Most common 2003 Volvo VN problems
Share of the 3 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 →
2003 Volvo VN recalls (4)
Seat belts
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2002-2013 VHD and VN trucks, manufactured from August 4, 2000, through June 22, 2012, and equipped with bench passenger seats. The seat belt d-ring weld may not be sufficient enough to meet the seat belt pull test.
Remedy: Volvo Trucks of America will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspected d-ring, free of change. The safety recall began on May 10, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
On certain trucks equipped with valeo wiper systems, the wiper motor May be susceptive to salt intrusion that could possibly lead to a condition where the connector overheats to a point where the connector could ignite.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the connector plate on the windshield wiper motor. Phase 2 of the recall began on November 1, 2004. Owners should contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Trailer hitches › Fifth wheel assembly
On certain trucks, a malfunction in the solenoid valve May allow air to be released to fifth wheel latch when the park brake is engaged.
Remedy: Dealers will add an additional solenoid valve in series with the existing pneumatic circuit for the fifth wheel air release. The recall began on August 9, 2004. Owners should contact Volvo at 1-800-528-6586.
Engine and engine cooling
On certain heavy-duty class 8 trucks, the assembled engine pre-heater jumper wiring harness was incorrectly assembled.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the affected circuits in the jumper wiring harness connector. Owner notification is expected to begin during March 2004.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2003 Volvo VN:
Volvo Sleeper glass de-bonding
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…
Inoperable tail lights
Odi opened this investigation based on a technical service bulletin and ewr data. Ewr warranty data is aggregate data and individual reports are not submitted.Volvo reviewed their warranty data and determined that only 63 of the ewr warranty claims related to the subject vehicles displayed symptoms consistent with the TSB.Volvo also noted in their ir response that the tail light configuration is used almost…
Hood strut failure
Volvo reported four field reports and 62 warranty claims related to hood strut failure on the subject truck/tractors. The hood struts are a single acting oil shock that controls the rate of the opening of the hood. There are two struts attached to the hood assembly, one on each side. Odi's concern was that a failed hood strut would allow the hood to drop on one side, possibly injuring someone working on the engine.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Volvo VN a good car?
Based on 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 VN rates few complaints: 1.7× 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 2003 Volvo VN?
The suspension — 1 complaint, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front › hub. Next is the locks & latches (1).
How many recalls does the 2003 Volvo VN have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2003 Volvo VN, the most recent from October 18, 2012 (seat belts). 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.
At what mileage do 2003 Volvo VN problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 247,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.