1997 Volvo 855 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 14, 2004 · 3 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 855 years
Not enough data 3rd of 4 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 1997 Volvo 855. That ranks 3rd out of 4 855 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is service brakes, air (2 complaints, 67%), typically at around 72,300 miles. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 1997 Volvo 855 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Service Brakes, Air2 · ~72,300 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1 · ~116,530 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Service Brakes, Air267%72,300——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic133%116,530——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2004, with 2 complaints
2003: 1200312004: 220042

n = 3 complaints · Source: NHTSA

1997 Volvo 855 recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Seats:front assembly:seat heater/coolerNov 19, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V314000 · 65,000 vehicles

Problem: On some sedans and station wagons equipped with seat heaters, it is possible that excessive compression of the seat cushion could cause damage to the electrical wiring of the seat heater.

Risk: If this occurs, the damage could result in a short circuit that could cause a fire.

Fix: Dealers will disconnect the existing wires and install a new electronic thermostat and cable harness. Owner notification began on february 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Vehicle speed controlOct 11, 1996 · NHTSA campaign 96V199000 · 12,530 vehicles

Problem: The screws which attach the throttle plate to its axle (shaft) can loosen allowing the throttle plate to come in contact with the throttle housing.

Risk: This condition could prevent the throttle from returning to idle position increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.

Fix: Dealers will replace the throttle housing.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Seat fires (EA02019) — opened Aug 22, 2002, closed Dec 18, 2002, led to recall 02V314000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The abs light illuminated while driving. The vehicle was driven to the dealer for inspection. The dealer informed the consumer that abs failed to operate because the abs motor needed to be replaced. *ak *sc *jb

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Aug 16, 2004 · NHTSA complaint 10081958

Repeated incidents of abs/tractioncontrol warning light. Computer readout shows failure of abs/tracs computer board. *ak

Service Brakes, Air · received Apr 12, 2004 · NHTSA complaint 10065982

Repeated incidents of abs/tractioncontrol warning light. Computer readout shows failure of abs/tracs computer board. This problem is multiply described on the internet thjrough the volvo club of america bulletin board.*ak

Service Brakes, Air · received Sep 3, 2003 · NHTSA complaint 10037150

Other Volvo 855 years

← 1996 855 · 2000 855 →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2000 85510
199732
1996 85572
1995 85562

See all Volvo 855 problems by year, every Volvo model, or the Volvo VIN decoder.

Similar Volvo models

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Volvo 855?

Owners most often report service brakes, air, service brakes, hydraulic problems. The top one, service brakes, air, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Volvo 855?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1997 Volvo 855 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 855 model years, the 1997 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.