RecallMyCar

Volvo 242 Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint across 5 model years of the Volvo 242 (1975–1983). The most-complained-about year is 1983.

10
safety recalls, all years
1
owner complaints, all years
1975
year with most recalls
1983
year with most complaints

Pick your Volvo 242 model year

Model yearRecallsComplaints
1983 Volvo 24201
1978 Volvo 24210
1977 Volvo 24220
1976 Volvo 24250
1975 Volvo 24290

What Volvo 242 owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA. The 1983 model year has the most, with 1.

All Volvo 242 recalls (10)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Volvo 242, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

  1. Tank assembly (fuel system)

    NHTSA 79V132000 Reported 121,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.

    On the involved vehicles, there is the possibility that fuel wetting in the drain plug area of the fuel tank could exist. This is caused by a possible soldering inconsistency at the drain plug flange of the fuel tank or an inconsistency of fitting between the drain plug threads. If fuel wetting should occur at the drain plug area, a…

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and replace the fuel tank, if necessary, at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1975

  2. Tank assembly (fuel system)

    NHTSA 79V048000 Reported 61,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.

    The involved vehicles contain a potentially defective pressure control valve in the evaporative emission control system which, through excess pressure over extended periods, could cause metal fatigue and eventually fuel vapors to be emitted into the atmosphere through hairline cracks in the fuel tank.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect the tank and make replacements, if necessary. The valve will be replaced to correct the emission and safety-related problems. Certain vehicles will require installation of a filler inlet fuel trap…

    Model years: 1975, 1976, 1977

  3. Filler pipe and cap (fuel system)

    NHTSA 79V028000 Reported 57,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.

    Under adverse conditions of high ambient temperatures, pressures and fuel volatility, fuel may surge when the fuel filler cap is removed in a certain manner. Under these same conditions the involved vehicles may develop vapor lock.

    Remedy: The dealer will install a baffle in the fuel filler neck to prevent fuel surge and install a new pressure control valve, which will bring about a lower vent pressure. This will be done at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1975, 1976

  4. Axle shaft (power train)

    NHTSA 78V062000 Reported 28,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.

    The rear wheel bearings on the involved vehicles, may have received an inadequate amount of lubrication. This condition would initially cause the roller bearings to develop a rumbling noise.

    Remedy: The dealer will either lubricate the bearings or replace them with new bearings and seals with lubrication at no charge to owner.

    Model years: 1977, 1978

  5. Cables (vehicle speed control)

    NHTSA 77V219000 Reported 40,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.

    The involved vehicles are in non-compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, "accelerator control systems". The throttle cable plastic sleeve on these vehicles, which is attached to the firewall, could break at the groove for the retaining circlip allowing the buffer spring there to expand and cause an increase in…

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the accelerator cable and retaining bracket and install new return springs, if necessary, at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1975

  6. Suspension: lower ball joint

    NHTSA 76V106000 Reported 56,820 vehicles potentially affected VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.

    Model years: 1975, 1976

  7. Rack (steering)

    NHTSA 76V107000 Reported 56,820 vehicles potentially affected VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.

    Model years: 1975, 1976

  8. Filler pipe and cap (fuel system)

    NHTSA 76V069000 Reported 67,633 vehicles potentially affected VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.

    Model years: 1975, 1976

  9. Latch (latches/locks/linkages)

    NHTSA 75V073000 Reported 4,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.

    Model years: 1975

  10. Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)

    NHTSA 74V246000 Reported 10,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLVO OF AMERICA CORP.

    Model years: 1975

Other Volvo models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.