Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | typical | 3 | — | Few |
| 2025 | 0 | typical | 8 | — | Few |
| 2024 | 2 | 1.5× | 7 | Seat Belt | Few |
| 2023 | 0 | −33% | 9 | — | Few |
| 2022 | 0 | −33% | 6 | — | Few |
| 2021 | 3 | 1.7× | 2 | Body | Few |
| 2020 | 5 | 2.3× | 2 | Electrical | Average |
| 2016 | 0 | −33% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2013 | 1 | typical | 2 | Electrical | Few |
| 2012 | 2 | −33% | 2 | Wheel & Tire | Few |
| 2011 | 0 | −33% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2010 | 0 | −33% | 4 | — | Few |
| 2009 | 0 | −33% | 4 | — | Few |
| 2008 | 2 | 1.3× | 2 | Engine | Few |
| 2007 | 3 | 1.7× | 3 | Transmission | Few |
| 2006 | 2 | 1.3× | 4 | Transmission | Few |
| 2005 | 2 | 1.3× | 2 | Headlight | Few |
| 2004 | 1 | typical | 4 | Electrical | Few |
| 2003 | 3 | 1.7× | 4 | Suspension | Few |
| 2002 | 0 | −33% | 5 | — | Few |
| 2001 | 1 | typical | 2 | Body | Few |
| 2000 | 5 | 2.3× | 2 | Transmission | Average |
| 1999 | 9 | 3.3× | 5 | Suspension | Average |
| 1998 | 9 | 3.3× | 6 | Suspension | Average |
| 1997 | 0 | −33% | 9 | — | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median VN year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volvo VN problems
Latest Volvo VN recalls
Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2026 VOLVO VAH, VN, VHD, 2026-2027 VNL (4) and VNR (4) vehicles. The steering knuckles may have been manufactured with insufficiently tightened steering arms.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners between the steering arm and steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026.
Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2026 VAH, 2026-2027 VN, VHD, VNL (4), and 2027 VNR (4) vehicles. The wheel lug nuts may loosen and allow the wheel to detach.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect the wheel and hub mating surfaces, remove any masking material, and replace any worn components if necessary, free…
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Volvo VN trucks. The power cables may have been improperly routed, which can cause an electrical short.
Remedy: Dealers will re-route the power cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 800-528-6586.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Volvo VN and 2025 New VN trucks. The idler gear bracket fasteners may have been improperly tightened, allowing the idler gear to detach from the engine.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the turbo compound units as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586.
Electrical system › Software
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2025 VN, VAH, VHD and VNRE trucks, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop working.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volvo VN should you avoid?
None of the Volvo VN years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Volvo VN?
2011 has the fewest complaints compared with other VN years at the same age, followed by 2012 and 2016. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Volvo VN problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the suspension (14), electrical system (13) and transmission & drivetrain (9). Suspension complaints peak in the 1998 model year.
How many recalls has the Volvo VN had?
47 recalls across 1997–2026. The model year with the most is 1997. See all Volvo VN recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.