1996 Volvo WC

1996 Volvo WC

The 1996 Volvo WC was a full-size luxury sedan that was offered with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The base engine was a 2.5-liter inline-6 that produced 170 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine was a 2.9-liter inline-6 that produced 200 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The WC was a well-equipped car for its time, with standard features such as leather seats, power windows, and a sunroof. It also received high marks for its safety features, which included dual airbags and anti-lock brakes.

However, the WC was not without its problems. Some owners reported experiencing issues with the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior.

Engine

2.5-liter inline-6

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak. This can lead to a loss of power, rough idling, and increased emissions.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing belt failure: The timing belt can fail, causing catastrophic engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt every 100,000 miles.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.9-liter inline-6

• Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to mix. This can lead to overheating, loss of power, and engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-speed automatic transmission

• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing shuddering, slipping, and loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front suspension strut failure: The front suspension struts can fail, causing a loss of handling and stability.
  • Solution: Replace the front suspension struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear suspension spring failure: The rear suspension springs can fail, causing a loss of handling and a rough ride.
  • Solution: Replace the rear suspension springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to discharge and the vehicle to stall.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery failure: The battery can fail, causing the vehicle to not start.
  • Solution: Replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Power window failure: The power windows may fail to operate or may become stuck.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

No Issues Found

Summary

The 1996 Volvo WC was a well-equipped and safe car, but it was not without its problems. The most common issues reported by owners include:

• Engine: Intake manifold gasket failure, timing belt failure, and head gasket failure
• Transmission: Torque converter failure
• Suspension: Front suspension strut failure and rear suspension spring failure
• Electrical: Alternator failure and battery failure
• Exterior: Power window failure

The severity and cost of these issues vary, but some of them can be quite expensive to fix. If you are considering buying a 1996 Volvo WC, be sure to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential problems.