1992 Volvo 960
1992 Volvo 960
The 1992 Volvo 960 is a full-size luxury sedan that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 3.0-liter inline-6 that produced 181 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5-liter inline-6 turbocharged engine that produced 225 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque was also available. Both engines were mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.
The 960 was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and safety features. However, it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy and unreliable transmission.
Engine
3.0-liter inline-6
- Valve cover gasket leak: Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets, causing a burning oil smell and low oil levels.
- Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Intake manifold gasket leak: Coolant leaks from the intake manifold gaskets, causing overheating and low coolant levels.
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
2.5-liter inline-6 turbocharged
- Turbocharger failure: The turbocharger fails, causing a loss of power and black smoke from the exhaust.
- Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
Transmission
4-speed automatic
- Transmission slipping: The transmission slips gears, causing a loss of power and difficulty accelerating.
- Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
Suspension
- Strut mounts worn: The strut mounts wear out, causing a clunking noise when driving over bumps.
- Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
Electrical
- Alternator failure: The alternator fails, causing the battery to drain and the car to lose power.
- Solution: Replace the alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
- Starter failure: The starter fails, preventing the engine from starting.
- Solution: Replace the starter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
Exterior
- Headlight switch failure: The headlight switch fails, causing the headlights to not turn on.
- Solution: Replace the headlight switch.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
Interior
- Power window failure: The power window motors fail, preventing the windows from rolling up or down.
- Solution: Replace the power window motors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
Summary
The 1992 Volvo 960 is a reliable car that is known for its comfort and safety. However, it is not without its problems. The most common issues with the 960 include engine oil leaks, transmission problems, and electrical failures. The severity of these issues can vary from minor to major, and the cost to fix them can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.