1994 Volvo 940 Level I
YV1JS831XR1164827
Vehicle history report for the 1994 Volvo 940 Level I (VIN YV1JS831XR1164827). White, sedan/saloon, 2.3L 4-cyl 116 hp, gasoline. 177,433 mi reported. Registered in Va. No open recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN YV1JS831XR1164827
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls None found
No open NHTSA recall campaigns were found for this 1994 Volvo 940.
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Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1994 Volvo 940, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 2 involved a crash 🚑 6 reported injuries
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 44
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1994 Volvo 940.
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.
NHTSA ODI #11113516AIR 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 INCIDENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHIC…
1 injured · NHTSA ODI #10504983AIR 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.
NHTSA ODI #10416762ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 …
3 injured · NHTSA ODI #10314175AIR BAGS
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. …
1 injured · NHTSA ODI #10286905WHEELS
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
NHTSA ODI #10199159TIRES
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
NHTSA ODI #10101054TIRES
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
NHTSA ODI #10094305+ 36 more complaints on record.
