[CharlesStevenson]

What are the top 10 problems with the 440/460 models?

I'm trying to work out the most important issues to check for when purchasing a post face-lift, manual, petrol, non-turbo 440 or 460 and have put this list together from reading posts on here and other websites.

Would anyone be able to comment as to whether this appears a reasonable top 10 list of the main things to watch for.


1. Water leaks from the front bulkhead or around the windscreen, resulting in soaked carpets and sound deading, leading to a rusted floor

2. Water leaks from around the rear window, tailgate or light clusters, again leading to soaked carpets and sound deading and a rusted floor

3. Water leaks from around a sunroof if fitted, also leading to soaked carpets and sound deading and a rusted floor

4. Rusting around the rear wheel arches and bottoms of doors

5. The petrol gauge often doesn't work (a Volvo standard one this)

6. The alternator going u/s, possibly due to worn bushes

7. Minor electrics, specifically the e/windows, e/mirrors, c/locking behaving erratically or just plain giving up altogether

8. Rough or erratic idle problems

9. Exhaust rubber support perishing leading to a broken exhaust pipe

10. Bonnet catch failure


And here are a few more problems that appear to be less frequent but still troublesome. I can't imagine any one car would have all of these things wrong with it, however, it's better to know the possible problem areas since all cars from all companies have their own issues to watch for.


11. On-board check control computer, if fitted, often plays-up

12. Handbrake cables seize or break

13. Clutch cable breaks

14. Speedos can stop working

15. Steering lock barrel problems

16. Radiator perishing or leaking

17. Front wheel bearings wearing

18. Lamda sensor failure

19. Metal brake hoses rusting

20. Brake discs wearing out

21. Possible fuel pump problems

22. Gearbox failure

23. Clutch wear, and lastly,

24. Dodgy wiring caused by previous owners adding hifi, phones etc


I wouldn't have included suspension bushes, brake pads and shoes or bulbs etc as I'd have considered these to be wear and tear items and I also feel that some of the above list could be issues caused by the previous owner(s) not treating the car that well.

Replacing a timing belt would also be a service item and not a problem item.

Don't take this list the wrong way; I don't consider this actually too bad since any of these cars are now quite old and as with most older Volvos, they will continue to soldier on even if they have problems like those listed above.

I have owned a couple of these cars before but each for only a few weeks so I would like to hear from anyone else as to whether this list is reasonable.

Many thanks.