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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 Body and Rust

Rear Wheel Arches and Sills

Symptoms

Rust bubbles, holes, or structural rot in the rear wheel arches, sills, and inner arches.

Cause

Water and salt sit in the arches. The drain holes block. Poor undercoating or stone chips expose bare metal.

Fix

Cut out the rust and weld in new metal.

This is panel beater territory unless you're handy with a welder.

Expect $500-1500 per side depending on severity.

Prevention is key: wash the underside regularly, clear the drain holes, and apply a decent rust inhibitor like Waxoyl or Fluid Film annually.

Cost mentioned in fix
$500-1500 per side

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Other known issues

Common Body and Rust

Tailgate Rust (Wagons)

Rust along the bottom edge of the tailgate, especially around the number plate lights and lower corners.
Critical Body and Rust

Subframe Corrosion

The rear subframe (where the trailing arms mount) rusts through. This is catastrophic if it lets go.
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