Inadvertent side air bag deployment
Sell your 1996 Volvo 960 for cash
The 1996 Volvo 960 is a wagon that came with a choice of 2.5L 6-cyl and 2.9L 6-cyl engines. At 30 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1996 960 in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
1996 Volvo 960 at a glance
| Body style | Compact Cars, Small Station Wagons |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.5L 6-cyl, 2.9L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 16 city / 22–24 highway / 18–19 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $4,350–$4,550 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 468–494 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 3 configurations: 960, 960 Wagon |
| Age | 30 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 30 years old, most of a 1996 960's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a wagon, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the vehicle speed control, typically around 159,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1996 Volvo 960 recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1996 Volvo 960. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Common 1996 960 problems
Owners have filed 60 complaints about the 1996 Volvo 960 with NHTSA. 8 reports involved a crash and 1 report involved a fire. Owners reported 10 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Vehicle Speed Control159,000 mi
- Air Bags125,000 mi
- Fuel System, Gasoline139,000 mi
- Engine and Engine Cooling114,000 mi
1996 Volvo 960 service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 108 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1996 Volvo 960. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
Complimentary upgrade c00009 description.
Rubber cushion
The Deutronic DBL-1200 is an advanced battery maintainer/charger with the flexibility to be updated as products and repair methods evolve.
ICUP/Google Built-In Diagnostic Operations
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 1996 Volvo 960.
Other Volvo 960 years
‹ Sell a 1995 960 · Sell a 1997 960 › · All Volvo 960 years
Other 1996 Volvo models
Selling a 1996 960: questions
How much is a 1996 Volvo 960 worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1996 960 that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1996 960s that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1996 960?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1996 960 today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.