1990 Volvo 740
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1990 Volvo 740. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1990 Volvo 740. Newest first.
Safety belts are designed to be routed under a diagonal cross brace during fastening. The instructional labels for the belt routing are inadequate, and can result in inadvertent release of the belt buckle.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequence of defect: safety belt misuse could cause the seat occupant to face greater risk of injury in a sudden stop or vehicle accident if an inadvertent release of the safety belt occurred.
Remedy
Install labels to instruct the user in proper safety belt routing; also replace safety belt buckles.
Fuel damper located behind the fuel line and the fuel rail may be improperly assembled. Over time, the solder joints could allow a small amount of fuel to leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source,could result in a fire.
Remedy
Replace fuel damper.
Owner complaints
47 complaints16 involved a crash5 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owned a 1990 volvo 740. While the vehicle was in the garage, it suddenly accelerated to approximately 60 mph. The vehicle slammed into a brick wall. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The brake pedal was soft and would not respond. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact was bleeding from his head and required medical attention. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1990 volvo 740. While reversing into a parking space, the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into a parked vehicle. The service brakes and emergency brake failed to stop the vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The contact had to…
TL* the contact owns a 1990 volvo 740. While reversing into a parking space, the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into a parked vehicle. The service brakes and emergency brake failed to stop the vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The contact had to remove the keys from the ignition in order to stop the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 170,000.
- Seat belts
Normal everyday use. The seat belt buckles fall part. *Tr
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
Rapid acceleration incident in a 1990 volvo 740 turbo sedan. given the recent press re toyota, I would just like it known that the issue may extend to other manufacturers as well. my vehicle became "possessed" in a parking garage in downtown minneapolis in 1996. I was about to back out of a…
Rapid acceleration incident in a 1990 volvo 740 turbo sedan. given the recent press re toyota, I would just like it known that the issue may extend to other manufacturers as well. my vehicle became "possessed" in a parking garage in downtown minneapolis in 1996. I was about to back out of a parking space, and it went into a super high speed reverse (on its own from zero to perhaps 40 mph?) while my foot was jammed in terror on the brake. I was able to throw the transmission into first gear, which did not solve the problem, and shut off the engine, before I smashed into a car behind me. I was afraid to drive the car, but took the car to the dealer, who could find nothing wrong and found no recalls. I sold the car long ago, but thought you should know. I love volvo and still believe they are safe cars, so I regret to bring this up.
- Vehicle speed control
In a parking lot at a local grocery store, my daughter and I went into the car, started it and shifted the gear, while holding the brake, from park mode to revers mode to get out of the parking lot. As soon as I shifted it, the car took off in full speed backward as if it was crazy, hitting a car…
In a parking lot at a local grocery store, my daughter and I went into the car, started it and shifted the gear, while holding the brake, from park mode to revers mode to get out of the parking lot. As soon as I shifted it, the car took off in full speed backward as if it was crazy, hitting a car and a passenger that was coming out of the car. As my car hit the 2ND vehicle's open door, it bounced forward, also in full speed. By this time, I shifted the gear to park mode in attempt to stop the car. Nevertheless, the car flew and hit a SUV and as the airbag broke, my car stopped. The SUV was then sandwiched in between my car and a parked car in front of it. Both cars were empty but the passenger from the first car was badly bruised in her side and knee. The sudden acceleration had occured and the tire marks remained from the starting location to the end because I was pushing the brake all the time, nevertheless, the car flew unintentionally. Since it IS a very unusual case, nothing has been done to the car yet and I will probably total that car.
