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MOTRS

850 / 850 T-5R / 850R

1991-1997 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 850 / 850 T-5R / 850R problems All workshop issues
Common Brakes

ABS Pump and Module Failures

Symptoms

ABS light on, no ABS function. You might hear grinding or buzzing from the ABS unit under the bonnet.

Cause

The ABS pump motor fails or the module itself dies. This is common on high-mileage 850s.

Fix

Replace or rebuild the ABS unit.

Rebuilds are available from specialists ($300-500).

A used unit is $150-300.

The car is still safe to drive without ABS, but you won't have it in an emergency.

Cost mentioned in fix
$300-500$150-300

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Other known issues

Critical Brakes

Brake Master Cylinder Leaks

Soft or spongy brake pedal, brake fluid loss. The pedal might sink to the floor under sustained pressure.
Common Engine

PCV System Oil Leaks and Breather Box Failures

Oil everywhere, particularly around the back of the engine and firewall. You might see smoke at idle or a rough idle. In severe cases, the turbo oil feed line can blow apart because the crankcase is pressurised like a balloon.
Critical Engine

Timing Belt and Water Pump

The engine suddenly stops. If you're lucky, nothing else happens. If you're not, you've just destroyed pistons, valves, and possibly the head. This is an interference engine.
Critical Engine

Oil Consumption (Turbocharged Models)

You're adding a litre of oil every 1000-2000 km. Blue smoke on startup or under boost.
Common Engine

Turbo Failure (T5 and 850R)

Loss of power, screaming noises, oily exhaust smoke. The car feels gutless and the boost gauge stays flat.
Common Cooling System

Radiator and Expansion Tank Cracks

Coolant loss, overheating, the temperature gauge climbing past 12 o'clock. You might see pink coolant pooling under the car or steam from the bonnet.
View all 26 850 / 850 T-5R / 850R problems