850 / 850 T-5R / 850R

1991-1997 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

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

Common Transmission and Drivetrain

Automatic Transmission Failures (AW50/51)

Symptoms

Harsh shifts, slipping between gears, no movement in drive or reverse. The transmission might overheat and go into limp mode.

Cause

The AW50/51 gearbox in 850s is not strong. It doesn't tolerate abuse, high power, or neglected fluid changes. The torque converter can fail, valve bodies clog, and clutches burn out.

Fix

Service the transmission fluid every 50,000 km.

Volvo claims it's "lifetime fluid", they mean the lifetime of the transmission, which will be short if you don't change it.

Use genuine Volvo ATF.

Fluid and filter change is $200-300.

If the box is slipping, you're looking at a rebuild ($2000-3000) or replacement ($1500 for a used unit).

Cost mentioned in fix

$200-300$2000-3000$1500 for a

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// More 850 / 850 T-5R / 850R problems

Other known issues

Common Transmission and Drivetrain

Manual Gearbox (M59) Whine and Bearing Failures

Whining or grinding noises in certain gears, difficulty shifting, or the gearbox jumps out of gear.

Common Transmission and Drivetrain

Driveshaft (Propshaft) Issues on AWD Models

Vibration, clunking, or banging from underneath, especially on acceleration or deceleration.

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.

View all 26 850 / 850 T-5R / 850R problems