Most common 2006 Volvo VNL problems
Share of the 7 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 →
2006 Volvo VNL recalls (7)
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.
Service brakes, air
Volvo trucks is recalling 366 my 2006-2009 vnl trucks equipped with super single tires, bendix brake cam tubes, and Volvo air suspension. The vibration frequency from the suspension with super single tires May result in a fatigue crack of the mounting brackets for the brake cam tube.
Remedy: Dealers will add a support bracket to the brake cam tube. The recall began on June 30, 2009. Owners May contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
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.
Show 1 more recall
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 a possible defect involving the 2006 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…
What 2006 Volvo VNL owners say
Steering
Was driving north on interstate 95 at 55 MPH, went to turn wheel on curve, and had complete loss of steering. Wheel turned, but wheels stayed straight. Was surrounded by at least 10 other vehicles who were able to move out of the way. I then ran off side of road into ditch with trailer attached carrying 40,000 pounds was stuck in the highway.
Russo trucking, corp. Owns two Volvo trucks with major steering and front axle problems, which Volvo trucks of north America and the dealer nextran truck center at pompano beach, fl seems that can't fix, we have taken our trucks to try to fix the problem to several places, and nobody has been able to fix it, we are afraid that our Volvo trucks can cause an accident. I will mention some of the shops where we have taken our trucks: ml tire in miami, Volvo in pompano beach, fl, josan in orlando, fl, Volvo dealer in nc, Volvo dealer in knoxville, tn, Volvo dealer in arkansas, Volvo dealer in chattanooga, tn, Volvo dealer in ct. Etc.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Volvo VNL a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 VNL rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as 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 2006 Volvo VNL?
The steering — 3 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the suspension (2) and lights (2).
How many recalls does the 2006 Volvo VNL have?
There are 7 recalls for the 2006 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 2006 Volvo VNL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 300,000 miles; 50% 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.