What Volvo VNL owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Volvo VNL safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 |
| 2026 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 133 |
| 2025 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 213 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 73 |
| 2023 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 53 |
| 2022 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 147 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 150 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 166 |
| 2019 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 212 |
| 2018 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 249 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 216 |
| 2016 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 202 |
| 2015 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 162 |
| 2014 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 145 |
| 2013 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 124 |
| 2012 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 109 |
| 2011 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 110 |
| 2010 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 108 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Volvo VNL complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
The contact owns a 2026 Volvo VNL(4). The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the message "Stop Vehicle - Apply Parking Brake Only While at Stand Still" was displayed, with three unknown warning lights were illuminated, with a continuous audible alert. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic machine was connected, but the computer system crashed. The cluster display, environment control, gateway, radio and entertainment, driver control, and telematic gateway modules, and the CCIOM, RIOCM, VMCU, SCIM, and DACU, all needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred two and a half hours later. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, h…
I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety issue involving a Volvo VNL truck. The vehicle was purchased new on December 12, 2025 and currently has approximately 22,000 miles. Since shortly after purchase, the truck has experienced a defect in the braking system. While driving, the vehicle has unexpectedly applied the brakes on its own and has displayed warning messages related to the parking brake system. This creates a dangerous situation because sudden braking can cause loss of control or lead to a collision with other vehicles. The truck was taken to an authorized Volvo dealer for repair and remained at the dealership for approximately one month while technicians attempt…
The contact owns a 2026 Volvo VNL4. The contact stated that the front lift axle lowered unintendedly while in the travel position. The computer sensed the abnormal weight while driving in high winds. While driving in snow, rain, and wind, the contact was concerned about a crash while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after several months. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 1,800.
The truck was involved in a head on collision at 64mph and the drivers air bag did not deploy. Although the accident was caused by another driver going the wrong way on the highway I am concerned with the fact that the air bag did not deploy
Im experiencing. 1.)engine malfunction, 2.) def system not performing auto regen or standby regen, 3.) check engine light on, 4.) def engine blinking continuously, 5.) steering wheel control pulling to the passenger side, 6.) carbon monoxide inside truck due to heater control knob turned on or off and it still blows heats and fumes inside truck whether its on or off, 7.) ROOF ID LAMP LIGHT is not working, 8.) hood latch is not 100% properly locking to secure shut, and computer module box to the airlines is defected causing me to not be able to slide tandems on trailer without having ME TO FORCEFULLY disconnect the RED AIRLINE HOSE FROM THE TRAILER. Im here in [XXX] the Ca…
i bought a brand new truck in march 19 2025. it was a Volvo vnl 860 tractor. The incident happened on June, 7, 2025. i was driving on i81 northbound near exit 228 Verona city, Augusta County. i was in the left lane and my speed was 70 mph and approaching a bridge suddenly a SUV from right lane comes into my lane and hit my truck from right and then comes in front of my truck makes a direct front impact. i was shocked by this impact and trying to keep my truck in my lane but my all my truck safety features are stop working and lane departure features fails and my truck going into one direction only i was trying to keep the truck in left lane but the truck only goes to right side and due to th…
The contact owns a 2025 Volvo New VN. The contact stated that the electrical outlets were inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and brake line functionality, and the alignment was off. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was advised that further diagnostic testing was required to determine the cause for the failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Volvo VNL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and was unable to accelerate above 10 MPH, after which the low coolant warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was abnormally low on coolant. After refilling the reservoir, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact also stated that the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard while at a stopped and the contact heard a hissing sound coming from the brake pedal, after which the brakes briefly releas…
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
The purpose of this CBR is to provide steps on how to correct a customer complaint of instrument cluster going dark (blackout) situation.
Overheating has been observed at the alternator power cable and ground cable connection, resulting in melted insulation around the terminal area. The alternator power cable connection should maintain a stable electrical contact without overheating or insulation damage during normal vehicle operation. The alternator power cable shows signs of overheating and melted insulation at the connection point, which may affect electrical conductivity and charging system performance.
Volvo Trucks has identified that certain VN(4) model vehicles may experience an air leak at the air compressor discharge hose due to damage caused by the hose contacting other components. Contact between the hose and other components can cause abrasions and lead to hose failure. Follow the instructions to correct the hose routing.
This bulletin addresses an issue found in the DL6 (FMS) CAN network where the measuredresistance is 40 ohms deviating from the expected 60 ohms. This mismatch can result in the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) either receiving incomplete CAN messages or none at all, leading to functional communication issues.
The ELD connected to the RP1226 connector in the truck remains powered on always. As a result in the batteries being depleted within a very short amount of time (a few hours after the truck is shut down).
The purpose of this CBR is outline the interim software solution for VN4. Note that this document is subject to updates and currently covers Service Pack updates to B1_T2_7.0.
TSB - Under Hood Contamination Prevention.
TSB - Engine, crankcase ventilation, oil leakage.
CBR - Aggressive Trailer Braking Troubleshooting Guide.
CBR - Injector Widget to Assist in Proper Diagnostic / Injector Repair caused by offset learning max and misfire.
CBR - Flexible Switch Panel Replacement and Calibration Procedures.
CBR - ECM Failure - No Crank/Engine Start Condition.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opens these when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Many end in a recall.
On October 22, 2018, an Audit Query (AQ18-005) was opened to assess the completeness and timeliness of Volvo Group's early warning reporting, safety recalls, and communications submissions to the agency.NHTSA's investigation determined that Volvo Group failed to recall vehicles in a timely fashion and to comply with other recall and reporting requirements, including notifying owners of recalls and reporting death and injury incidents.NHTSA and Volvo Group entered into a Consent Order on January
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Defect Petition (DP) assessment in response to a defect petition received from owners of a 2015 Volvo VNL 780 tractor. Prior to submitting the letter the owners had submitted two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ).Their concerns included: cab sway, cab alignment , and loss of control. The petitioners further allege that due to a failure of the suspension system caused by cab misalignment one of them sustained a back injury while seated at the w
Through regular communications with heavy truck fleets, ODI learned of a potential issue involving failures of both the windshield wiper motor or linkage on model year 2011-2012 Volvo VNL trucks.ODI searched its Early Warning Reporting (EWR) database and identified a significant number of claims of wiper system problems reported by Volvo. In some cases the windshield wiper linkage separated and in others the wiper motor failed. In both failure modes, the visibility of the driver is significantly d
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data from the manufacturer that indicated some number of subject vehicles equipped with the subject automated manual transmission had allegedly experienced a condition where the clutch failed to automatically disengage the transmission from the engine as intended. This may result in extended stopping distances and/or unintended forward motion of a vehicle previously at rest. To date, ODI is aware of 134 subject vehic
ODI opened Recall Query RQ11-001 after a review of EWR Field Reports identified lower bunk window separations on the subject vehicles. Volvo had issued three recalls for sleeper window separations since 2003.Additionally, Volvo had issued two bulletins for sleeper window issues during the same time period. The frequency of related actions led ODI to open this formal investigation. An Information Request (IR) letter was sent to Volvo on 23 June 2011.Volvo responded on 17 August 2011 and then provide
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2010–2027, owners most often name: power train, steering, suspension. 63 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.