Most common 1998 Volvo VN problems
Share of the 9 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo VN complaints by model year
Best VN years: 2011, 2012, 2016. Compare all years →
1998 Volvo VN recalls (6)
Equipment › Other › Labels
Vehicle description: heavy duty class 8 vehicles. Under certain operating conditions, the weight certification label which contains front gross axle weight rating (gawr) information pursuant to the requirements of FMVSS no.
Remedy: The weight certification label will be brought into compliance by one or more of the following means: (1) replacement of the label with one which contains correct information; or (2) replacement of front axle tires,…
Parking brake
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with haldex manifold dash valves (mdv) used in tractor and trailer parking brakes. These valves do not meet the requirements of FMVSS no.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the suspect valves.
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with an espar compact heater mounted in the luggage compartment. The fuel-metering pump that supplies fuel to the compact heater is not wired through a rollover protection switch. This does not comply with 49 cfr 393.77, "heaters."
Remedy: Dealers will wire the fuel-metering pump through a rollover protection switch.
Steering › Linkages
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with a fal 8.0 front steer axle. The upper steering arm can fail without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the upper steering arm and replace it, if required.
Wheels › Rim
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with aftermarket aluminum dual wheels, 22.5x8.25, one-piece, tubeless, supplied by accuride/akw. Certain design revisions combined with process conditions caused fatigue cracks in these wheels.
Remedy: Accuride/akw will replace these wheels.
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Vehicle description: class 8 heavy duty trucks. The electronic module that controls the daytime running lights (drl) and headlights can fail without warning resulting in the loss of the drl and headlight functions.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the drl control module.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 1998 Volvo VN:
Steering binding
Odi's preliminary evaluation focused on the potential for a broken, bent, deformed, fragmented or displaced turn signal canceling ring (tscr), vtna part number 1607363, to restrict thevehicle operator's ability to turn the steering wheel.the pe identified thirteen vtna warranty claims that allege that the tscr had failed and that the vehicle steering effort had been adversely affected.to date, odi has not found any…
Steering binding
Odi's investigationconcluded that the legs that retain the turn signal canceling ring (tscr), part number 1607363, to the steering wheel installed in model year 1998 - 1999 vn and vhd series vtna (Volvo truck north America) vehicles are prone to cracking and breaking.when the retention legs break, the separated pieces of the tscr typicallyrepose in the host cavity in the steering wheel hub where they were…
U-bolt failures on drive -axle assemblie
Equipment certification label
There is no summary currently available
What 1998 Volvo VN owners say
Suspension
Consumer states he is having front tire problems that is causing vibration, there have been 4 sets of steer tires in 260000 miles, they wear bad and go way out of balance, the vehicle has leaned to the left since purchase, both springs have been replaced, however this does not solve the problem, [email].
Consumer states vehicle has experienced problems since day one due to the overweight steer axle, dealer has made several repairs, however problem still exists, vehicle vibrates and experiences tire wear.
Electrical system
The lights and computer in the dash have shorted out as a result of a faulty wiring harness in the dash, the vehicle is overweight and has experienced transmission problems.
Consumer stated the alternator and idle pulley were bad, the air dryer was rebuilt, and the torque arm, foot valve and shocks were replaced.
Transmission & drivetrain
Clutch was replaced, five days later it needed adjusted due to no grease never being put in, consumer was told that this was a new clutch and they would get used to it, however they have not.
The lights and computer in the dash have shorted out as a result of a faulty wiring harness in the dash, the vehicle is overweight and has experienced transmission problems.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Volvo VN a good car?
Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 VN rates average: 3.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the VN at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Volvo VN?
The suspension — 6 complaints, 67% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (3) and transmission & drivetrain (3).
How many recalls does the 1998 Volvo VN have?
There are 6 recalls for the 1998 Volvo VN, the most recent from March 22, 2001 (labels). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volvo VN?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2012 and 2016. See the full Volvo VN years comparison.
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.