850 / 850 T-5R / 850R

1991-1997 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

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

Minor Interior

Window Regulator and Motor Failures

Symptoms

Windows move slowly, make grinding noises, or stop working altogether.

Cause

The window regulator or motor wears out.

Fix

Replace the regulator or motor.

Genuine Volvo parts are $150-250 per window.

Aftermarket units are cheaper but fail sooner.

The door cards come off easily (four screws and some clips).

Cost mentioned in fix

$150-250 per window

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

Other known issues

Minor Interior

Heater Blower Fan Failures

No air from the vents, or the fan only works on certain speeds.

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