Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | — | 7 | — | Too new |
| 2026 | 4 | 3.0× | 17 | Electrical | Few |
| 2025 | 2 | 1.3× | 16 | Steering | Few |
| 2024 | 0 | −33% | 12 | — | Few |
| 2023 | 2 | typical | 5 | Electrical | Few |
| 2022 | 2 | typical | 7 | Engine | Few |
| 2021 | 0 | −67% | 7 | — | Few |
| 2020 | 0 | −71% | 9 | — | Average |
| 2019 | 4 | −14% | 8 | Transmission | Average |
| 2018 | 8 | 1.4× | 5 | Transmission | Average |
| 2017 | 0 | −71% | 5 | — | Average |
| 2016 | 12 | 2.2× | 6 | Transmission | Caution |
| 2015 | 5 | typical | 9 | Suspension | Average |
| 2014 | 8 | 1.5× | 12 | Engine | Average |
| 2013 | 7 | 1.4× | 14 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 2012 | 5 | typical | 14 | Suspension | Average |
| 2011 | 4 | −14% | 12 | Steering | Average |
| 2010 | 0 | −71% | 4 | — | Average |
| 2009 | 2 | −43% | 4 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 2008 | 3 | −29% | 12 | Brake | Average |
| 2007 | 15 | 2.3× | 9 | Headlight | Caution |
| 2006 | 7 | 1.2× | 7 | Steering | Average |
| 2005 | 6 | −14% | 6 | Steering | Average |
| 2004 | 5 | typical | 6 | Steering | Average |
| 2003 | 2 | −43% | 9 | Electrical | Average |
| 2002 | 1 | −57% | 7 | Brake | Average |
| 2001 | 1 | −57% | 8 | — | Average |
| 2000 | 10 | 1.7× | 4 | Suspension | Average |
| 1999 | 11 | 2.0× | 5 | Suspension | Average |
| 1998 | 8 | 1.4× | 5 | Suspension | Average |
| 1997 | 0 | −71% | 4 | — | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median VNL year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volvo VNL problems
Latest Volvo VNL recalls
Structure
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2025-2026 VNL (4) vehicles. The truck cabs may have loose or missing structural bolts.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for missing structural bolts and install and/or tighten the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 14, 2026.
Service brakes, electric › Software/programming
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2025-2027 VNL (4) and 2026-2027 VNR (4) vehicles equipped with a tanker application package. Inaccurate axle load calculations may cause reduced braking performance while transporting smoothbore tanker trailers.
Remedy: Dealers will install new software to disable the dynamic trailer braking calculations, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 27, 2026.
Exterior lighting
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2026-2027 VNL (4) and VNR (4) vehicles. The center roof marker lights may fail to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the center roof marker light, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 22, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available.
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…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volvo VNL should you avoid?
2016 and 2007 — these years have the most complaints relative to other VNL years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2016.
What is the best year for the Volvo VNL?
2017 has the fewest complaints compared with other VNL years at the same age, followed by 2020 and 2021. 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 VNL problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the suspension (36), steering (30) and transmission & drivetrain (16). Suspension complaints peak in the 1999 model year.
How many recalls has the Volvo VNL had?
107 recalls across 1997–2027. The model year with the most is 2026. See all Volvo VNL 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.