1997 Volvo 850 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 7%of 107 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Volvo 850, 7% of the 107 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,500 miles. 1 a fire, 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 have a 1997 Volvo model 850 t-5 that I was driving during a snow and ice storm when the heater/blower stopped working for no reason, thus causing considerable drain on my driving reflexes and being able to see since the windows all started to fog up on the inside and ice on the outside. This could have caused the driver to become involved in an accident due to the failure of the heater/blower. I was told by the dealer that this is common for this type of Volvo that the heater blowers fail for no reason and without warning. Also to replace this heater/blower will cost over 500.00 . …”
NHTSA complaint #10104311, filed 2004-12, 106,000 miles“Windshield wipers quit working while in use. The arm fell off. Windshield wiper motor was replaced. Also, the power steering rack needed to be replaced because steering fluid was leaking.”
NHTSA complaint #10055547, filed 2004-01, 39,000 miles“The rear driver and passenger windows have a gap in the window track. A child's finger was pinched,as a result of the gapwhile the window was being adjusted.”
NHTSA complaint #10021944, filed 2003-05“Dealer had found a crack on air distribution system, wich will not let heat to get onto floor level. Consumer had noticed problem. Please provide more information.”
NHTSA complaint #8006358, filed 2002-03Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Volvo 850
33 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsSeats
10 complaintsTires
9 complaintsSeat belts
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 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