- Air bags
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling over a hill at 45 mph, a deer entered the path of the vehicle. the brakes were applied, but the vehicle struck the deer. the vehicle went off the road and down an embankment striking trees. the front end was damaged in the collision. the contact was…
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling over a hill at 45 mph, a deer entered the path of the vehicle. the brakes were applied, but the vehicle struck the deer. the vehicle went off the road and down an embankment striking trees. the front end was damaged in the collision. the contact was wearing a seat belt, but sustained minor injuries. there was a police report taken at the scene. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. the manufacturer sent a technician who determined, based on the speed and angle the vehicle made contact, the airbags should not deploy. there have been no repairs to the vehicle. updated 03/28/06. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
The radiator opening to which the hose attaches [for return of the coolant to the engine] cracked and broke off. There are cracks in the plastic portion of the radiator where the hose attaches. The failure IS not the result of any impact or other external forces. The plastic out of which the…
The radiator opening to which the hose attaches [for return of the coolant to the engine] cracked and broke off. There are cracks in the plastic portion of the radiator where the hose attaches. The failure IS not the result of any impact or other external forces. The plastic out of which the radiator IS made IS either defective of inadequately designed for normal wear and tear. I am told that no repair IS possible. The entire radiator must be replaced.
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › Cables
Vehicle fire as a result of electrical problems.*mr vehicle caught fire at work four hours after it was parked. Fire was extinguished and the battery was disconnected upon discovering it was an electrical fire. Vehicle was driven home that night. Vehicle was taken to the mechanic the next day.…
Vehicle fire as a result of electrical problems.*mr vehicle caught fire at work four hours after it was parked. Fire was extinguished and the battery was disconnected upon discovering it was an electrical fire. Vehicle was driven home that night. Vehicle was taken to the mechanic the next day. Consumer believed the fire was the result of the battery cables. consumer contacted the dealership and learned of a service bulletin for the 740 models. Consumer believed the positive and negative batter cable came together and ran down a rubber tub that secured the inter frame. At the end of the rubber tube the positive cable ran across the front cross member to the starter. The negative battery cable after leaving the rubber tube cross over the positive battery cable going to ground itself to the engine. Over the years the two cables rub together till the sheating worn down and making contact causing the short circuit and fire. The damage from the fire ( positive/negative cable burned all the way through, both power steering hose burned, oil sending unit and connecting wire, splash pan melted from fire dropping on it, the a/c compressor hose burned to the point where you could see tread coming from the hose. The items were replaced but the a/c wasn't working. *ph
- Wheels
The rear wheel cracked in half, which caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Which resulted in an accident.*jb
- Air bags
Consumer states the air bag spontaneously deployed as the vehicle slowed down going 5-10mph to a stop. No air bag warning light illuminated to specify a problem. Dealer was notified. Please provide more information. ts
- Electrical system › Wiring
While driving 30 mph thick smoke came from air conditioner's vents, shortly after, consumer saw flames. Vehicle was totally burned before fire department got to scene. Driver suffered smoke inhalation.*ak
- Vehicle speed control
While rounding a curve at 20mph vehicle suddenly and uncontrollably accelerated to 50-60mph. Brakes were ineffective to slow acceleration. Vehicle flew over curb, into park crashing into tree. Thankfully, airbag deployed saving elderly driver. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Vehicle speed control
While driving at a low rate of speed and when attemtping to turn around a curve vehicle suddenly accelerated, causing unwanted and unexpected acceleration, resulting in an accident. Consumer has contacted volvo. *Ak the brakes failed to stop the accelerating vehicle. *yh
- Vehicle speed control
Unintentional acceleration. Driver sitting in a carpool pickup line with car turned off. Driver started car in order to move it forward about 25 feet( then the intention was to turn it off and sit and wait another 10 minutes until school got out). Driver put car in drive and went to give car some…
Unintentional acceleration. Driver sitting in a carpool pickup line with car turned off. Driver started car in order to move it forward about 25 feet( then the intention was to turn it off and sit and wait another 10 minutes until school got out). Driver put car in drive and went to give car some gas and the car lunged forward, engine completly reved. Tried to jam on brakes but the car engine still totally reved. Smashed into ford expedition in front of me. Air bag deployed hitting stomach only.
