1994 Volvo 940
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1994 Volvo 940. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
41 complaints11 involved a crash8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1994 volvo 940. While driving 40 mph, an abnormal noise was heard coming from the seat belt panel as the front driver's side air bag deployed. There were no injuries. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 285,633.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1994 volvo 940. The contact stated that the driver and passenger side front air bags deployed without warning while stopped at a traffic light. The contact sustained injury to the face. The air bags also fractured the front windshield. A police report was filed of the…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 volvo 940. The contact stated that the driver and passenger side front air bags deployed without warning while stopped at a traffic light. The contact sustained injury to the face. The air bags also fractured the front windshield. A police report was filed of the incident and the vehicle was driven to the contact's home. The vehicle was neither inspected for the air bag deployment failure or repaired. The failure and current mileage was 152,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1994 volvo 940. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and shut off when the airbags inadvertently deployed. The dealer and manufacturer were notified, but were unable to give a diagnosis of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 220,000 and the current mileage was 246,676.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
I was sold a volvo 1994 940 series from east lake auto in issaquah, wa. A check engine light was displayed and the company promised to fix whatever it was indicating. I left it at their shop for inspection, and was told that there was no problem related to the light, and that it was a faulty light.…
I was sold a volvo 1994 940 series from east lake auto in issaquah, wa. A check engine light was displayed and the company promised to fix whatever it was indicating. I left it at their shop for inspection, and was told that there was no problem related to the light, and that it was a faulty light. I drove the car for three years with the check engine light always on. I commuted to a job that required I be in the car for over three hours on most days. I made a long trip and after that my sons and I have had many neurological problems. the company was closed down about six months ago. Due to another type of repair, I took the car in to another mechanic to be tested for a broken water pump. The new company told me that the check engine light was working, and the codes it was related to were the exhaust system, which when checked showed cracked gaskets in the exhaust manifold system. The gaskets showed signs of having been leaking for several years. I have meanwhile had many physical symptoms I had been going to doctors for and found out that I had been exposed to carbon monoxide at chronic high level. the car was fixed, and I am still having many physical problems. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
TL* the contact owns a 1994 volvo 940. after starting the vehicle the drivers side air bag deployed without warrant. She sustained injuries to the left side of her face, a black eye, and injury to her chest. The vehicle was being inspected by the insurance company. The manufacturer was contacted, and a representative was coming out to inspect the vehicle. No repairs were made. The failure mileage was 132,000.
- Wheels › Rim
1994 940 volvo sedan with rim blowout problems customer states that two rims blew while driving at 10 miles per hour over a small pot hole**cc the consumer stated the tire was not damaged. *Jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
While driving 60 mph tread separated on rear passenger's side tire. Consumer pulled over, and changed the tire. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. bridgestone, 185/65r15. *Ak
- Tires › Sidewall · Tires › Tread/belt
While driving a loud noise was heard coming from the front. Consumer pulled over, and noticed that driver's side tire tread separated from the sidewall. consumer was able to change the tire, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. michelin, MXV4, 195/65r15.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal · Vehicle speed control
1994 volvo 940 sedan was at full stop at a stop light. car suddenly accelerated (unexplained), causing car to crash into a regular pickup truck. because of the short distance between the cars, the impact was no more than a 2-2.5 mph crash as evidenced by minor (really small) bumper fascia…
1994 volvo 940 sedan was at full stop at a stop light. car suddenly accelerated (unexplained), causing car to crash into a regular pickup truck. because of the short distance between the cars, the impact was no more than a 2-2.5 mph crash as evidenced by minor (really small) bumper fascia indentation and no damage to bumper system whatsoever. surprisingly, this very minor crash resulted in both the driver and passenger side air bags deploying, resulting in shattering the entire windshield. this very minor crash and the resulting totally unnecessary air bag deployment ($8 -9,000 + cost to replace) has resulted in the insurance company (state farm) declaring the car as a total loss -- along with a relatively low fair market value (due to the 189,000 miles). car IS well-maintained with a life expectancy of another 200,000 + miles (based on a volvo 240 I've owned). *la
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Seat belt latch IS cracked. Contacted volvo by email, said item not under warranty, thought this might be a safety issue. *nlm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
While driving and with no warning gas tank cracked, causing fluid to leak. Dealer notified.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Driver's air bag inadvertently deployed while driving 35 mph.t dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments
Vehicle was parked and consumer was unloading grociers from truck. hydraulic bar snapped/ fell down, and hit her in head.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The defect windshield washer valve allows the windscreen washing water to split between the two hood sprayers, failure always comes during rain or snow when the ability to clean the windshield IS critical. nlm
- Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle was rear ended and airbags did not deploy. manufacturer has been notified.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Airbags deployed without impact. car stopped at light. driver lost control of brake and car impacted at low speed car in front also stoped at light. no damage to van in front, small silver dollar size dent in front bumper 1/4 inch deep (est.) airbag broke windshield and seatbelt was activate and require replacement.*ak
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Vehicle speed control
All of the problems mentioned have shown up during my 2 year plus ownership of this 1994 volvo 940. The cruise control operated intermittently and when it does, if the car goves over a bump, it knocks out; antenna failed several months ago, assumed it was the power pack; the 4TH gear sometimes…
