Model year guide

1994 Volvo 940

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1994 Volvo 940 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 22 on record.

1994 Volvo 940 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1994 Volvo 940 at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints44
Combined19–20 mpg

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

1994 Volvo 940 recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1994 Volvo 940.

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.

1994 Volvo 940 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
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.
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.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

1994 Volvo 940 MPG & running costs

Combined19–20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,450
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume94 cu ft
Cargo volume17 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 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 1994 Volvo 940 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,250
Fuel only$17,250
Per mile$0.23

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

Length
189.4–191.7 in
Width
69.3 in
Height
55.5–56.3 in
Wheelbase
109.1 in
Curb weight
3,208–3,283 lb
Front track
57.9 in
Rear track
57.5 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1994 Volvo 940 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT Closed

NHTSA #PE97047 · Air Bags · opened Oct 1997 · closed Apr 1998

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

Manufacturer service bulletins 96

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 96.

COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE C00009 DESCRIPTION.

Bulletin C00009 · Electronic Stability Control (esc) · Jul 2023

Rubber cushion

Bulletin TJ3656330 · Jun 2023

The 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 2022

ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations

Bulletin Service Manager · Equipment · May 2022

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

This is a Service Manager Bulletin: Service 2.0 Software & Total Upgrade Reminder

Bulletin SMB00-006-2020-0 · Electrical System · Aug 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

Battery Charger/maintainer requirement

Bulletin Service Manager · Electrical System · Jun 2020

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 940. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Volvo 940

The Volvo 900 Series is a range of executive cars produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1990 to 1998. The 900 Series was introduced in 1990 to replace the 700 Series from which it derived. Prior to the end of its production, the 960 was renamed as the Volvo S90 (saloon) and Volvo V90 (estate), and the 940 was renamed 940 Classic, becoming the last rear-wheel-drive cars from Volvo, until the 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.

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

1994 Volvo 940 trims & engines on record

Trims
Level I
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl 116 hp

1994 Volvo 940 vehicles on record

1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940 Level IYV1JS831XR1164827 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940 Level IYV1JS8316R1150665 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803PA114091 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1945833R1124763 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1944742R1165130 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803R1176899 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1945742R1130311 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1945833R1102110 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803R1164506 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1945833R1115203 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1704773F2106210 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803R1176285 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803PA114099 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803R1164573 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1944742R1181436 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803PA133466 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803R1185069 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1944745R1188384 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1945803S1137562 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1945871R1128915 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803R1189292 1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940YV1944742R1166039

Other Volvo 940 model years

1998 1997 1996 1995 1993 1992 1991 1990

1994 Volvo 940 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1994 Volvo 940 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 1994 Volvo 940. 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 1994 Volvo 940?

Across all 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, vehicle speed control, hydraulic.

What gas mileage does the 1994 Volvo 940 get?

The 1994 Volvo 940 has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

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