Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Volvo VN610 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1998 Volvo VN610. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost steering power. The contact lost control and crashed into a guard rail. The vehicle was towed from the scene. The dealer was notified, but the vehicle was not brought in for inspection. The contact stated that the ball joint that was attached to the drag link fell apart. There were no injuries. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage was 430,000 and failure mileage was 428,000. Updated 10/16/07
Consumer is having problems with head gasket. Other problems are as followed: power steering, the engine stalled due to a loose wire, multiple re-alignments, the u-bolt pops in the front and had broken in the rear, and the steer tire is wearing on the outside.
Consumer states that truck has a horrendous front end vibration, the truck has received several alignments and balances as well as the steer tires being replaced, however the problem still exists, the tire wear on the front end has gone from 157,000 on the first set to about 50 to 70, adding equal to the front steers has lessened the vibration, consumer also stated there was a screeching sound and was told that that bearings were needed.
Consumer states vehicle is constantly over weight on the front axle, forcing consumer to travel with less than half of fuel capacity. Truck weighs around 12,000 whem empty or no load. With full fuel, can reach 12,500 to 13,000. Steer tires vibrate and start to deteriorate at about 60,000 miles.
The vehicle experienced wiring harness problems under dash, also the ems was replaced. The vehicle experienced u-bolt problems, the clutch failed, the belts on the steer tires slipped, the engine raced for no reason and there was an oil leak.
Consumer replaced u-bolt, experienced problems with the rear and front suspension, front strut/shock and tire/wheel.
Consumer was experiencing steer tire wear, with heavy load the tire life was 38,000 miles and with light load it is about 90,000 miles.
Consumer states centering pins on spring shackles break and there is a terrible vibration in the front alignment.
Consumer states that tires were pulled off at 70,000 miles due to premature steer tire wear.
Consumer states that truck is experiencing steer tire wear and also the front end of truck vibrates.
NHTSA investigations
Front suspension u-bolts loosen or break
Odi'sinvestigation did not find any evidence that loose or brokenfront suspension u-bolts have caused or contributed to any crashes or near miss events.see the attached engineering analysisreport for full technical details.* 1996/1997 built vehicles are designated by Volvo as 1998 model year.
Suspension complaints in other VN610 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1998 Volvo VN610?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Volvo VN610, 69% of the model year's 59 complaints. The component named most often is front › hub (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Volvo VN610 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 1998 Volvo VN610. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Volvo VN610 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 428,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.