1996 Volvo 960 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 20%of 60 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,788miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Volvo 960, 20% of the 60 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,788 miles. 2 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.
“When making a right turn vehicle makes a loud noise. Dealer has attempted to repair vehicle, but the problem continues; dealer cannot determine the cause of the problem. The power steering pipe failed and caused a loud knocking sound in the front end. A service bulletin was issued for this problem in 1998. The consumer is requesting that the repairs be made free of charge since many unnecessary repairs were made to the vehicle to alleviate the noise prior to the warranty expiring. The A/C was not cooling. The rear brake rotors wore below specs. The dealer replaced the rotors and the pads.”
NHTSA complaint #10038186, filed 2003-10, 22,576 miles“Our 960 has had numerous problems. The most important is the warping of the brake rotors. The dealership has attempted to repair the problem three times previously. Today (12/30/98) is the fourth time. I am concerned that this is a widespread problem with Volvo 960's and that it could lead to accidents and/or injuries if not repaired on all vehicles like our 960. The warped rotors cause excessive shaking in the steering wheel and vibration in the chassis and suspension which might mitigate the brakes effectiveness in some conditions.”
NHTSA complaint #701742, filed 1998-12“Thermostat was sticking, causing vehicle to overheat, when consumer got vehicle back, he had to take it back because the coolant cap and reservoir were not holding pressure. Radiator neck was broken. Ignition coils had hair line fractures. Inside door handle was loose and needed replaced. Brake pads and rotors were replaced. Battery failed.”
NHTSA complaint #875034, filed 2000-11“When driving at 50 MPH the vehicle started to stall and the alternator went out. Also, the consumer was having problems with the brakes. When applying the brakes, the brakes didn't stop the vehicle, causing consumer to run into an enbankment.”
NHTSA complaint #832152, filed 1998-12Related 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 1996 Volvo 960
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Volvo 960
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