- Structure › Body › Hood
Describe the incident or hazard, including description of injuries:hazard IS to persons generally. Unsafe product IS the part # 71901 gtstyling bug-gard. See email from: tjohnson@gtstyling.com I wrote that their design was flawed because it depended on adhesives. They asked about my car make and…
Describe the incident or hazard, including description of injuries:hazard IS to persons generally. Unsafe product IS the part # 71901 gtstyling bug-gard. See email from: tjohnson@gtstyling.com I wrote that their design was flawed because it depended on adhesives. They asked about my car make and model and fitment: it IS a 1990 740 and the part number I gave was specifically for it. Conforming to the hood (which it does) IS not the problem. It IS that the outside fastening depends on adhesive dots 3M to stay in place and it does not.correspondence below) you sent a replacement once; the entire shield. Then you sent a box of bumpons and a box of 3M velcro-like dots. I put 4 on each side and it still breks loose and whips in the wind ! ! ! ! The fault IS yours not the sellers and j.c. Whitney IS not going to make good on it at this late date anyway. I allege that the plastic part fitting across the automobile hood IS at risk of breaking off because of failure of the adhesive dots used to hold the ends in place. If it does, it poses a threat to pedestrians and the public. Not an automobile, so I took a chance that you are the proper site to report this to. If not, please advise.*ak
- Tires
Tire threads started to fall out, tire was hardly used, replaced with another spare from salvage yard( dot number: tire size: 155/r1587t )
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle accelerated from about 20 to 65mph due to a piece of a broken gasket falling into the throttle body. Driver had to turn ignition off in order to stop vehicle. Dealer took out the piece of gasket and replaced gasket. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Hydraulic
Booster assist became erratic -upon disassembly bakelite type diaphragm support was found to be broken in 3 pieces-ther are no signs of impact on the exterior of the booster nor has the car been involved in an accident in the last year.it was purchased used so no further history IS available. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
While driving at 30 mph, coming to make stop, driver attempted to make a normal braking stop when brake pedal went to floor ,experienced total loss of brakes, causing loss of vehicle control and could have resulted in accident. *Ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Fuel pump failure caused vehicle to stall. yh
- Vehicle speed control
When shifting from park to drive vehicle accelerated with the drivers foot on brake pedal. The vehicle hit a telephone pole. Dealer has not seen the totaled vehicle. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Driver seat belt "froze" in retracting position, unable to withdraw and fasten seat belt. technician at dealer said problem probably due to defective inertial reel. volvo said manufacturer's warranty on seat belt expired after 5 years. *ak
- Air bags · Exterior lighting › Tail lights
I feel stronly that I should not have to pay for a repair service (taillight sensor problem) that should have been fixed permanently while the vehicle was under warranty. the srs warning light problem IS not only a mechanical issue, but also a safety hazard to the driver, leaving the airbag…
I feel stronly that I should not have to pay for a repair service (taillight sensor problem) that should have been fixed permanently while the vehicle was under warranty. the srs warning light problem IS not only a mechanical issue, but also a safety hazard to the driver, leaving the airbag inoperable. I do not believe that a consumer should have to pay out $1200 to service the srs warning light every time the owner disconnects and reconnects the battery.
- Air bags › Frontal
I was in an accident going at least 40mph, and I was hit in the front. my air bag did not deploy. I have multiple injuries due to me being thrown into the steering wheel, and the dashboard, and my head hit the rear view mirror. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Wiring harness under the hood caught fire . the manufacturer was contacted. Please provide further detailes. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Inadvert. Air bag deploys
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10212892Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)
- 10212891VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App
- 10181041Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. Tools are classified as mandatory because associated repairs and/or diagnostics cannot be completed properly without them.
- 10178503Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. Tools are classified as mandatory because associated repairs and/or diagnostics cannot be completed properly without them.
- 10171676Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. Tools are classified as mandatory because associated repairs and/or diagnostics cannot be completed properly without them.
- 10169394This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in the vehicle. Swapping the Driver Information Module (DIM) is strictly forbidden as the DIM it is the main carrier of the odometer function, and will, in case of swapping, result in manipulated odometer value. Service: Please do NOT swap any control modules from vehicle to vehicle for testing, unless instructed to do so in a Vehicle Report by the Technical Helpdesk
- 10169393This is a Technical Journal: Swapping control modules from vehicle to vehicle for diagnostics should be avoided. Swapping control modules may result in consequential damage to the swapped control module and in certain cases several other control modules in the vehicle. Swapping the Driver Information Module (DIM) is strictly forbidden as the DIM it is the main carrier of the odometer function, and will, in case of swapping, result in manipulated odometer value. Service: Please do NOT swap any control modules from vehicle to vehicle for testing, unless instructed to do so in a Vehicle Report by the Technical Helpdesk
- 10169391Software Installation Policy changes.
