Most common 2018 Volvo VNL problems
Share of the 8 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 →
2018 Volvo VNL recalls (5)
Equipment › Other › Labels
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2021 VNL and VNR buses. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the rear drive axles stated on the Federal Certification Label exceeds the rating of the wheel hubs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners and send corrected replacement labels, free of charge. The recall began August 18, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX2002.
Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNR vehicles. The fuse in the transmission circuit may blow, preventing the transmission from shifting.
Remedy: Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuse, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586.
Structure › Body
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VNL and VNX vehicles configured as 740 and 760 sleeper models. The sleeper bunk window may detach and fall from the vehicle.
Remedy: Volvo Trucks has notified owners, and dealers will replace the window hinge, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall on April 8, 2019 and will be sent a second notice when the remedy parts are available.
Power train › Clutch assembly
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volvo VNL vehicles equipped with an automated manual transmission. An internal component in the clutch assembly may fail, possibly resulting in unintended vehicle movement.
Remedy: Volvo has notified owners and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began February 1, 2019. Owners can contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Volvo VNL trucks equipped with Cummins ISX15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted.
Remedy: Cummins will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single screen filter banjo bolt will be replaced with a dual screen filter banjo bolt, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018.
What 2018 Volvo VNL owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a Volvo 2018 VNL64 Commercial vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle would shut down while driving at various speeds. There was no further information provided. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the high pressure fuel pump filter, the differential pressure sensor, the rear wire harness were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing transmission failures and would fail to respond intermittently while reversing. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 537,850.
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo VNL Truck. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was lunging forward and failed to properly respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no additional information provided. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the power train warning light illuminated a week later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 600,000.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Volvo VNL a good car?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 VNL rates average: 1.4× 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 2018 Volvo VNL?
The transmission & drivetrain — 3 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the speed control & acceleration (2) and steering (2).
How many recalls does the 2018 Volvo VNL have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2018 Volvo VNL, the most recent from July 1, 2020 (labels). 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 2018 Volvo VNL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 300,000 miles; 17% 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.