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Interior lightingPart report

1996 Volvo 850 Interior lighting Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
2%of 192 total for the year
Median mileage
107,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the interior lighting of the 1996 Volvo 850, 2% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 107,000 miles.

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

“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

Interior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
199722%
199632%

Other parts of the 1996 Volvo 850

Brakes
55 complaints
Fuel system
26 complaints
Engine cooling
21 complaints
Electrical system
18 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
15 complaints
Equipment
12 complaints
Seat belts
11 complaints
Tires
11 complaints
Body and structure
10 complaints
Seats
9 complaints
Steering
6 complaints
Air 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 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