1997 Volvo 960 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 20%of 20 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,765miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Volvo 960, 20% of the 20 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,765 miles.
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.
“Check engine light came on then low coolant light. Suddenly lost power due to engine failure. It seized up due to overheating. Temperature gauge never registered hot. Radiator neck broke off at neck causing lost of coolant. Engine ruined. Dealer will not replace claiming thermostat stuck even though they couldn't prove this.”
NHTSA complaint #10064444, filed 2004-04, 100,765 miles“Customer 1997 Volvo 960 engine failed due to timing belt pulley failure. **cc the entire engine had to be replaced because a head bolt had seized in the engine block.”
NHTSA complaint #10181621, filed 2007-01“With no indication of overheating the engine overheated and was destroyed. The only idiot light to come on was the check engine light and that was after black smoke was coming from the engine. The temperature gauge never registered outside of the normal range and no other warning lights were activated. The engine needs to be replaced according to Volvo but this is not covered under my extended warranty because they state it does not matter that the gauges malfunctioned and they can not be tested anyway because the car can not be started.”
NHTSA complaint #747100, filed 2001-06Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Volvo 960
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Volvo 960
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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