1988 Volvo Fe7 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE STEEL BRAIDED TETHER OF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE IS DEFORMED AND CAN POSSIBLY BE CRACKED. THIS HAPPENS AS THE SEATS ARE BEING MOVED ON THE SLIDING RAIL, AT THE SAME TIME THEY ARE OFTEN CAUGHT AND PINCHED UNDER THE SEAT FRAMES.
What could happen: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE SEAT BELT BUCKLES WITH THE CABLE TETHER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 FE7.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97V158000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE STEEL BRAIDED TETHER OF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE IS DEFORMED AND CAN POSSIBLY BE CRACKED. THIS HAPPENS AS THE SEATS ARE BEING MOVED ON THE SLIDING RAIL, AT THE SAME TIME THEY ARE OFTEN CAUGHT AND PINCHED UNDER THE SEAT FRAMES.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE SEAT BELT BUCKLES WITH THE CABLE TETHER.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BY NOVEMBER 1, 1997. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Seat belts (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
08/18/1999 · Seat belts
UNABLE TO HAVE RECALL REPAIR (97V-158) DONE DUE TO LOCATI0N / DISTANCE OF THE NEAREST VOLVO DEALER. *YC
08/18/1999 · Transmission / drivetrain
CLUTCH NOISE DUE TO FAILED PILOT BEARING AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY, PROBLEMS WITH MATCHING CORRECT PILOT SIZE BEARING. *YC