Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 0 | typical | 3 | — | Few |
| 2016 | 0 | typical | 5 | — | Few |
| 2015 | 0 | typical | 6 | — | Few |
| 2014 | 0 | typical | 10 | — | Few |
| 2013 | 0 | typical | 9 | — | Few |
| 2012 | 0 | typical | 10 | — | Few |
| 2011 | 0 | typical | 6 | — | Few |
| 2010 | 0 | typical | 2 | — | Few |
| 2009 | 3 | 1.5× | 2 | Engine | Few |
| 2008 | 1 | 1.5× | 10 | Airbag | Few |
| 2007 | 4 | 3.0× | 8 | Airbag | Few |
| 2006 | 1 | 1.5× | 6 | Body | Few |
| 2005 | 1 | 1.5× | 6 | Steering | Few |
| 2004 | 0 | typical | 6 | — | Few |
| 2003 | 0 | typical | 7 | — | Few |
| 2002 | 0 | typical | 6 | — | Few |
| 2001 | 1 | 1.5× | 9 | Electrical | Few |
| 2000 | 0 | typical | 5 | — | Few |
| 1999 | 0 | typical | 4 | — | Few |
| 1998 | 0 | typical | 5 | — | Few |
| 1997 | 0 | typical | 5 | — | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median VNM year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volvo VNM problems
Latest Volvo VNM recalls
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016 Volvo VNL and VNM trucks equipped with certain Dana Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary.
Service brakes, air
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 VNL and VNM trucks and certain model year 2017 VNX trucks. In the affected vehicles, incorrect software for controlling the electronic air dryer may result in oil and water contaminating the brake system.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module and replace the air dryer filter, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017.
Suspension › Front › Hub
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017 Volvo VHD, VNL, and VNM trucks manufactured February 19, 2016, to June 21, 2016. The affected vehicles were built with front wheel hubs that cannot support the gross axle weight rating of the front axle.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hub assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586.
Suspension › Front
Volvo Trucks North America, (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013 VNM and VNL trucks manufactured April 16, 2012, to May 4, 2012. These vehicles are equipped with certain Meritor FF967 non-drive front steer axles that may have been incorrectly heat treated.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the axles for specific heat code serial numbers. The affected axles will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2016.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 VT trucks manufactured from April 9, 2008, through September 24, 2009, and certain 2016 model VNL and VNM trucks manufactured from January 2, 2015, through to November 6, 2015.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drag links, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volvo VNM should you avoid?
None of the Volvo VNM years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What are the most common Volvo VNM problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (3), engine & cooling (3) and electrical system (2). Airbag complaints peak in the 2007 model year.
How many recalls has the Volvo VNM had?
45 recalls across 1997–2017. The model year with the most is 2008. See all Volvo VNM recalls by year.
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.