The 1989 Volvo 740 has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 485 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
SEAT BELTS91V0750001991-05-06485 affected
Defect
SAFETY BELTS ARE DESIGNED TO BE ROUTED UNDER A DIAGONAL CROSS BRACE DURING FASTENING. THE INSTRUCTIONAL LABELS FOR THE BELT ROUTING ARE INADEQUATE, AND CAN RESULT IN INADVERTENT RELEASE OF THE BELT BUCKLE.
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SAFETY BELT MISUSE COULD CAUSE THE SEAT OCCUPANT TO FACE GREATER RISK OF INJURY IN A SUDDEN STOP OR VEHICLE ACCIDENT IF AN INADVERTENT RELEASE OF THE SAFETY BELT OCCURRED.
Remedy
INSTALL LABELS TO INSTRUCT THE USER IN PROPER SAFETY BELT ROUTING; ALSO REPLACE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES.
Complaints by component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
8
6fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
7
5fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4
3fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
4
2fires
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
3
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
2
1injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
2
2fires
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
2
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
2
Total complaints50
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“While braking at this speed or higher the car steering wheel began to shack and pull to the left. Took it to volvo and they said the caliber was not releasing properly. Had calibers replaced several years prior due to a similar malfunction. *js”
“Tl*the contact owns a 1989 volvo 740. While driving approximately 15 mph, the vehicle began to excessively overheat. The contact pulled to the side of the road and noticed an oil leak under the hood. Warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent…”
“Made an appointment with volvoville usa for recall campaign 96v08500 for date below. Showed up on time and provided vin # for vehicle that was purchased from volvoville (as a new car by my wife pennie wilfong ) and all other data requested by service writer. I stated I was not interested in any…”
“While the consumer was driving at 70 mph, the vehicle experienced a mechanical failure in the transmission which an caused accident.(ohio traffic report 10-89-312) *yh”
“I entered my car and put the key in the ignition. When I turned the key to start the engine, the air bag deployed. My left hand was resting on the steering whell as I turned the key. The air bag ripped my watch from my wrist and lacerated the wrist in numerous places. My neck, chest and both arms…”
“No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak”
“The vehicle caught fire in the rear while driving, prior to this fire the vehicle had been plagued with electrical system problems and short circuits, no injuries were sustained. Nlm”
“The timing belt had broken while waiting at stop light. Had started forward when vehicle failed to move. Was towed to mechanic & was informed the problem was the timing gear. The timing belt needed to be replaced. *ak”
Defect investigations
InvestigationPE96019 Opened 1996-03-04 · closed 1996-05-21
BATTERY CABLE SHORT
BATTERY CABLES MAY SUFFER INSULATION DAMAGE THAT COULD RESULT IN A ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1989 Volvo 740 as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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