VOLVO 940 (1991–1995) — Verified Specs, Fluids & OBD2
Built 1991–1995 · all production years covered on this single page
2.3L I4 Turbo • Gasoline
1995
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Every figure on this Volvo 940 (1991–1995) 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 940 (1991–1995) is powered by a 2.3L I4 Turbo 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 (0)
No official recall verified for this vehicle in the NHTSA database.
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)
82 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Volvo 940 across model years 1991–1995. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
22 crash reports 2 fires 13 injuries
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 199443
Model year 199323
Model year 199216
Most reported components (all years)
Air Bags29
Vehicle Speed Control11
Tires7
Service Brakes7
Hydraulic7
Engine And Engine Cooling6
Sample reports
CONSUMER WAS STOPPED AT A TRFFIC LIGHT/ LIGHT CHANGED VEHICLE COMMENCED ON. CONSUMER HIT THE REAR OF FRONT VEHICLE AT APPROX 5 MPH OR LESS. AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FROM THIS LOW SPEED IMPACT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK (MY 1994)
A GOODYEAR EAGLE GTR4 TIRE (P185 65 R15) EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, WHEN THE TIRE SEPARATED, DAMAGE WAS CAUSED TO THE VEHICLE. *SLC (MY 1993)
IN JANUARY 2002 WE PURCHASED A SET OF 4 DUNLOP WINTER SPORT M2 SNOW TIRES 205/55R16 FOR A VOLVO 940 TURBO SEDAN. WE HAVE HAD 3 SIDEWALL FAILURES OF THESE SNOW TIRES RUNNING ONLY 5700 MILES, WITH 2 ACTIVE BLOWOUTS & 1 LARGE SIDEWALL BLIST… (MY 1993)
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BOTTOM HEATING ELEMENT SHORT CIRCUITED, BURNING A HOLE IN THE SEAT AND THROUGH THE OCCUPANT'S COAT. *AK *YC (MY 1994)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1991–1995.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Volvo 940?
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 940?
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 940?
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 940?
Yes — 10 of 73 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED.*AK IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE FLYWHEEL BROKE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS DIFFICULT TO GET THE V…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are brakes problems common on the Volvo 940?
Yes — 11 of 73 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the brakes. One owner reported: “WHILE PARKING VEHICLE SOMETHING SPARKED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO JERK AND ACCELERATE. WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED- BRAKE'S VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING,CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO RUN INTO A TREE. *AK…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are airbags problems common on the Volvo 940?
Yes — 27 of 73 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the airbags. One owner reported: “TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN IN A 1992 VOLVO 940 GL WITH 180,000 FAILURE MILEAGE WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE PASS…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Volvo 940 (1991–1995)?
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 940 (1991–1995) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Volvo 940 (1991–1995) 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.
Considering buying a Volvo 940 (1991–1995)? Use this guide to check expected maintenance costs, the most reported fault codes and parts availability on the market. Real data, zero commercial estimates.