oxygen sensors seem to need replacing at least twice a year.”

NHTSA complaint #10138511, filed 2005-10, 133,000 miles

“Vehicle is experiencing several engine related problems causing vehicle to constantly stall, all of the following have failed: oxygen sensor, engine coil, vacuum hose, upper engine mount, and speed sensor, engine is overheating and experiences a lack of power, the srs light and arrow light were on also as a result of the many engine failures.”

NHTSA complaint #554552, filed 2000-09

“At 70 MPH, on cruise control, having been on the highway continuously for 60+ miles, the cruise control cut out, throttle did not respond, smoke started billowing from behind vehicle, engine quit and within approx. 10 seconds of coming to stop and driver exiting vehicle, car was engulfed in flames. Contacted Volvo and they refused comment after their investigation.”

NHTSA complaint #718734, filed 2000-02

“Upon starting the vehicle, and backing out the drive way, consumer saw smoke, seemed to be coming from under driver's seat. Consumer then went into the house to get water. Upon returning to the vehicle it was engulfed in smoke, and fire.”

NHTSA complaint #10115446, filed 2005-05

“Horn stuck in on-position while driving on fwy. Had to pull onto shoulder and disconnect wires at horn. Dealer determined short occurred inside steering column. Column replaced at a cost over $360. Volvo customer service line noted this has been a recurrent problem with this make/model. Refused to provide further details.”

NHTSA complaint #704773, filed 1999-03

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
19971312%
1996189%
19951312%
19941214%
1993912%

Other parts of the 1995 Volvo 850

Tires
14 complaints
Air bags
13 complaints
Fuel system
13 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
13 complaints
Brakes
11 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaints
Engine cooling
8 complaints
Seat belts
8 complaints
Seats
8 complaints
Equipment
6 complaints
Steering
4 complaints
Body and structure
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1995 Volvo 850

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