1997 Volvo 850

The 1997 Volvo 850 is a mid-size luxury sedan known for its safety, comfort, and performance. It was available with a choice of three engines: a 2.4 liter inline-5, a 2.5 liter inline-5, and a 2.9 liter inline-6. Transmission options included a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual.

Engine

• 2.4 liter inline-5
  • Intake manifold gaskets leaking
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks from the intake manifold area, rough idle, poor acceleration
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gaskets
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Crankshaft oil seal leaking
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the rear of the engine, visible on the ground under the vehicle
    • Solution: Replace crankshaft oil seal
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.5 liter inline-5
  • No Issues Found
• 2.9 liter inline-6
  • Valve cover gaskets leaking
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover area, visible on the engine
    • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil pan gasket leaking
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the oil pan area, visible on the ground under the vehicle
    • Solution: Replace oil pan gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 4-speed automatic
  • Torque converter shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: Vibration felt during acceleration or deceleration
    • Solution: Replace torque converter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Shift solenoid issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shifts erratically or refuses to shift
    • Solution: Replace shift solenoids
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 5-speed manual
  • No Issues Found

Suspension

• Front suspension lower control arm bushings worn
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from front suspension, excessive play in lower control arms
  • Solution: Replace lower control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear suspension strut mounts worn
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from rear suspension, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace rear strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Electrical window switches malfunctioning
  • Description/Symptoms: Electric windows fail to operate or operate intermittently
  • Solution: Replace electrical window switches
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight switch malfunctioning
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights fail to turn on or operate intermittently
  • Solution: Replace headlight switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Trunk latch failing
  • Description/Symptoms: Trunk fails to open or close properly
  • Solution: Replace trunk latch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear spoiler detaching
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear spoiler comes loose or falls off
  • Solution: Reattach rear spoiler using new mounting hardware
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250+ if mounting hardware is included
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard plastic cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Plastic pieces on the dashboard develop cracks
  • Solution: Replace dashboard plastic
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Carpet fading
  • Description/Symptoms: Carpet in the vehicle interior fades or becomes discolored
  • Solution: Replace carpet
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 1997 Volvo 850 is a reliable and well-built vehicle. However, like any vehicle, it has some common issues that owners may experience. The most severe and costly issues are the torque converter shudder and the dashboard plastic cracking. Other issues, such as electrical window switch malfunctions and leaking gaskets, are typically less expensive to fix.