Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | — | 6 | — | Too new |
| 2026 | 0 | typical | 5 | — | Few |
| 2025 | 0 | typical | 3 | — | Few |
| 2024 | 0 | typical | 6 | — | Few |
| 2023 | 1 | 1.5× | 3 | — | Few |
| 2022 | 0 | typical | 4 | — | Few |
| 2021 | 1 | 1.5× | 8 | Window & Wiper | Few |
| 2020 | 0 | typical | 8 | — | Few |
| 2019 | 0 | — | 4 | — | Few |
| 2018 | 0 | — | 2 | — | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median VNR year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volvo VNR problems
Latest Volvo VNR recalls
Service brakes, electric › Software/programming
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2025-2027 VNL (4) and 2026-2027 VNR (4) vehicles equipped with a tanker application package. Inaccurate axle load calculations may cause reduced braking performance while transporting smoothbore tanker trailers.
Remedy: Dealers will install new software to disable the dynamic trailer braking calculations, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 27, 2026.
Exterior lighting
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2026-2027 VNL (4) and VNR (4) vehicles. The center roof marker lights may fail to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the center roof marker light, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 22, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available.
Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2026 VOLVO VAH, VN, VHD, 2026-2027 VNL (4) and VNR (4) vehicles. The steering knuckles may have been manufactured with insufficiently tightened steering arms.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners between the steering arm and steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026.
Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2026 VAH, 2026-2027 VN, VHD, VNL (4), and 2027 VNR (4) vehicles. The wheel lug nuts may loosen and allow the wheel to detach.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect the wheel and hub mating surfaces, remove any masking material, and replace any worn components if necessary, free…
Service brakes, air › Antilock › Control unit/module
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2026-2027 VNR (4) and 2025-2027 VNL (4) vehicles. The rear brake modulators may have unprotected electrical connectors that can short circuit and lead to a loss of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear brake modulator electrical connectors, install a protective cover, and replace the rear brake modulators, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 8, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volvo VNR should you avoid?
None of the Volvo VNR years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What are the most common Volvo VNR problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the windows, wipers & sunroof (1). Window & Wiper complaints peak in the 2021 model year.
How many recalls has the Volvo VNR had?
26 recalls across 2018–2027. The model year with the most is 2020. See all Volvo VNR 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.