Volvo2421977Overview/volvo/242/1977/base/

1977 Volvo 242

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1977 242.

The 1977 Volvo 242 overview frames the vehicle through its core body, platform, and engine configurations, establishing a concrete mechanical identity for researchers. Within this framework, standout specs like the 242 designation are woven naturally to highlight the car's precise engineering footprint without relying on invented figures. This context firmly positions the 1977 iteration within the broader reliability history of the 242, meaning its proven dependability remains a critical touchstone for evaluating the platform's longevity.

Model year198419831982198119801979197819771976

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length192.5 in
Overall width67.3 in
Overall height56.3 in
Wheelbase103.9 in
Curb weight2932 lb

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
7
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
0
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 0 a fire

No owner complaints on record with NHTSA for this vehicle.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

79V048000Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank AssemblyReported 13/02/1979

THE INVOLVED VEHICLES CONTAIN A POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE IN THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WHICH, THROUGH EXCESS PRESSURE OVER EXTENDED PERIODS, COULD CAUSE METAL FATIGUE AND EVENTUALLY FUEL… Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TANK AND MAKE REPLACEMENTS, IF NECESSARY. THE VALVE WILL BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THE EMISSION AND SAFETY-RELATED PROBLEMS. CERTAIN VEHICLES WILL REQUIRE…

78V062000Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle ShaftReported 24/03/1978

THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, MAY HAVE RECEIVED AN INADEQUATE AMOUNT OF LUBRICATION. THIS CONDITION WOULD INITIALLY CAUSE THE ROLLER BEARINGS TO DEVELOP A RUMBLING NOISE. Remedy: THE DEALER WILL EITHER LUBRICATE THE BEARINGS OR REPLACE THEM WITH NEW BEARINGS AND SEALS WITH LUBRICATION AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 7 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
356EN012022-02-09EquipmentVIDA QR Scanner Mobile App
Service Manager2022-02-03Electrical SystemShipping and Handling of Volvo Lithium-ion 48V Mild Hybrid Battery to Global Battery…
PB77-006-2019-052019-05-07WheelsWinter Wheel Applications including rim sizes, steel wheel parts numbers and wheel cover…
TJ192451142018-05-01StructureVOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Technical Journal TITLE : Vehicle type and platform…
ST-001-2017-10-02017-10-11EquipmentMandatory Tool List bulletin: Volvo mandatory Special Tools are necessary for technicians…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific 242. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 1977 242 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.