Three problems related to transmission gear slipping have been reported for the 1996 Volvo 850. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Automatic transmission slipped out of park position, rolled down incline, & hit a tree. Volvo admits shift interlock is damaged, but claims damage due to misuse. My insurance agent indicted Volvo claims part was replaced by prior owner due to a recall. Replacement part is likely to also be defective. If my children had been playing in yard, the car would have run over them. However, Volvo feels the problem is not a safety issue. A movie was taken while the car was still under the tree showing that the gear shifter could be moved without the key in the ignition, the brake pedal depressed, or gear shifter release button depressed. Nhtsa internet site shows a complaint with same problem. Another also incident occured in rei parking lot( a retailer in atlanta)on August 24, 1999. Unfortunately, rei did not get customer's name, but is attempting to get name. Please contact me to let me know if this complaint will be investigated. Thank you, susan berra.
While parked, transmission slipped out of park, rolled down a hill & hit a tree. Volvo admits shift interlock damaged, but does not consider the part defective. Movie taken that shows gear shifter moves without the key in the ignition, brake pedal depressed, or gear shift button depressed. Two other Volvo owners have had the same exact experience with their car. Likely to be many more.
Auto-tran: while parked, transmission slipped out of park, rolled down incline, hit a house. Note: leased vehicle.