1997 Volvo 850 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 31%of 107 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Volvo 850, 31% of the 107 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Abs/traction control module faulty...cost us $700 to repair...according to our Volvo dealer, Volvo is aware that this problem has occurred in a lot of Volvo's but they have chosen to not conduct a recall...this is wrong and Volvo needs to be punished for not taking care of their customers...it's an absoulute disgrace...we'll never buy another Volvo...too many problems, very poor reliability!”
NHTSA complaint #10037405, filed 2003-09, 74,000 miles“My car is a 1997 Volvo 850. The ABS warning light comes on intermittently. I am told by the dealer that there have been problems with the ABS computers. An independent Volvo owners website noted other 850 owners experiencing the same problem. The question is Volvo going to do a recall?”
NHTSA complaint #10032756, filed 2003-08, 101,800 miles“My ABS light has been coming on and I got it checked at my mechanic and was informed of the reoccuring problem with the module on my make and year. I was also informed of the around $600 bill it will be to replace something that seems to be serious enough for Volvo to recall. - nb.”
NHTSA complaint #10028913, filed 2003-07, 63,000 miles“Abs module failed. Looks like major dealer repair. This is a major component of the vehicle and should be treated as such and no longer treated as an accessory item. For these devices to be considered an accessory they should then be made as user replaceable which is not the case. Then again, is it a good idea to have every sunday-mechanic replacing such a critical item? I have had an ABS warning light for over two years now. Diagnostics say its the ABS electronics. I do not have the budget or experience to replace it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10253657, filed 2009-01, 50,000 miles“I have a 1997 Volvo 850r that is currently experiencing problems with the ABS/tracs system - the lights came on for the ABS and the tracs system. In researching my problem it has become apparent that the 850 Volvo is known for failures to its ABS module and the entire braking system in general. The amount of information that I have been able to find on this common problem leads me to believe that this should be a recalled item. Apparently Volvo now offers a new and improved ABS control module (that they charge dearly for) because of the numerous problems and replacements of the old units. …”
NHTSA complaint #10091051, filed 2004-09, 58,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10157889Feb 14, 2019This is a Technical Journal: When sensitive information, like vehicle speed, brake usage, etc. (customer behavoiur information) of a car is required from Volvo Car Corporation…
- 10167828Dec 3, 2016This is a Technical Journal: When sensitive information, like vehicle speed, brake usage, etc. (customer behavoiur information) of a car is required from Volvo Car Corporation…
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Volvo 850
13 complaintsSeats
10 complaintsTires
9 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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