All of the problems mentioned have shown up during my 2 year plus ownership of this 1994 volvo 940. The cruise control operated intermittently and when it does, if the car goves over a bump, it knocks out; antenna failed several months ago, assumed it was the power pack; the 4TH gear sometimes kicks out on its own at startup and runs in 3RD, sometimes for days, others/hours; ABS brakes sometimes skip a beat (or it's my heart) when going over little bumps while brake pedal IS engaged or on slippery surfaces while brake pedal depressed. Big problem, not safety related, with volvos, they drop hub caps readily and easily!*ak
- Tires
On 2 occasions (10/96/ and 8/00), I was informed by the dealer during the annual inspection, that there was a bubble on the inside of the tire, not visible to the eye. in october 1996, I had to replace the rim as well as the tire. in august, the dealer informed me that there was a bubble on the…
On 2 occasions (10/96/ and 8/00), I was informed by the dealer during the annual inspection, that there was a bubble on the inside of the tire, not visible to the eye. in october 1996, I had to replace the rim as well as the tire. in august, the dealer informed me that there was a bubble on the inside of the tire however I did not have to replace the rim but only the tire. upon calling goodyear, they wanted me to send the tires to them as they were out of warranty. the problem though IS that it IS the same problem (a bubble) with the same tire each with very little mileage on them. *ak( dot number: tire size: 185/65/r15 )
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Vehicle speed control
Consumer was waiting with engine on and foot on brakes when vehicle started to surge/ accelerate on its own. consumer had to put both foot on brakes with great force , and vehicle started to creep foward, and would not stop. ABS brakes kicked in. consumer had to shift into park, and turn off ignition.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
Aribag sensor has failed at 49,000 miles, causing airbags to be inoperative in event of accident.*ak
- Suspension › Front
The steering wheel shakes when the brakes are applied. no dealer has resolved the problem. a caster reading, by an independent shop show that if one sstrut were shorter, the shaking would stop. the casters are off, the car always needs aligned, and the tires wear unevenly. I'll be spending the…
The steering wheel shakes when the brakes are applied. no dealer has resolved the problem. a caster reading, by an independent shop show that if one sstrut were shorter, the shaking would stop. the casters are off, the car always needs aligned, and the tires wear unevenly. I'll be spending the $2,000 to fix it, but the problem IS a manufacturing one. volvo denies any responsability for 1994 models, now that they are owned by ford. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal
While traveling 25-30 mph and without any indication driver's air bag deployed. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information. *Ak
- Air bags › Frontal
While traveling in heavy traffic at 10-15 mph another vehicle cut in front of consumer's vehicle, causing consumer to slam on brakes to prevent from hitting the other vehicle. Upon slamming on the brake pedal, it caused both air bags to delpoy.air bag cover on passenger's side caused front windshield to crack. No injuries were reported. Dealer was notified.
- Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
Driver's side seat bottom heating element short circuited, burning a hole in the seat and through the occupant's coat. *ak *yc
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving driver's and passenger's airbags deployed unexpectedly and without warning which caused a crash, and could have resulted injuries. please provide further information. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Inadvertent air bag deployment
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.
- 10241661Complimentary upgrade c00009 description.
- 10241651Rubber cushion
- 10213885The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve.
- 10213883ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations
- 10213882Battery Charger/maintainer requirement
- 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.
- 10179681This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
- 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.
- 10173760This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
- 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.
- 10170147Service 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
- 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
- 10167847Winter Wheel Applications including rim sizes, steel wheel parts numbers and wheel cover part numbers
- 10167833This is a Parts Bulletin: Wheel Cross Reference, used to assist in identifying the correct spare replacement wheel, by stamping, name and size.
- 10167828This 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 from external sources, either of these two documents should be filled in and attached to the affected Vehicle Report. (External sources: Authority, Insurance companies, Rental companies, etc)
- 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.
- 10167751Title : No . Page Volvo Special Tool 186 1 of 1 Cabinet Car Market : SPECIAL United States , Canada TOOLS Date : YEAR MONTH DAY BULLETIN 2012 02 02 Take Your Special Tool Storage to the Next Level Maintain Your Parts & Service Department Efficiency , Organization and Productivity with the Volvo Special Service Tool Cabinet from Stanley Vidmar ! System includes ( 3 ) Stanley Vidmar Modular drawer cabinets with partitions , dividers and lock , ( 2 ) overhead shelf door cabinets with one shelf and lock ; designed to store Volvo Special Service Tools . Features ? Three - cabinet system with two overhead storage cabinets . ? 38 drawers with compartments . ? Exceptional tool organization with dedicated compartments , partitions and dividers . ? All cabinets are lockable . ? All steel construction . ? Drawers rated at 400 lbs . capacity fully loaded and extended . ? Drawer cabinets have pallet base included . ? Allows cabinets to be moved fully loaded and as your needs change . ? Tool locator sheets and index provided for placement of 600 tools in drawers and overhead cabinets . Technical Weight approx . ( lbs ) 2400 554 - VOLVO - SPL Color Volvo Blue Volvo Special Tool Cabinet Power supply ( V / Hz / A ) None Dimensions ( L x W x H ) 90 " x 27 - 3 / 4 " x 90 " Dealer Price $ 7,292 To Order Call 800 - 345 - 3399 or visit Volvodealersolutions.com today ! Promo # VO12 - 11 All Product Sold F.O.B . Shipping Point Pricing effective through June 30 , 2012 " Fixed Right ? First Time " SERVICE TECHNICIANS SERVICE PARTS WORKSHOP Service MANAGER MANAGER FOREMAN Personnel : read and initial . 2012 Volvo Cars of North America , LLC Printed in USA on recycled paper containing a minimum of 50 % wastepaper and 10 % post - consumer waste
- 10167746Please use attached file to create new version of bulletin. Please remove original bulletin by same number dated 2/18/2010.
- 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.
Every Volvo 940 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.