Description
About the Volvo 940 Headlight Assembly
The Volvo 940 is the last of the rear-wheel drive boxy Volvos, produced from 1991 to 1998 as the direct successor to the iconic 240. The 940 was built on an updated 700 series chassis with refined body work, modernized interior, and updated mechanicals while retaining the RWD layout and brick-like styling that defined Volvo’s identity for over two decades. The 940 came in sedan and wagon body styles with trim variants including the base 940, 940 GL, 940 SE (with more luxury equipment), and the 940 Turbo (B230FT). The 960 sister series offered an inline-6 option (B6304F) and was generally interpreted as the upmarket variant.
The headlight assembly on the 940 is a composite design with a separate replaceable bulb rather than the older sealed beam style. The H4 dual-filament bulb provides both low and high beam in a single unit, with the parking light/side marker integrated into the same housing. Polycarbonate lens with UV-resistant coating provides clear light output when new, but after 25+ years many original 940 headlights show significant yellowing or hazing from UV exposure, reducing light output dramatically and creating a tired cosmetic appearance. The 940 shares headlight design with the 960 sister series for parts commonality.
Why 940 Owners Replace Headlight Assemblies
The most common reasons 940 owners replace headlight assemblies are: lens yellowing or hazing from UV exposure dramatically reducing light output at night (most original 940 lenses are now yellowed or hazy after 25+ years), internal reflector tarnish reducing brightness, moisture intrusion into the housing causing fogging or water accumulation, cracked housing from impact (parking lot incidents, deer strikes, etc.), broken mounting tabs from previous removal attempts, bulb retention spring failure, or just tired cosmetic appearance dragging down the overall look of an otherwise nice 940.
Volvo 940 owners typically replace headlights when restoring a driver-quality car for safer night use, preparing for sale (improved cosmetic appearance), passing state inspection (some states reject hazy headlights), or after collision damage. Replacing both sides simultaneously is strongly recommended for matched lens clarity and consistent beam pattern. Our new OEM-specification headlights at $79 each save significant money over $100 to $180 aftermarket alternatives while providing proper beam pattern and adjustability.
OEM Specification vs Aftermarket Alternatives
| OEM Specification (this listing) | Matches factory beam pattern, factory mounting points, factory parking light integration. Best for night driving safety since beam pattern was engineered for proper illumination without glaring oncoming traffic. Compatible with factory aim adjusters. |
| Cheap Aftermarket Headlights | Often have incorrect beam pattern (scattered light that wastes output and glares oncoming drivers). May have fitment issues at mounting points. Lower quality polycarbonate may yellow faster. Save money initially but compromise night driving safety. |
| Used or Salvaged Original Headlights | Variable condition depending on donor vehicle and storage. Often already showing yellowing or hazing. Lower cost but variable lifespan. Better than new aftermarket for matching numbers concours work where new replacement parts are not appropriate. |
Things to Confirm Before Ordering
Year (1991 to 1998)
Body style (sedan or wagon)
Trim variant (940, GL, SE, Turbo, GLE)
Side needed (driver or passenger, or pair)
- Whether you have the original bulbs to transfer (or need to order new H4 bulbs separately)
- Whether your front clip is original or has been replaced (affects mounting integrity)
What Is Included, What Is Not Included
| INCLUDED | The complete headlight assembly with housing, polycarbonate lens, internal reflector, bulb socket, parking light socket, and mounting hardware (where applicable). Sold as individual driver or passenger side, or as pair. |
| NOT INCLUDED | H4 headlight bulb (purchase separately, recommended quality bulbs from Philips, Osram, or similar), parking light bulb (typically W5W or similar small bulb), wiring harness (reuse your existing 940 harness), aim adjustment is required after install (free at most shops), front bumper trim, grille. |
| Tools You Need | Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, 10mm socket and ratchet (common 940 fastener size), torque wrench (optional, for proper mounting), aim adjustment tool or Phillips screwdriver for adjusters, electrical contact cleaner for bulb sockets, masking tape for protecting paint during installation. Most replacements take 30 minutes per side. |
The Volvo 940 headlight assembly is compatible with the following 940 variants. Confirm year, body style, and side before ordering.
| Volvo 940 Sedan (1991 to 1995 NA, longer overseas) | 4-door sedan base trim |
| Volvo 940 GL Sedan (1991 to 1995) | Mid-trim 4-door sedan |
| Volvo 940 SE Sedan (1991 to 1995) | Higher trim sedan with more luxury equipment |
| Volvo 940 Turbo Sedan (1991 to 1995) | B230FT performance variant |
| Volvo 940 Wagon (1991 to 1995 NA) | 5-door wagon (the long-running RWD Volvo wagon) |
| Volvo 940 SE Wagon (1991 to 1995) | Higher trim wagon |
| Volvo 940 Turbo Wagon (1991 to 1995) | Turbo wagon, the practical performance Volvo |
| Volvo 960 Sister Series (1991 to 1997) | Inline-6 luxury variant, shares many headlight components with 940 |
Not compatible with the 240 series (1974 to 1993, different headlight design despite both being boxy Volvos). Also not compatible with the S90/V90 classic (1997 to 1998, replaced 960, used different headlight design) or modern S90/V90 (2017+, completely different platform). The 940 shares headlights with most years of the 960 sister series. Always confirm year and body style. Call (240) 301-0095 if uncertain about cross-compatibility with 960.
Not sure if this Volvo 940 headlight assembly fits your car? Call (240) 301-0095 with your year (1991 to 1998), body style (sedan or wagon), trim (940, GL, SE, Turbo, or GLE), and side needed (driver or passenger). Our team confirms the right headlight for your specific 940 application before we ship. Aim adjustment is required after installation, available free at most shops or DIY with a Phillips screwdriver and reference wall.
These new OEM-specification Volvo 940 headlight assemblies are inspected before shipping. Quality control includes:
Lens clarity verified (clear, no manufacturing defects)
Polycarbonate UV coating present and intact
Internal reflector tested for proper light distribution
Bulb socket alignment verified
Parking light socket function tested
Mounting tabs intact, all attachment points present
Aim adjustment screws functional, smooth operation
Housing integrity confirmed (no cracks, no warps)
- Gasket or seal present where applicable (moisture intrusion prevention)
Each headlight ships labeled with driver or passenger side designation, year range, and trim compatibility notes. After installation, professional aim adjustment is recommended for proper night driving illumination. DIY aim adjustment is possible using a reference wall and tape marks at known distances per Volvo procedure.
Why Buy From Vaz Auto Solutions
- New OEM-specification 940 headlights at $79 each, fair maintenance price
Thomas L., Pittsfield MA, 1993 Volvo 940 SE Wagon –
My 93 940 SE wagon had original headlights that were heavily yellowed after 30 years in the Massachusetts climate. Night driving was dangerously dim. Vaz shipped a pair of new OEM-spec headlights at $149. Replaced both sides in under an hour. Aim adjustment at the local shop for $25. Night driving is transformed, the car looks 10 years younger cosmetically too. Real classic Volvo specialists who know the 940/960 platform.
☆ Patricia G., Bend OR, 1994 Volvo 940 Turbo Sedan –
Replaced the passenger side headlight on my 94 940 Turbo after a parking lot deer encounter cracked the original lens. Vaz had the right passenger side headlight at $79. Mounting tabs fit perfectly. Lens clarity is great, slight cosmetic mismatch with my original driver side headlight (now noticeably more yellow) so I will probably replace that one too. One star off only because shipping took 6 days, slightly longer than the 3 to 7 day estimate range. Otherwise solid quality.