- 10169389This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Technician Skillset Requirments
- 10169036Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. Tools are classified as mandatory because associated repairs and/or diagnostics cannot be completed properly without them.
- 10169021Service Manager Bulletin TITLE : Service Action Notification Re - Mails GROUP : NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : Product Safety & Compliance United States and Canada 00 325 REFERENCE BULLETINS : DATE : SMB00 - 323 and SMB00 - 323A YEAR MONTH DAY SERVICE SERVICE WARRANTY 2013 02 15 MANAGER WRITER ADMINISTRATOR Service Personnel : Read and initial Page 1 of 1 Volvo monitors completion rates for all service actions and will complete notification re - mails to vehicle owners when necessary . Listed below are the latest notification re - mails . Please refer to SMB 00 - 323 and SMB 00 - 323A for information on how and where to find the related Service Action documents in VRC2 and TIE . FEBRUARY RE - MAILS Action Description # of Re - Mails Service Campaign 236 Washer Reservoir Sensor Canada ? 295 Recall 129 Brake Vacuum Pump U.S . ? 3,430 Recall 245 Replace Fuel Lines U.S . ? 48 MARCH RE - MAILS Action Description # of Re - Mails Recall 246 Inspect P / S Return Hose U.S . ? 1,367 Recall 246 Inspect P / S Return Hose Canada ? 95 Recall 251 Inspect Underbody Coating Canada ? 54 Recall 255 TCM Software Upgrade U.S . ? 499 Recall 256 TPMS Warning Message U.S . ? 123 Please be prepared to accommodate vehicle owners that may contact you regarding these actions . ? Fixed Right ? First Time ? Produced in the USA and available as an electronic document . Hard copy documents are printed in USA on recycled paper containing a minimum of 50 % wastepaper and 10 % post - consumer waste . 2013 VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA , LLC
- 10167953Software Installation Policy changes.
- 10167952Descripition of Goodwill Policy and Guidelines.
- 10167915Dice Tool bulletin explaining the offer.
- 10167872This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service Scheduling system enhancements. Improving Service Action/Recall scheduling.
- 10167861This is a Service Manager Bulletin: The online bookstore, www.volvotechinfo.com, serves Volvo Retailers, employees, Independent Repairers and customers throughout the United States and Canada by providing easy order-access to service, parts and owners? literature over the Internet.
- 10167854Mandatory Special Tool List
- 10167817This is a Parts Bulletin: Wheel Cross Reference, used to assist in identifying the correct spare replacement wheel, by stamping, name and size.
- 10167808This is a Parts Bulletin: Wheel Cross Reference, used to assist in identifying the correct spare replacement wheel, by stamping, name and size.
