1996 Volvo 850 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 8%of 192 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Volvo 850, 8% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Volvo's manual transmission does not in anyway provide for safety, there is no way of preventing the car from coming out of gear when not placed on a steep incline as Volvo has pointed out. The rear side mirrors project out far enough to trap an individual prohibiting them from freeing themselves, resulting in death. Side mirrors are designed in such a way that an individual will lose their life before the mirror breaks free. I know, my daughter was killed by the passenger side mirror in this way.”
NHTSA complaint #718761, filed 2000-02“I reported this incident over the phone on august 4. I have not received a written report. Please call me at work to let me know the status of my report. I also have some new information.”
NHTSA complaint #710392, filed 1999-08“The ABS/tracs system is not working properly. Warning lights indicating that this system is not working properly has been on for many months. The dealer has indicated that the ABS/tracs system needs to be replaced at a repair bill of $750.00. This is a major problem with the volvos and I believe that the Volvo corp. Should be held accountable for this design flaw.”
NHTSA complaint #766977, filed 2002-09“Upon operating the vehicle under normal condition the vehicle will downshift, causing the vehicle to deaccelerate, consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced the transmission, problem still occurs.”
NHTSA complaint #809421, filed 1997-03“While the vehicle was parked without the key in the ignition vehicle came out off park, rolled down a hill and hit a tree. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #847204, filed 1999-09Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Volvo 850
55 complaintsFuel system
26 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsEquipment
12 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsTires
11 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsSeats
9 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