The contact owns a 1996 Volvo 850 glt. While parked in the contact's driveway, the vehicle burst into flames unexpectedly. The fire department was called to the scene and a report was filed. The report indicated that the fire originated from the engine compartment. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The garage door, house siding, and driveway surface were damaged. In addition, a small area of the lawn was damaged by the fire. There were no personal injuries. The insurance company and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle is currently being investigated and has not been towed from the scene. The failure and current mileages were 155,000.

- Amherst, NH, USA

Consumer has issues about 1996 Volvo 850 engine. The consumer stated that carbon monoxide seeped into the vehicle and white smoke emitted from the tailpipe. The vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil. A mechanic informed the consumer the vehicle needed serious engine work. The consumer was informed a one-time recall had been performed one year before she purchased the vehicle.

- Unknow, DC, USA

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

Rear main seal failure, which appears to be a common occurrence with this particular vehicle, presents fire hazard and calls durability reputation of manufacturer into serious question.

- Boxford, MA, 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