1996 Volvo 850 Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 5%of 192 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the seats of the 1996 Volvo 850, 5% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,000 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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 am the owner and driver of a 1996 Volvo 850. On sunday march 16th 2003, the driver and myself were stopped in a drive through restaurant when my drivers seat caught on fire. The car started smoking from the seats, then we turned around to look where it was coming from we noticed flames coming out from under the seat into the back seat area. We yelled for a fire extinguisher that the driver used to put out the fire, while putting it out he sustained injury. The local fire department was notified and a report was taken. They had advised me not to drive my car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10010636, filed 2003-03, 117,000 miles“After starting the engine, I switched the seat heater on and drove away. Within 2 minutes of driving, a sharp pain developed in my right buttock. Within seconds a trail of dark smoke rose from the same area. After lifting my bottom off of the seat and realizing the smoke was coming from the seat I shutoff the seat warmer. The result of the incident left a burn mark on my pants and a cigarette sized hole in my seat cushion. I immediately took the vehicle to the dealer and after investigation I was informed that the part was not under warrantee. …”
NHTSA complaint #766384, filed 2002-08“The consumer received a recall notice #02v314000 , electrical seat heater, in march of 2003. The consumer has made several appointments to have to recall remedied. The dealer has cancelled all appointments made stating the parts were unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #10018074, filed 2003-05“Whil driving driver's seat caught on fire due to seat heater. Dealer has seen vehicle, and said it was not a manufacturer's defect. Although the manufacturer's inspector indicated that there was defect, the manufacturer agreed to look into the problem seriously.”
NHTSA complaint #883780, filed 2001-03“Seat heaters were replaced due to recall, but heaters malfunctioned after replacement. Dealer won't take responsibility. The consumer received recall 02v314000. The driver and passenger seat heaters were fully functional and the consumer had no problems. Once the dealer did the recall repairs the seat heaters no longer functioned. The consumer informed the dealer of the problem. The dealer indicated that only the wiring was re-routed, therefore they were not responsible.”
NHTSA complaint #10051710, filed 2003-12Related recalls
- 02V314000Nov 19, 2002On some sedans and station wagons equipped with seat heaters, it is possible that excessive compression of the seat cushion could cause damage to the…Covers: Volvo 850 1996–1997, 854 1996–1997, 855 1996–1997
Seats: 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 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
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