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MOTRS

940 / 960

1990-1998 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 940 / 960 problems All workshop issues
Common Body and Rust

Sills, rear arches, and tailgate (wagons)

Symptoms

Rust bubbling through paint, holes appearing, or structural weakness. Wagons suffer worst around the tailgate lower corners and rear wheel arches.

Cause

These are old cars now, and rust never sleeps. Water sits in the sills and arches. Tailgate drains block and water pools inside the lower section.

Fix

Inspect thoroughly, lift carpets, check inside sills with a screwdriver.

Surface rust can be ground back, treated, and painted.

Structural rust needs welding and new metal.

On wagons, remove the plastic trim from the tailgate lower edge and check for rot, it's almost always there.

Prevention is key: wash regularly, clear drain holes, and treat with rust inhibitor.

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// More 940 / 960 problems

Other known issues

Common Body and Rust

Windscreen and sunroof rust

Rust around the windscreen surround or sunroof frame. Water leaks into the cabin.
Minor Body and Rust

Door and bonnet hinges sagging

Doors or bonnet don't align properly, hard to close, or rattle.
Critical Engine

Oil leaks everywhere

You'll find oil pooling under the car, dripping from the valve cover, front and rear main seals, cam seals, or oil cooler lines. The B230 engines (940) and B6304 (960) both weep oil as they age, it's not if, it's when.
Common Engine

Flame trap and PCV system clogged

Engine bogs down, idles rough, struggles to rev, or won't start when hot. You might get excessive crankcase pressure, blowing out seals and pushing oil into the intake.
Critical Engine

Rough idle, hesitation, or won't start (fuel system issues)

Stumbling acceleration, poor fuel economy, hard starting, or stalling. Sometimes it runs fine cold but misfires when warm. Check engine light may be on or flashing.
Critical Engine

Timing belt and waterpump failures

Catastrophic engine damage if the belt snaps. You'll hear grinding, the engine stops instantly, and you're looking at bent valves or worse. Waterpump failure shows as overheating or coolant leaks from the front of the engine.
View all 24 940 / 960 problems