1990 model year · 175+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 175+ owner reports, the 1990 Volvo 740 has 5 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Overdrive Relay and Solenoid Failure with 175 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $30 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1990-1992 Volvo 740, the AW70/71 automatic transmission in the 740 suffers from overdrive relay and solenoid failures. The overdrive relay on the firewall can corrode, and the M46 overdrive solenoid wears out, causing the transmission to lose its overdrive gear. Without overdrive, the engine revs high on the highway, increasing fuel consumption and wear.
Replace the overdrive relay (located on the firewall near the brake booster) and test the overdrive solenoid. If the solenoid has failed, it must be replaced, which requires dropping the transmission pan.
Parts and tips from 175+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 1990-1992 Volvo 740, the AW70/71 automatic transmission overdrive solenoid fails, causing loss of overdrive (4th gear). The transmission also develops governor issues causing erratic shifting.
Confirm the fault by checking fuse 11, the shifter-mounted overdrive switch, relay, and 12V power/ground at the AW70/AW71 overdrive solenoid; if the solenoid does not click or has an open/shorted coil, replace the solenoid and pan gasket, then refill with the correct ATF. If overdrive still will not engage or shifts remain erratic, remove and clean/inspect the governor assembly and valve body for sticking weights/valves, worn seals, or debris, and service the transmission filter/screen and fluid at the same time. Typical repair cost is about $150-$350 for an overdrive solenoid replacement with fluid service, while governor/valve body service usually runs $300-$700 depending on labor and parts condition.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 1990-1992 Volvo 740, the AW70/AW71 automatic transmission overdrive unit fails, causing a loss of overdrive gear and sometimes a harsh engagement. The overdrive solenoid and associated wiring are common failure points. Highway RPM increases significantly without overdrive.
Test the overdrive solenoid and wiring first. Replace the solenoid if faulty. If the overdrive clutch pack is worn, a transmission rebuild is needed. The standalone overdrive unit can sometimes be serviced separately.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 1990-1992 Volvo 740, the heater core develops a leak, causing a sweet coolant smell inside the cabin, fogging windshield, and wet passenger-side carpet. Replacement requires significant dash disassembly on the 740.
Replace the heater core. On 740 models this requires removing much of the center console and lower dash. Flush the cooling system and replace coolant. Check heater hoses while accessible.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 1990-1992 Volvo 740, the Volvo 740 fuel injection relay (commonly called the white relay) is a known failure point. When it fails, the engine cranks but will not start because the fuel pump and fuel injectors lose power.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SAFETY BELTS ARE DESIGNED TO BE ROUTED UNDER A DIAGONAL CROSS BRACE DURING FASTENING. THE INSTRUCTIONAL LABELS FOR THE BELT ROUTING ARE INADEQUATE, AND CAN RESULT IN INADVERTENT RELEASE OF THE BELT BUCKLE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
FUEL DAMPER LOCATED BEHIND THE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL RAIL MAY BE IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED. OVER TIME, THE SOLDER JOINTS COULD ALLOW A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL TO LEAK.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 175+ owner reports, the 1990-1990 Volvo 740 has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Overdrive Relay and Solenoid Failure, Automatic Transmission Overdrive Solenoid Failure, Heater Core Leak. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 1990-1990 Volvo 740 has 5 known issues documented across 175+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Volvo 740 issues range from $30 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The AW70/71 automatic transmission in the 740 suffers from overdrive relay and solenoid failures. The overdrive relay on the firewall can corrode, and the M46 overdrive solenoid wears out, causing the transmission to lose its overdrive gear. Without overdrive, the engine revs hig… Repairs typically run $50-$400. Severity: medium.
The AW70/71 automatic transmission overdrive solenoid fails, causing loss of overdrive (4th gear). The transmission also develops governor issues causing erratic shifting. Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: medium.
The heater core develops a leak, causing a sweet coolant smell inside the cabin, fogging windshield, and wet passenger-side carpet. Replacement requires significant dash disassembly on the 740. Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.
The Volvo 740 fuel injection relay (commonly called the white relay) is a known failure point. When it fails, the engine cranks but will not start because the fuel pump and fuel injectors lose power. Repairs typically run $30-$150. Severity: medium.
The AW70/AW71 automatic transmission overdrive unit fails, causing a loss of overdrive gear and sometimes a harsh engagement. The overdrive solenoid and associated wiring are common failure points. Highway RPM increases significantly without overdrive. Repairs typically run $100-$1,500. Severity: medium.
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.
