One problem related to instrument panel has been reported for the 1997 Volvo 850. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The trac off light comes on on my 1997 Volvo 850 glt turbo wagon. Apparently, the trac, no longer works and I have to pay hundreds of dollars to get it fixed. This should be a recall and relates directly to a safety claim made by Volvo. From the list serv that I am on, apparently this is a very common problem amongst 1996-1998 Volvos.