1996 Volvo 850 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 192 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 104,620miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Volvo 850, 2% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 104,620 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 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.
“While driving and without warning the exterior/interior lights shut off and the consumer was unable to see. As a result the consumer was forced to pull over to the side of the road. The Volvo dealer has been notified. The symptom has now occurred multiple times. The light would come back on when the keys move about in the ignition switch, while the engine continued to run. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10012257, filed 2003-03, 107,000 miles“Suddenly, headlights and dash lights fail to operate when switch is in either headlight on position. When set in parking light position, dash and parking lights (only) work. If high beam switch is manually held, then high beams (only) work.”
NHTSA complaint #10127379, filed 2005-07, 102,240 miles“Left front caliper broke in january 1999, roght front caliper broke at this time. Parts were on back order. Consumer was told it would take 3 months to get vehicle repaired. Consumer has had many problems with vehicle, instrument lights were replaced, dash bulb lights and other bulbs replaced. Headlight wiper and windshield wiper blades replaced. Consumer smelled an odor in the air conditioner and later the air conditioner was not cooling properly, dealer replaced the temperature sensor, evaporator, receiver, and dryer. …”
NHTSA complaint #880868, filed 2001-02“Vehicle is parked; headlights will blink on and off, motor won't turn over and steering wheel is smoking when trying to start vehicle. Consumer has contacted dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #845378, filed 1999-08Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Volvo 850
55 complaintsFuel system
26 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsEquipment
12 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsTires
11 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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