850 / 850 T-5R / 850R

1991-1997 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

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

Common Transmission and Drivetrain

Driveshaft (Propshaft) Issues on AWD Models

Symptoms

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

Cause

The centre support bearing fails, or the driveshaft itself is damaged. AWD 850s are rare, but this is a known issue.

Fix

Replace the centre bearing or the entire driveshaft.

Expect $300-500 in parts.

Check the rear differential mounts at the same time.

Cost mentioned in fix

$300-500 in parts

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Other known issues

Common Transmission and Drivetrain

Automatic Transmission Failures (AW50/51)

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

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 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