1997 Volvo 850
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Volvo 850 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 16 on record.
1997 Volvo 850 at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1997 Volvo 850 recalls 3
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AFTER PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO HEAT, THE FUEL TANK MAY SEEP OR LEAK FUEL AT THE POINTS WHERE THE HEAT SHIELD IS ATTACHED.
Fix: VOLVO WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND REPLACE IT IF ANY EVIDENCE OF FUEL SEEPAGE OR LEAKAGE IS FOUND. ALL VEHICLES WILL RECEIVE NEW REINFORCEMENT BUSHINGS AT THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO PREVENT FUTURE LEAKS. THIS RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED AS A SAFETY RECALL IN THE HOT WEATHER STATES OF ALABA…
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.
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 SHOU…
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.
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.
1997 Volvo 850 common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 138 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1997 Volvo 850 safety ratings
Side barrier testSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1997 Volvo 850 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
1997 Volvo 850 MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1997 Volvo 850 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 Volvo 850 — ranges cover the 5 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 3
SEAT FIRES Closed
VOLVO IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL BASED ON ITS ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION DEVELOPED DURING ITS INVESTIGATION. VOLVO'S SURVEY OF VEHICLES ROUTINELY BROUGHT IN FOR MAINTENANCE AT EAST-COAST DEALERSHIPS PRODUCED EVIDENCE THAT BARE METAL WIRES (THAT PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE SEAT BOTTOM) CAN CONTACT THE THERMOSTAT AND ELECTRICAL WIRES IN OR BENEATH THE SEAT CUSHION. THIS CAN RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL…
NHTSA #EA02019 · Seats, Electrical System · opened Aug 2002 · closed Dec 2002PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed
NHTSA #PE02029 · Electrical System · opened Mar 2002 · closed Aug 2002INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT Closed
NHTSA #PE99040 · Air Bags · opened Jun 1999 · closed Oct 1999An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 153
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 153.
COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE C00009 DESCRIPTION.
Bulletin C00009 · Electronic Stability Control (esc) · Jul 2023Rubber cushion
Bulletin TJ3656330 · Jun 2023The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve.
Bulletin Special Tools Bu · May 2022ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations
Bulletin Service Manager · Equipment · May 2022VIDA QR Scanner Mobile App
Bulletin 356EN01 · Equipment · Feb 2022Shipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery Solutions (GBS)
Bulletin Service Manager · Electrical System, Equipment · Feb 2022Mandatory 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 2020This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder
Bulletin SMB00-006-2020-0 · Electrical System · Aug 2020Mandatory 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 2020Battery Charger/maintainer requirement
Bulletin Service Manager · Electrical System · Jun 2020Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 850. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the Volvo 850
The Volvo 850 is a compact executive car that was produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1991 until 1997. Designed by Jan Wilsgaard, the car was introduced in a saloon body style; an estate style was introduced in 1993.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
1997 Volvo 850 vehicles on record
1997 Volvo 850YV1LW5526V2307064
1997 Volvo 850YV1LS5002V2401426
1997 Volvo 850YV1LW7206V2299022
1997 Volvo 850YV1LW4102V2325854
1997 Volvo 850YV1LS5102V2384549
1997 Volvo 850YV1LS5522V2407948
1997 Volvo 850YV1LS5526V2405706
1997 Volvo 850YV1LS5522V2389272
1997 Volvo 850YV1LS4122S2209660
1997 Volvo 850YV1LS5526V2393105
1997 Volvo 850YV1704762E1068929
1997 Volvo 850YV1LS5002V2399501
1997 Volvo 850YV1LS5102V2384464
1997 Volvo 850YV1LS4106V2399362
1997 Volvo 850YV1LS5102V2386894
1997 Volvo 850YV1LS5102V2386825