The most-reported WIA run is 4V1WDBRH2PN (1993 builds) with 1 complaints, 1× the typical run. Suspension problems make up 31% of reports; 1997 is the worst model year at 1 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for WIA model years 1988–2002.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Volvo WIA has 27 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 18% of every WIA complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4V1WDBRH2PN•••••• | 1993 | — | — | |
| 4V1WDBCF4PN•••••• | 1993 | — | — | |
| 4V1WDBCH1PN•••••• | 1993 | — | — | |
| 4V1WDBRH5SN•••••• | 1995 | — | — | |
| 4V1WDBJHXFN•••••• | 1995 | — | — | |
| 4V1WDBRH8SN•••••• | 1995 | — | — | |
| 4V1WDBGH2SN•••••• | 1995 | — | — | |
| 4V1WDBRH65N•••••• | 1995 | — | — | |
| 4V1WDBCH1SN•••••• | 1995 | — | — | |
| 4V1WDBRHXSN•••••• | 1995 | — | — | |
| 4V4WDBRH6TN•••••• | 1996 | — | — | |
| 4V4WDBJJ7TN•••••• | 1996 | — | — |
Each of the other 15 WIA runs has 1 complaint or fewer.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Volvo WIA the gap between build years is 1×: a 1997 car draws 1 complaints per run, a 1993 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 8 | 8 | — | |
| 1996 | 8 | 8 | — | |
| 1995 | 7 | 7 | — | |
| 1993 | 3 | 3 | — |
Heaviest year here is 1997 at 1 complaints per run; lightest is 1993 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 31% of everything Volvo WIA owners report: Suspension, 12 of 28 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | — | — | |
| Structure | — | — | |
| Power Train | — | — | |
| Electrical System | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | — | 1 | |
| Steering | — | — | |
| Service Brakes | — | — | |
| Equipment | — | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 12 recall campaigns on the Volvo WIA; the 6 below cover build years 1988 to 2002. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 02V238000 | Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch | 1990–2002 |
| 00V019001 | Trailer Hitches:fifth Wheel Assembly | 1988–1993 |
| 98V255000 | Suspension:front:springs:air Suspension:lines And Fittings | 1994–1998 |
| 96V095000 | Service Brakes, Air | 1994–1996 |
| 00V002002 | Parking Brake | 1997–1998 |
| 98V120001 | Wheels:rim | 1997–1998 |
02V238000 was opened in 2002 on cars built from 1990: 12 years on the road before the recall.
How serious were they
| Outcome | Volvo WIA | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 28 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 0 (0%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 1 (3.6%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 100% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Volvo WIA share of that is 28 complaints over 27 runs, 0% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Volvo WIA VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 28 NHTSA complaints from 27 WIA runs and 12 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which WIA production run has the most complaints?
4V1WDBRH2PN, a 1993 build, with 1 complaints. The typical WIA run has 1.
Which WIA years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 1997 is heaviest at 1 complaints per run and 1993 lightest at 1.
How many WIA complaints involve a crash?
0% of 28 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 1 involved a fire.
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