Most common 2009 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 →
2009 Volvo VNL recalls (4)
Power train › Clutch assembly
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 VAH, VHD, VNL, VNM, and VT models. The affected vehicles were built without a redundant clutch disengagement switch.
Remedy: Volvo Trucks will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles if necessary. The recall began on August 26, 2013. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1303. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 vhd, vnl, vnm, as well as 2008-2010 vt vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of part 567, "certification." the tire description May be incorrect on the vehicle's certification label.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the labels free of charge. The safety recall began on February 25, 2011. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Visibility › Glass, side/rear
Volvo trucks is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 vnl, vt, and 780 trucks manufactured from March 1, 2008 through February 6, 2009. The bottom track that attaches to the arms used to open and close the window May de-bond, which results in the glass coming loose at the bottom.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair as required free of charge. The safety recall began on December 1, 2010. Owners May contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2009 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…
Stop Lamp Switch Signal
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data from the manufacturer that indicated some number of subject vehicles equipped with the subject automated manual transmission had allegedly experienced a condition where the clutch failed to automatically disengage the transmission from the engine as intended.
Front Air Brake Hose Interference
ODI opened this investigation based on EWR data indicating that a front air brake hose could rub the tire and eventually develop an air leak.Volvo's IR response and ODI's investigative review revealed no sudden loss of air events. Rather abrasion of the hose was being noted.
Discrepancies in Required CFR Reporting
On October 22, 2018, an Audit Query (AQ18-005) was opened to assess the completeness and timeliness of Volvo Group's early warning reporting, safety recalls, and communications submissions to the agency.NHTSA's investigation determined that Volvo Group failed to recall vehicles in a timely fashion and to comply with other recall and reporting requirements, including notifying owners of recalls and reporting death…
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Volvo VNL a good car?
Based on 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 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 2009 Volvo VNL?
The wheels & tires — 2 complaints, 100% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (1) and stability & traction control (1).
How many recalls does the 2009 Volvo VNL have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2009 Volvo VNL, the most recent from June 26, 2013 (clutch assembly). 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 2009 Volvo VNL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 40,000 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.