Model year guide

1986 Volvo 240

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1986 Volvo 240 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1986 Volvo 240 — representative photo
Representative photo

1986 Volvo 240 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints12

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1986 Volvo 240 recalls 1

Vehicle Speed Control NHTSA Campaign #86V129000 · 15/09/1986

IN THE EVENT OF A LOW SPEED FRONTAL IMPACT, ENGINE MOVEMENT COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE CABLE SLEEVE TO BE PULLED OUT OF THE ADJUSTING FITTING AND NOT RETURN TO ITS ORIGINAL POSITION OR IDLE POSITION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THIS OCCURS AN INCREASE IN ENGINE SPEED WOULD RESULT, MAKING CAR DIFFICULT TO CONTROL IN A POST COLLISION ENVIRONMENT, WHICH CAN CAUSE MORE SERIOUS DAMAGE AND/OR INJURIES.

Fix: REPLACE THROTTLE CABLES.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1986 Volvo 240 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Dimensions & weight

Length
189.8–190.6 in
Width
67.3 in
Height
56.3–57.5 in
Wheelbase
104.3 in
Curb weight
2,917–3,049 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1986 Volvo 240 — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

FUEL SYSTEM RELIABILITY Closed

FUEL SYSTEM RELIABILITY

NHTSA #DP89009 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Jun 1989 · closed Oct 1989

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 64

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 64.

VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App

Bulletin 356EN01 · Equipment · Feb 2022

Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)

Bulletin Service Manager · Electrical System, Equipment · Feb 2022

Mandatory 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…

Bulletin ST-001-2020-09-1 · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Sep 2020

Mandatory 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…

Bulletin ST-001-2020-06-2 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Jul 2020

Mandatory 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…

Bulletin ST-001-2020-01-2 · Equipment · Jan 2020

This 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…

Bulletin TJ31946.1.2-2019 · Electrical System · Nov 2019

This 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…

Bulletin TJ31946.1.1-2019 · Electrical System · Nov 2019

This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Technician Skillset Requirments

Bulletin SMB00-438-2019-1 · Equipment · Nov 2019

Software Installation Policy changes.

Bulletin SMB00-006-2019-1 · Electrical System · Nov 2019

Mandatory 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…

Bulletin ST-001-2019-10-1 · Equipment · Oct 2019

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 240. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Volvo 240

The Volvo 200 Series was a range of mid-size cars manufactured by Swedish automaker Volvo Cars from 1974 to 1993. Designed by Jan Wilsgaard, the series was developed from the Volvo 140 Series and incorporated safety innovations from Volvo's VESC experimental safety vehicle program.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1986 Volvo 240 vehicles on record

1986 Volvo 240 1986 Volvo 240YV1244773G1201300

Other Volvo 240 model years

2009 2001 1993 1992 1990 1988 1987 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981

1986 Volvo 240 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1986 Volvo 240 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1986 Volvo 240. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1986 Volvo 240?

Across all 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, exterior lighting, vehicle speed control.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.