1996 Volvo 850 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 192 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,902miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 Volvo 850, 3% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,902 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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 own two vovo 850s. One is a 1993 Volvo 850 glt and the other is a 1996 Volvo 850 turbo wagon. The air conditioner in both cars developed leaks in the evaporators. The 1996 car developed the leak in 2003. I had it replaced in 2004 for $1400. The 1993 Volvo A/C evaporator also developed a leak. To replace it will cost another $1400 plus. Volvo denies that there is any problem with the design of the A/C evaporators. I suggest that the fact that in my two cars both evaporators have developed leaks indicates that there is a defect. Note that living in virginia the A/C is used seasonally. …”
NHTSA complaint #10112700, filed 2005-03, 75,000 miles“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“The contact owns a 1996 Volvo 850. The contact stated that when traveling over different deviations on the road, the rear end of the vehicle would fish tail. In addition, the vehicle would sporadically stall without warning. The contact would have to receive a jump start in order to restart the vehicle each time the vehicle stalled. The dealer was notified who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact tried contacting the manufacturer via web mail but to no avail. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10376732, filed 2011-01, 150,805 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 2001-02Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): 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 30, 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