- 10167722VOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Technical Journal TITLE : Vehicle type and platform identification REF NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States and Canada TJ 19245 Technical Service PARTNER : ISSUE DATE : 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars North America YEAR MONTH DAY 2014 02 06 FUNC GROUP : FUNC DESC : 0 Publications Page 1 of 3 Attachment Vehicle Type Eng Struc Week Type Eng Sales Body Gear Steer Model Year Plant Chassis range Desc Range XXX 1927 - 9999 0000001 - 0999999 0 - 0 CSC Customer Symptom Codes Code Description 1C Administrative and Factory scheduled maintenance / Administrative and Factory scheduled maintenance DTC Diagnostic Trouble Codes Rows beginning with * are modified Note ! If using a printed copy of this Technical Journal , first check for the latest online version . Text In our Service Literature , a vehicle is often referred to by its ? type ? , not its ? model ? . For example the 1999 - 2006 Model Year S80 is type ? 184 ? . You may also see the designation , for example ? P2X ? . This is referring to a platform type or vehicle family . If a document states ? P1X ? or ? 5XX ? as an example , it will apply to all models within the platform type . ? 54X ? will apply to the ? 544 ? , ? 545 ? and ? 542 ? models . ? X ? represents variable data . ? Right first time in Time ? Produced in the USA and available as an electronic document . Hard copy documents are printed in USA on recycled paper containing a minimum of 50 % wastepaper and 10 % post - consumer waste . 2014 VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA , LLC Technical Journal 19245 Platform Model Type Model Years Comments P3 S80 124 2007 - V70 135 2008 - 2010 XC70 136 2008 - XC60 156 2010 - S60 134 2011 - V60 155 2015 - P2 S80 184 1999 - 2006 V70 285 2001 - 2007 XC70 295 2001 - 2007 S60 384 2001 - 2009 XC90 275 2003 - P1 S40 544 2004 - 2012 V50 545 2005 - 2012 C30 533 2007 - 2013 C70 542 2006 - 2013 X40 S40 644 2000 - 2004 V40 645 2000 - 2004 900 940 9
- 10167697Midtronics psc-550s and psc-700 vehicle power supply information
- 10164860This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Technician Skillset Requirments
- 10164857Retailers should only use a Volvo part number on claims for items purchased directly from Volvo. Failure to follow this policy will result in claim adjustments. Warranty reimbursement rates and quantity limits for the parts listed, with the exception of the oil part numbers, Wynn?s Airco-clean, R134A and R1234YF are set by Volvos Parts Department and based on the pricing in effect on the repair date. For the most current pricing retailers must refer to the parts system. Reimbursement rates for oil part numbers, Wynn?s Airco-clean, R134A and R1234YF are set by the Warranty Department. Updated parts pricing for these parts are provided via a Warranty CPI.
- 10164856Retailers should only use a Volvo part number on claims for items purchased directly from Volvo. Failure to follow this policy will result in claim adjustments. Warranty reimbursement rates and quantity limits for the parts listed, with the exception of the oil part numbers, Wynn?s Airco-clean, R134A and R1234YF are set by Volvos Parts Department and based on the pricing in effect on the repair date. For the most current pricing retailers must refer to the parts system. Reimbursement rates for oil part numbers, Wynn?s Airco-clean, R134A and R1234YF are set by the Warranty Department. Updated parts pricing for these parts are provided via a Warranty CPI.
- 10164851Software Installation Policy changes.
- 10164132Description of Goodwill Policy and Guidelines.
- 10163310This is a Service Product Journal: Information Notice. We process the personal data that you provide in connection with the creation of your VIDA account. The purpose of our processing is to administer your VIDA account (from registration to eventual termination of the account), to provide you with all the functionality related to VIDA, to allow access to VIDA and to communicate updates related to VIDA. Log data generated when using VIDA is processed as necessary or appropriate to safeguard the security and functionality of VIDA for example against malware or unauthorized access.
- 10161792Winter Wheel Applications including rim sizes, steel wheel parts numbers and wheel cover part numbers
- 10159065Software Installation Policy changes - Canada
- 10159064Software Installation Policy changes.
- 10159056This bulletin is a service manager bulletin. Seat Belt Extender.
- 10158648Mandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians to properly diagnose and repair Volvo cars. They are used in development of Volvo labor operations and repair methods, and promote safety and quality repairs in a timely manner. Tools are classified as mandatory because associated repairs and/or diagnostics cannot be completed properly without them.
- 10157931Software Installation Policy changes - Canada
- 10157726This bulletin is a service manager bulletin. Seat Belt Extender.
- 10156289This is a Service Manager Bulletin. This bulletin is a list of equipment recommended by Volvo to it's dealer or any shop maintaining or repairing Volvo's. The equipment can be provided by Volvo's equipment supplier
- 10156288Road Force wheel balancing is the proper tool for diagnosing and repairing such issues and all of our retailers need to be prepared for these issues.
- 10156282This is a Technical Journal: Vehicle Key Not Found
- 10156271Software Installation Policy changes - Canada
- 10156264Winter Wheel Applications including rim sizes, steel wheel parts numbers and wheel cover part numbers
- 10156263This is a Parts Bulletin: Hazmat Return Transportation Documentation and requirements
Every Volvo 740 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.