Heat generated in the engine compartment causes ABS control module and traction control module to fail in my '96 Volvo 850R. As of today, there's 3 modules already replaced (each costing $800). The dealer said that the control module fails because it's not designed by the manufacturer to withstand typical engine heat. The chatroom of Volvo owners (www.brickboard.com) is filled with the same complaint from various model years. The failure of the braking system is especially dangerous since the failure causes intermittent braking capability and hazardous during winter/snowy road conditions. The failure is sudden and without warning.

- Mill Creek, WA, USA

After starting the vehicle the ABS warning light illuminated and stayed on until the vehicle was shut off. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

- East Haddam, CT, USA

Consumer states that when trying to apply the anti lock brakes. Brakes will lock up, causing the vehicle to have extended stopping distance. Dealer notified.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

Intermittent and ongoing problem when applying brakes. The pedal would go to the floor, causing pulsation, and extended stopping distance. Vehicle been to the dealer on six occasion. Dealer replaced ABS module, but extended stopping distance would reoccur.

- Vallejo, CA, USA

I own a 1996 Volvo 850 turbo. ABS module failed to work. There are similar problems reported by other owners. The failure rate appears to be high for this particular model.

- Yorba Linda, CA, USA

The ABS failed, which caused the vehicle to experience extended stopping distance.

- Vallejo, CA, USA

I have not yet replaced the faulty ABS module on my car because no one knows exactly what the problem is. I have researched it and the ABS module has been faulty on many Volvo 850. Sometimes my ABS/tracs (traction control) light turns on indicating that I no longer have ABS brakes, but do still have normal ones. The system seems to fail randomly, and more frequently in warmer weather.

- Omaha, NE, USA

Car can not be repaired. Volvo of wesport, ct has 10 modules on back order. Volvo is claiming this part is not defective enough for a recall.

- Fairfield, CT, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Palo Alto, CA, USA

The ABS electronic control unit failed. The dealer stated that the problem was common with this model due to a known design flaw. The consumer is seeking full reimbursement.

- Mountain View, CA, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Thompson, CT, USA

The ABS/tracs system is not working properly. Warning lights indicating that this system is not working properly has been on for many months. The dealer has indicated that the ABS/tracs system needs to be replaced at a repair bill of $750. This is a major problem with the Volvo and I believe that the Volvo Corp. Should be held accountable for this design flaw.

- Lawrence, KS, USA

This is a repeated problem. I am informed by Volvo specialists this problem is very common and the result of a faulty computer system. The independent shop(s) I have taken it to report it is customary for them to repair at least 5 of these per week and that the problem is confined to the 1996 and 1998 850 models. They also suggest Volvo is well aware of the problem but refuses to recall the defective part (computer syste). Note, this also govens the traction control system!

- Chevy Chase, MD, USA

Failure of module disenabled the ABS. Sporatic failure first occurred at 32000 mi, but complete failure occurred at 52,000 miles. Car repairman indicates that failure of this module is common for 1996-1998 Volvo. He replaces 3-4 per week.

- Chevy Chase, MD, USA

The failure of this component, which in searching the web is very common on the 1996 model, results in false triggering of the ABS system, which increases stopping distance significantly. A search of www.brickboard.com for 850 & ABS will turn up numerous examples of this failure, which is frequently misdiagnosed by the dealers. Volvo knows of the failures, and has not admitted that it is a safety problem. It is a safety problem since the ABS system is not functioning correctly, and the failure causes increased stopping distances.

- Spring Lake Heights, NJ, USA

Connecticut's own Volvo in milford ct says the ABS system is defective. $600 to fix. I asked why I had to pay for a defective computer and he said that it was beyond its expected life. However, he could not tell me what the expected life of the ABS system was. The ABS system is one of the reasons I got this car and if it is defective and no longer working, and Volvo is not interested in repairing it, that seems to me to be something you need to look into.

- Guilford, CT, USA

While driving about any mph would step on brake pedal and brakes will start making noise. Consumer had taken vehicle to dealer, and found that brakes rotors had been malfuntioning, and every 25000 miles needed to be repaired.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

Left front caliper broke in January 1999, roght front caliper broke at this time. Parts were on back order. Consumer was told it would take 3 months to get vehicle repaired. Consumer has had many problems with vehicle, instrument lights were replaced, dash bulb lights and other bulbs replaced. Headlight wiper and windshield wiper blades replaced. Consumer smelled an odor in the air conditioner and later the air conditioner was not cooling properly, dealer replaced the temperature sensor, evaporator, receiver, and dryer. Battery failed and was replaced, consumer had a recall on the central electrical relay and when returning to vehicle that was shut off the phone and radio were on. Coolant light illuminated 4 times, finally dealer replaced the coolant filler cap, engine light keeps illuminated, dealer has replaced the pnp switch, oxygen sensor, air pump, and check valve, the air pump and check valve were replaced twice, the timing belt has also been replaced. ABS sensor cable has been replaced, calipers have been replaced 3 times, front brake pads, rotors, and front disc brakes have been replaced.

- Delaware, OH, USA

Repaired by dealer on 02/02/2001 at my cost. No safety defect mentioned in summary.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

ABS warning light came on. I took the car into dealer and was told that control unit needed to be replaced. It seemed strange to me, so I asked if this was a common problem for my type of car. I was told this type problem happens. But, it continued to bother me, so I researched the issue, and I came across an article in the March 1, 1999 issue of motor age. According to the article, if ABS warning light comes on, the problem may be a faulty electronic brake distribution switch. The article went on to state that if the part number stamped on the switch is 9157358, the switch must be replaced, and if brake fluid has already leaked into the switch connector, the switch, wiring harness and the ABS control unit must all be replaced. According to the article, this is considered a safety recall and the factory has issued a recall notice to owners. I did not receive a recall notice. After reading the article, I contacted Volvo and was told that no parts on my particular vehicle have been recalled. However, that does not mean that my car is not affected by this same faulty switch. Volvo denies that there is a problem with the switch in my car or any other car, but I think this matter should be looked into further. So far, I have gotten the run around.

- Sugar Land, TX, USA