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 1999-03Related service bulletins
- 10212892Feb 3, 2022Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)
- 10179681Aug 5, 2020This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
- 10213882Jun 23, 2020Battery Charger/maintainer requirement
- 10173760Mar 31, 2020This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
- 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…
- 10157934Aug 4, 2018This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle Key Not Found
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 1995 Volvo 850
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsSeats
8 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBody 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