VOLVO 240 (1975–1993) — Verified Specs, Fluids & OBD2
Built 1975–1993 · all production years covered on this single page
2.3L I4 • Gasoline
1993
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Every figure on this Volvo 240 (1975–1993) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Volvo 240 (1975–1993) is powered by a 2.3L I4 engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (3)
NHTSA 86V129000
Vehicle Speed Control
Date: 15/09/1986
IN THE EVENT OF A LOW SPEED FRONTAL IMPACT, ENGINE MOVEMENT COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE CABLE SLEEVE TO BE PULLED OUT OF THE ADJUSTING FITTING AND NOT RETURN TO ITS ORIGINAL POSITION OR IDLE POSITION. …
NHTSA 86V129000
Vehicle Speed Control
Date: 15/09/1986
IN THE EVENT OF A LOW SPEED FRONTAL IMPACT, ENGINE MOVEMENT COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE CABLE SLEEVE TO BE PULLED OUT OF THE ADJUSTING FITTING AND NOT RETURN TO ITS ORIGINAL POSITION OR IDLE POSITION. …
NHTSA 77V219000
Vehicle Speed Control › Cables
Date: 14/12/1977
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES ARE IN NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS". THE THROTTLE CABLE PLASTIC SLEEVE ON THESE VEHICLES, WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE FIREWALL, COULD BREAK AT THE GROOVE FOR THE RETAINING CIRCLIP ALLOWING THE …
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
103 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Volvo 240 across model years 1975–1993. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
18 crash reports 7 fires 10 injuries
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 199020
Model year 199117
Model year 198917
Model year 198612
Model year 198811
Model year 19876
Model year 19846
Model year 19836
Most reported components (all years)
Electrical System29
Vehicle Speed Control16
Power Train10
Service Brakes9
Seats8
Air Bags7
Sample reports
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK (MY 1986)
REPLACED WATER PUMP. (MY 1988)
DRIVERS FRONT STRUT BROKE. *DSH (MY 1984)
PANEL UNDER DRIVER SEAT ACCUMULATES WATER, CAUSING FLOOR TO RUST/BOLTS ATTACHED TO SEAT TRACK TO DISCONNECT/SEAT TO FAIL. *SKD (MY 1984)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1975–1993.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Volvo 240 have any safety recalls?
Yes — 3 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Volvo 240?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Volvo 240?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Volvo 240?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are engine problems common on the Volvo 240?
Yes — 9 of 77 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “THE INSTALLATION OF THE WIRE HARNESS IS CRUMBLING INTO DUST AND THE WIRES ARE EXPOSED UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.*JB. CONSUMER STATED THE MAIN POWER FRO…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are brakes problems common on the Volvo 240?
Yes — 12 of 77 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the brakes. One owner reported: “VEHICLE STALLS AT LOW SPEEDS AND THERE ARE NO BRAKES WHEN THIS HAPPENS. TT…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Volvo 240?
Yes — 14 of 77 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “I NEED RECALL #84V017000 DATED 03/84 ON THIS 1983 VOLVO GLT PLEASE. I WANT TO BE ABLE TO READ THE RECALL VERBATIM THAT WAS PUBLISHED RE:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ALTERNATOR;REGULATOR;STARTER. THANK YOU VERY M…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Volvo 240 (1975–1993)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Volvo 240 (1975–1993) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Volvo 240 (1975–1993) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Found what you were looking for? Explore other Volvo models in our database, compare tyre offers in your size, or search a specific fault code in the TroubleAtlas OBD2 database.