Most common 2003 Volvo VNL problems
Share of the 2 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volvo VNL complaints by model year
Best VNL years: 2017, 2020, 2021. Years to avoid: 2016, 2007. Compare all years →
2003 Volvo VNL recalls (9)
Steering › Linkages › Drag › Link › Connection
Volvo trucks is recalling certain model year 2001-2006 vnl and vnm trucks manufactured with a trw sealed drag links. Certain factors can exist, which if left untreated May result in a ball socket separation.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the ball socket or the drag link as required if necessary. As parts are limited, Volvo trucks mailed an interim owner letter on September 2, 2010.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Volvo trucks is recalling 127,764 my 2001-2008 vhd, vnl, vnm, and my 2005-2008 vt trucks. A seal May fail allowing water and contaminants to seep into the windshield wiper motor.
Remedy: Volvo will replace the wiper motor free of charge. Since this recall involves a large number of vehicles, Volvo will release the recall in stages as parts are received.
Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
On certain heavy duty trucks, the circuit protection (I.e. Automatic circuit breakers) used to protect the vehicle lighting system May not provide adequate protection.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the circuit breakers with fuses. The recall began on February 25, 2008. Owners May contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
On certain trucks equipped with d12d engines, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler inlet pipes or the pipes that connect the EGR valves to the cooler May crack or break.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the EGR cooler pipes as required and install a heat shield free of charge. An interim owner letter was mailed on February 17, 2006, to advise on precautions that the owner can take until…
Wheels
Certain trucks equipped with front steer axle air suspension May develop a front wheel wobble when the tires become worn.
Remedy: Dealers will repair and replace the front vertical shocks on each side of the front suspension and add a horizontal stabilizer. The recall began on February 20, 2006. Owners May contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer
On certain heavy-duty trucks, when the bunk is raised into the stored position, an object left on the bunk May inadvertently turn on a bunk lamp.
Remedy: Dealers will install a bunk lamp with a push button on/off switch. Owner notification began on December 24, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive…
Show 3 more recalls
Electrical system › Wiring
On certain trucks, the wiring harness connected to the chassis mounted electrical inverter May allow water to enter the inverter and cause an electrical short in the inverter.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these vehicles. Owner notification is expected to begin during August 2003. Owners should contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Trailer hitches › Fifth wheel assembly
On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with jost international jsk 37u series fifth wheels, a fatigue crack can develop in the bracket pin weld under certain loading conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the bracket pins and repair instructions free of charge. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable…
Visibility › Glass, side/rear
On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks, the sleeper section upper side window glass May de-bond from the window opening slide track mechanism.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the window. Owner notification began on February 26, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2003 Volvo VNL:
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…
Drag Link Failure
EA09-003 is closed with the submission of Volvo's recall 10V-282 recalling approximately 111,034 Model Year (MY) 1998 through 2005 VN and VNL class 8 trucks.Volvo announced recall 10V-282 in response to NHTSA's recall request letter dated June 3, 2010 (available at NHTSA's web site www.safercar.gov).
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Volvo VNL a good car?
Based on 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 VNL rates average: 43% fewer complaints than a typical year of the VNL 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 VNL?
The electrical system — 1 complaint, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the lights (1) and engine & cooling (1).
How many recalls does the 2003 Volvo VNL have?
There are 9 recalls for the 2003 Volvo VNL, the most recent from June 24, 2010 (connection). 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 VNL?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2020 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016 and 2007. See the full Volvo VNL 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.