1998 Volvo VN770 Problems & Complaints

Average15% fewer complaints than a typical year of the VN770 at the same age

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 1998 Volvo VN770 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the VN770 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the suspension (10 complaints).

26complaints
0recalls
0crashes
2fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 1998 Volvo VN770 problems

  • Suspension
    1038%
  • Body & structure
    831%
  • Electrical system
    727%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    727%
  • Wheels & tires
    623%
  • Steering
    519%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof
    415%
  • Equipment & accessories~1,000 miles
    415%
  • Other / not specified
    312%
  • Engine & cooling
    28%
  • Speed control & acceleration
    14%
  • Air bags
    14%
  • Locks & latches
    14%
  • A/C & heater
    14%
  • Fuel & propulsion system
    14%

Share of the 26 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Volvo VN770 complaints by model year

19981999200020012631335
Owner complaints per model year, Volvo VN770. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best VN770 years: 2001, 1998. Compare all years →

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1998 Volvo VN770:

Steering binding

NHTSA investigation PE04014 · opened Feb 5, 2004 · closed Jun 24, 2004

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

NHTSA investigation EA04016 · opened Jun 24, 2004 · closed Mar 31, 2005

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…

What 1998 Volvo VN770 owners say

Suspension

The shock absorber bracket fell off when the u-bolts on the rear drive axle broke. There was a front end vibration at 65 MPH due to a crack in the left steering rim. Later on, the right steering tire was worn to the cord. The nut came off of the leveling arm and the consumer replaced the nut and put another lock nut on it there have been no other problems.

May 2002

While driving on highway noticed front end was pulling and bad vibration. Contacted dealer and he was not able to repair it. Steering tires were going one direction, and driving tires were going in the opposite direction, pulling against each other. Also, electrical problem with the instrument panel, had dash cluster replaced four times, ECM replaced 6 times.

Front · Sep 1998

Body & structure

The vehicle experienced steer tire wear, rear end and u-bolt problems. The lights went out on the dashboard, there was transmission problems, and wiring harness problems, and the hood did not stay closed.

Body › Hood · Aug 2001

Fawr weight is 12,349 the average weight in the front steer axle exceeds that amount from 12,500 to 13,200. The front steer tires wear excessively for unknown reasons.

Frame and members · Feb 2001

Electrical system

Wiring harness under dash has experienced continued problems causing electrical malfunctions, power problems and shorts causing burning smell. Mjs. Consumer is also have steering wheel locks up while making turns, wheels have fallen off, trucks have caught fire, and also guages go off while going down the road, therefore consumer has to pull over because he does not know what his air pressure is or the speed.

Wiring › Interior/under dash · Nov 1999

While driving on highway noticed front end was pulling and bad vibration. Contacted dealer and he was not able to repair it. Steering tires were going one direction, and driving tires were going in the opposite direction, pulling against each other. Also, electrical problem with the instrument panel, had dash cluster replaced four times, ECM replaced 6 times.

Wiring › Interior/under dash · Sep 1998

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1998 Volvo VN770 a good car?

Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 VN770 rates average: 15% fewer complaints than a typical year of the VN770 at the same age. It is one of the best VN770 years by this measure. 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 VN770?

The suspension — 10 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front. Next are the body & structure (8) and electrical system (7).

How many recalls does the 1998 Volvo VN770 have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Volvo VN770. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Volvo VN770?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001 and 1998. See the full Volvo VN770 years comparison.

At what mileage do 1998 Volvo VN770 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 1,000 miles; 100% 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.