1997 Volvo 850
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes leads by volume: 33 of 107 complaints (31%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 192 in 1996 to 107 in 1997.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | vs. 1997 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,950–3,300 | 3,700–4,100 | 3,700–4,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–21 | 19–21 | 19–21 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17–18 / 24–26 | 17–18 / 24–26 | 17–18 / 24–26 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423–468 | 423–468 | 423–468 | |
| Complaints filed | 111 | 192 | 107 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 11 | 12 | 7 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 9 | 20 | 7 | |
| Injuries reported | 12 | 9 | 2 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 3 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1997 Volvo 850 have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1997 Volvo 850?
Brakes: 33 of 107 NHTSA complaints (31%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1997 Volvo 850 get?
EPA rates it 19–21 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1997 Volvo 850?
EPA estimates $3,700–$4,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (8)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 5 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 4-spd | 5 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 5 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 5 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 4-spd | 5 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize-Large Station Wagons | 17 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 4-spd | 5 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize-Large Station Wagons | 18 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 4-spd | 5 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize-Large Station Wagons | 18 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 5-spd | 5 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize-Large Station Wagons | 18 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 15 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 33 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 14 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 12 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE · Campaign 04V368000 · Jul 30, 2004
Defect: 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.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: 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 ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH CAROLINA, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, AND UTAH, AND AS A SERVICE RECALL IN THE OTHER 33 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2004. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER · Campaign 02V314000 · Nov 26, 2002
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy: 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 SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH · Campaign 99V235000 · Aug 30, 1999
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH, OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN RESULT IN INCONSISTENT OPERATION OF THE SWITCH.
Consequence: DRIVER'S COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.