Selling a tired or non-running Volvo 240

When a 240 finally stops, or the rust and wiring are more than you want to take on, you can sell the whole car as it sits. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, and pickup is free anywhere in the US.

One long generation

The 240 never had a full redesign. Wikipedia describes a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive car on the Volvo P platform, sold as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door wagon through 1993 and as a 2-door coupe through 1984. It overlapped the 700 Series from 1982 and was replaced by the 940.

Volvo kept changing what went under the hood:

• The B20 engine was used only early on, then replaced by the B19.
• The diesel was dropped after the 1985 model year once the US diesel market collapsed. Wikipedia says the federal diesel was never certified for sale in California.
• The Turbo model ended in early 1985.
• Gearboxes included 4-speed manuals with and without overdrive, a 5-speed manual and a 3-speed automatic.

Known problems by era

NHTSA's complaint records begin with the 1984 model year, so they only reach the 240's final decade.

1984-1986: diesel, Turbo and the throttle cable recall

These three years have 21 complaints between them. The electrical system is named most on the 1985 (2) and 1986 (3).

The 240's only recall, 86V129000, covers the 1985 and 1986. NHTSA says engine movement in a low-speed frontal impact could pull the throttle cable sleeve out of its fitting, leaving the throttle off idle. Dealers replaced the cables. The campaign counted 89,587 vehicles, a total that may include Volvos other than the 240.

1987-1990: electrical and speed control

Complaints climb from 6 on the 1987 to 20 on the 1990. Electrical system and vehicle speed control are the top two on the 1989 and 1990. Seats show up in the top three on the 1986, 1989 and 1990.

1991-1993: air bags take over

On each of the 240's last three years, air bags are the component named most: 7 of 17 on the 1991, 6 of 22 on the 1992 and 4 of 14 on the 1993. These years also hold the most crash reports, 7, 7 and 4, and 14 of the model's 19 injury reports.

240 complaints and recalls by year

NHTSA's complaint file gave us these Volvo 240 counts when we checked it on October 10, 2026. A complaint is something an owner reported to NHTSA. It is not a test result.

The 1985 and 1986 recall entries are the same campaign. Six complaints across all years mention a fire, and one car was towed. No deaths are recorded.

Worth fixing?

A 240 can be simple to work on, but age stacks up. Ask these in order.

1. Any open recall? Run the VIN at NHTSA's recall page. On a 1985 or 1986, ask whether the throttle cables were ever replaced.
2. Is it a wiring fault? Electrical complaints lead this model, 23 in all. The electrical problems guide helps you judge whether the fault is worth chasing.
3. Has it been sitting? Fuel, brakes and tires go bad on a parked car. See car sitting for years.
4. Is the body sound? Rust in the floors or frame changes the answer. See rotted frame.
5. Half-finished project? Old project car covers selling one that never got done.

How to sell your 240 whole

1. Write down the basics: sedan or wagon, the VIN, the mileage, and the engine if you know it (a pre-1986 diesel or Turbo is worth naming).
2. Get an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Tell us where it sits. Back yard, garage, gravel lot. Say if the rear wheels turn and the tires hold air.
4. Keep the 240 complete. Pulled parts change the offer, so tell us what's already off.
5. Have the title and a photo ID with you when the 240 is picked up. No title? See selling with no title.

Looking at the 240's successors? Compare the 940 and 960, or see every Volvo model.