Most common 2005 Volvo VNL problems
Share of the 6 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 →
2005 Volvo VNL recalls (6)
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 › Other › Labels
Certain heavy duty trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." the tire size designation on the certification label is not shown.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the certification labels. The recall began on September 12, 2005. Owners May contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2005 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
Odi has decided to upgrade this pe and conduct field work and testing.summary numbers in this resume are represenative of only the 2005 model year vehicles. See the attached report for details.
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).
What 2005 Volvo VNL owners say
Steering
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Volvo VNL. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn without warning. As a result, the contact crashed the vehicle into a ditch. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the shaft stripped inside the internal steering column. The vehicle was deemed destroyed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained unknown injuries that required medical attention. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 721,000. Updated 1/7/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Volvo VNL. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the front end of the vehicle became extremely light and the steering became difficult to maneuver. The contact crashed into a concrete wall but was not injured. The vehicle was towed to a local auto body shop where the technician advised that the drag link, lug nuts and the bolts on the front passenger and driver side would need replacing. In addition, the passenger side tie rods would also need replacing. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 772,539.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Volvo VNL a good car?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 VNL rates average: 14% 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 2005 Volvo VNL?
The steering — 4 complaints, 67% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (2) and lights (1).
How many recalls does the 2005 Volvo VNL have?
There are 6 recalls for the 2005 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.
At what mileage do 2005 Volvo VNL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 350,000 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.