Model year guide

1994 Volvo 940

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1994 Volvo 940 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 19 on record.

1994 Volvo 940 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1994 Volvo 940 at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints44
Combined19–20 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1994 Volvo 940 recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1994 Volvo 940.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1994 Volvo 940 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

1994 Volvo 940 MPG & running costs

Combined19–20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,450
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume94 cu ft
Cargo volume17 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1994 Volvo 940 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,250
Fuel only$17,250
Per mile$0.23

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1994 Volvo 940 trims & engines on record

Trims
Level I
Engines
2.3L 4-cyl 116 hp

1994 Volvo 940 vehicles on record

1994 Volvo 940 1994 Volvo 940 Level IYV1JS831XR1164827 1994 Volvo 940 Level IYV1JS8316R1150665 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803PA114091 1994 Volvo 940YV1945833R1124763 1994 Volvo 940YV1944742R1165130 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803R1176899 1994 Volvo 940YV1945742R1130311 1994 Volvo 940YV1945833R1102110 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803R1164506 1994 Volvo 940YV1945833R1115203 1994 Volvo 940YV1704773F2106210 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803R1176285 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803PA114099 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803R1164573 1994 Volvo 940YV1944742R1181436 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803PA133466 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803R1185069 1994 Volvo 940YV1944745R1188384 1994 Volvo 940YV1945803S1137562 1994 Volvo 940YV1945871R1128915 1994 Volvo 940YV1944803R1189292 1994 Volvo 940YV1944742R1166039

Other Volvo 940 model years

1998 1997 1996 1995 1993 1992 1991 1990

1994 Volvo 940 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1994 Volvo 940 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 1994 Volvo 940. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1994 Volvo 940?

Across all 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, vehicle speed control, hydraulic.

What gas mileage does the 1994 Volvo 940 get?

The 1994 Volvo 940 has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.