Faults:

Oil cooling system needed replacing - $2000 US

Reverse lighting mechanism $300

Something with the emissions and exhaust cooling the turbo $700

The springs holding the hatch don't work when it's cold - haven't replaced them

Need a second key pad FOB - haven't replaced $25

Heat/defrost don't work when it drops below a certain temperature outside. Factory unit replacement only

Other items that I have had to have worked on keep cropping up. Check engine light stays on regularly

Spark plug mis-fired, caused a molded plastic part to pop off from the intake system - $500 + towing

Cruise Control doesn't work, afraid to ask how much that will be to fix.

Headlight wipers don't work, no idea why or how to fix, if it is even worth it.

General Comments:

I hate this car.

I purchased it for $4500 from a person who had maintained it and have had to put more than $3000 in to it.

When it runs, it runs smooth and handles OK, not great.

The cabin layout is horrible for women or shorter people.

Very bad blind spots and mirror & window controls are in the center between the seats with no way to lock them. Every time I forget and accidentally set my purse down there (a logical place) the mirrors move and my blind spots get worse. If I have to open the window and there is a cup in the cup holder, I have to bend my wrist at a very painful and un-intuitive angle to reach the button.

Hazard lights and cruise control buttons are directly behind the steering wheel so to find them I have to take my eyes off the road and really search around to find them.

The winter setting does work well on icy roads when the road is a sheet of ice.

Faults:

Engine temperature sensor replaced.

Drivers heated seat not working.

Tailgate central locking actuator not working.

General Comments:

Despite a few slight problems, this car is fantastic, it handles very well and is reasonably economical.

The general feel and Volvo build quality give you the impression that it will last for many years to come.

In comparison to the newer V70 model (2000 on) I think the 850 is built better.

Faults:

Nothing, just one small oil leak that went away on it's own.

General Comments:

I love this car. I bought this car from my neighbor in 2002. He took great care of it as do I. It runs great, quiet, and looks and feels, and runs like new. Most people can't believe it is 11 years old and has 162,000 miles. I would definetly buy another Volvo when the time comes to buy a new car. No maintenace problems only the regular wear and tear of tires and brakes and oil changes.