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Volvo · Known Issues

1990 Volvo 240 Problems: 5 Known Issues

1990 model year · 200+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 200+ owner reports, the 1990 Volvo 240 has 5 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Rear Shock Absorber Mount Failure ($200-$600 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Flame Trap (PCV) Clogging Causes Oil Leaks with 200 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $20 to $600. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • 240 Suspension1
  • 240 Engine2
  • 240 Transmission1
  • 240 Cooling1
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Suspension1
  • Engine2
  • Transmission1
  • Cooling1
  • FAQ

All 5 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS1993199219911990

On the 1990-1993 Volvo 240, the upper rear shock absorber mounts crack and break through the sheet metal in the trunk area. This is a structural issue caused by years of shock loads being transferred through a relatively thin panel. Can be a safety concern if both sides fail.

Common Symptoms

  • Banging from rear over bumps
  • Shock tower pushing through trunk floor
  • Rear end bouncy
  • Visible cracking around shock mount in trunk

How to Fix

Weld a reinforcement plate over the shock tower. Replace the shocks and upper rubber mounts at the same time. Inspect both sides even if only one has failed. This is a common Volvo 240 repair.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $600

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence
Community reported
200 owners

On the 1990-1993 Volvo 240, the Volvo 240's flame trap (PCV system) clogs with oil residue over time, causing excessive crankcase pressure. This leads to oil being pushed past every gasket and seal in the engine, resulting in widespread oil leaks from the valve cover, rear main seal, and oil pan. It is the number one maintenance item on these engines.

Common Symptoms

  • Oil leaks from multiple locations
  • Oil drips on exhaust causing smoke
  • Rough idle from vacuum leaks in cracked PCV hoses
  • Oil consumption increase
  • Blue smoke at startup
  • Oil film on air filter housing

How to Fix

Replace the flame trap (located in the intake manifold) and clean or replace all PCV hoses. This is a simple and inexpensive repair that should be done every 30,000 miles. Address any resulting oil leaks after crankcase pressure is normalized.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Volvo 114237 flame-trap kit

    replace a restricted flame-trap service assembly after crankcase-path inspection Fitment/availability: 1990-1993 Volvo 240 non-turbo B230F applications shown in IPD fitment; confirm fuel-system and hose arrangement Fitment/availability: …

    IPD USA

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipReplace every 30,000 miles as preventive maintenance - one of the most important Volvo 240 services
Typical repair cost:$20 - $80

Research This Issue

Based on 200 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence200 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 1990-1993 Volvo 240, the Bosch LH-Jetronic fuel injection system develops idle problems from worn air mass meter, idle air control valve failure, and vacuum leaks. The flame trap (PCV system) clogs, causing oil leaks and rough running.

This issue also affects: Volvo S40, Volvo 850, Volvo 940

Common Symptoms

  • Rough idle
  • Stalling
  • High idle
  • Oil leaks
  • Failed emissions

How to Fix

Diagnose LH-Jetronic idle problems by smoke-testing the intake for vacuum leaks, inspecting all breather/PCV hoses and the flame trap for blockage, and checking the idle air control valve for sticking or no response; also verify the air mass meter output and connector condition, as worn AMMs commonly cause unstable idle and rich running. Clean or replace the flame trap service parts and cracked vacuum hoses first, then clean the throttle body and IAC valve, and replace a faulty Bosch AMM or IAC valve if testing confirms failure. After repairs, base idle and throttle switch operation should be verified and the system rechecked for leaks and proper idle speed. Typical cost is about $50-$150 for hoses/flame trap service, $150-$350 for an IAC valve, and $250-$450 for a Bosch AMM plus 1-2 hours labor.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Volvo 114237 flame-trap kit

    service a physically restricted flame-trap branch found during the idle diagnosis; not an AMM or IAC substitute Fitment/availability: 1990-1993 Volvo 240 non-turbo B230F branch; confirm installed crankcase-ventilation arrangement Fitment…

    IPD USA

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$100 - $600

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence

On the 1990-1993 Volvo 240, the Volvo 240 with the M46 manual transmission and overdrive unit develops relay and solenoid failures. The overdrive unit stops engaging, leaving the car without its highway cruising gear.

Common Symptoms

  • Overdrive not engaging
  • Overdrive light not illuminating
  • Intermittent overdrive operation
  • Higher RPMs at highway speed

How to Fix

Typical repair cost:$50 - $500

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence

On the 1990-1993 Volvo 240, the heater control valve leaks coolant or fails in the open or closed position, causing either no heat or constant heat regardless of the temperature knob position. Located on the firewall, it is easily accessible.

Common Symptoms

  • No cabin heat
  • Heat always on max
  • Coolant leak at firewall
  • Temperature control has no effect

How to Fix

Replace the heater control valve. Use an OEM or high-quality aftermarket valve. Replace the hose clamps and inspect the heater hoses while accessible. Top off and bleed the coolant system.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Aftermarket 112976 latest-style Volvo 240 heater-control-valve kit

    replace a pressure-tested leaking or mechanically failed heater-control valve Fitment/availability: 1992-1993 Volvo 240 direct-fit; 1990-1991 requires the retailer's documented retrofit modifications, so confirm model year and installed …

    IPD USA

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$30 - $150

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Volvo 240 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 200+ owner reports, the 1990 Volvo 240 has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rear Shock Absorber Mount Failure, Flame Trap (PCV) Clogging Causes Oil Leaks, LH-Jetronic Fuel Injection and Idle Issues. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Volvo 240 reliable?

The 1990 Volvo 240 has 5 known issues documented across 200+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Rear Shock Absorber Mount Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Volvo 240 problems?

Repair costs for known Volvo 240 issues range from $20 to $600, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Rear Shock Absorber Mount Failure, typically costs $200-$600 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1990-1993 Volvo 240 Rear Shock Absorber Mount Failure?

The upper rear shock absorber mounts crack and break through the sheet metal in the trunk area. This is a structural issue caused by years of shock loads being transferred through a relatively thin panel. Can be a safety concern if both sides fail. Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 1990-1993 Volvo 240 Flame Trap (PCV) Clogging Causes Oil Leaks?

The Volvo 240's flame trap (PCV system) clogs with oil residue over time, causing excessive crankcase pressure. This leads to oil being pushed past every gasket and seal in the engine, resulting in widespread oil leaks from the valve cover, rear main seal, and oil pan. It is the… Repairs typically run $20-$80. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1993 Volvo 240 LH-Jetronic Fuel Injection and Idle Issues?

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 200+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

The Bosch LH-Jetronic fuel injection system develops idle problems from worn air mass meter, idle air control valve failure, and vacuum leaks. The flame trap (PCV system) clogs, causing oil leaks and rough running. Repairs typically run $100-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1993 Volvo 240 M46 Overdrive Relay and Solenoid Failure?

The Volvo 240 with the M46 manual transmission and overdrive unit develops relay and solenoid failures. The overdrive unit stops engaging, leaving the car without its highway cruising gear. Repairs typically run $50-$500. Severity: low.

What is the 1990-1993 Volvo 240 Heater Control Valve Leak and Failure?

The heater control valve leaks coolant or fails in the open or closed position, causing either no heat or constant heat regardless of the temperature knob position. Located on the firewall, it is easily accessible. Repairs typically run $30-$150. Severity: low.