I just received a recall notice from Volvo NA for my 1996 850.

It states that "in certain cases, after prolonged exposure to extreme heat, the fuel tank in the model year 1994-1997 Volvo 850 vehicles may develop seepage at the heat shield attachment. This is because the heat shield attachment locations may not meet certain Volvo specifications. When this occurs, a fuel odor may be present.

It further states that this "notice should not ignored or taken lightly".

What is the story here? For a company that will not acknowledge defects with the ac evaporator and the abs controller unit, there seems to be a sense of urgency in their notice. Has anyone smelled a fuel odor or had their 850 ignite unexpectedly?

Dan
1996 850 Base Model

I found out about this back in early fall. I call the dealer and gave my VIN. I was told that mine is part of the recall but to wait to get the notice. I still haven't received the notice.

Apparently my '95 T5R is not covered by the recall. I had the original fuel tank replaced about three years ago. According to the local dealer, it has cracked again. They referred me to VCNA. I have never had my intelligence insulted as much as during my phone call with the $%#*&r at Volvo. He informed me that I am just "unlucky." Replacing one fuel tank is unlucky. Having to put the third fuel tank in a car with 140k miles is a design problem. The local dealer was empathetic, but not willing to do anything.

Regardless, this will be the last Volvo I will ever own. I have loved the car, and my wife and I were ready to take delivery on a new V70R. That, of course, has been cancelled. A company that would leave me with what amounts to the 90's version of a Pinto doesn't deserve my business or loyalty. Volvo told me all I needed to hear on that phone call. I think I was hearing "get the Infiniti" in the background. I'm sure we'll enjoy our new G35...

So do they always replace the fuel tank during this service or just chek it?

I believe they expanded this to include everyone - they are not taking any chances. I didn't recive a notice as the 5th owner of my 850, but when I called the dealer to check on other items, I was told about the recall and asked to bring the car in for a free fix, which I did. That was about 6 months ago.

I imagine they are sending out the notices in batches so they don't become swamped with the repair and run out of parts.

I believe they expanded this to include everyone - they are not taking any chances. I didn't recive a notice as the 5th owner of my 850, but when I called the dealer to check on other items, I was told about the recall and asked to bring the car in for a free fix, which I did. That was about 6 months ago.

Anyone have any information about this recall being enacted in Canada too?
Armie
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'94 850 154000kms '86 760GLE 272000kms

I have a 1996 model and received the notice 3 weeks ago (in Montreal).

Dan,
What part of the country do you live in? I contacted Volvo at its Rockleigh, New Jersey corporate offices, and was told that eventually everyone who own the affect year(s) 850s would receive a notice to bring their car in to a local dealer and have the tank fixed. Volvo would replace the tanks of cars in warmer climates first, and then move onto colder climates. I guess, I just want to know what part of the country Volvo is up to now. I'm in CT.
Hugh

My notice is dated February 2005. I live in Ocean Twp., New Jersey.

No notice yet for me in San Diego.

Rob

96 854 119,000 miles

i got mine on last friday and i'm in seattle wa. you know the only thing about bring it in and getting stuff like this fixed is that when you disturb stuff that's been installed for such a long time, i have a 94... there is a higher probably that rust or something will happen in the areas where they've had to remove things or reinstall things.. atleast that's what happened to my accord when they did a recall on the fuel nozzle. it started to rust around the base of the nozzle/body area. but i guess better to be safe and get it inspected.
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94 855

I got the notice last week. I am in New York city.

I got mine on Friday and I live in Minnesota.

I live in Boston. Sounds like they are doing the Northeast.

Dan

I just got my notice on friday, I live near atlantic city nj. mines due for lower a arm and struts gonna get all done in a month. Kelly

Had it done today and it says they installed rubber dampers. Sounds like it may be a problem in hotter climates. I just happened to receive the notice after already having an appt w/dealer so they were able to do them at the same time. I bet that fire sounded a lot more serious to Volvo than a bad AC unit or even a bad ABS unit.

I got my notice Fri and I am in Maine. I have been having trouble when I fill up that engine won't start the first try. I have been wondering about a leak in the system. Maybe that might be a possible fix. I hope!
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'94 850 wagon, '86 740 GLE, '88 740GLE, '86 760T that may go, '80 240 DL wagon and '81 240 DL that need to go.