Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 | 1.5× | 2 | Suspension | Few |
| 1999 | 1 | 1.5× | 4 | Brake | Few |
| 1998 | 0 | −20% | 4 | — | Few |
| 1997 | 0 | −20% | 5 | — | Few |
| 1995 | 0 | −20% | 3 | — | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median Wah year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volvo Wah problems
Latest Volvo Wah recalls
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
On some heavy duty class 8 vehicles equipped with arvinmeritor axle assemblies which May have been manufactured with trw model 20edl ball sockets, the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below specification case depth and/or hardness which can lead to premature wear out of the socket in some applications.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ball socket assemblies. This campaign supersedes NHTSA campaign nos. 01v-139.001 and 02v-037.002. Owner notification began July 25, 2002.
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Vehicle description: heavy duty, class 8, trucks equipped with tie rod assemblies containing 24-dl model ball sockets and manufactured by trw. Certain of the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below-specification case depth and/or hardness, which can lead to premature wear of the socket.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the defective ball sockets and/or drag links. Owner notification began during May 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…
Service brakes, air › Antilock
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks built with bendix air ABS with an ec-17 1030r electronic control unit (ECU), there have been reports of unwanted ABS activation at low speeds caused by 1) chafed ABS wheel speed sensor wires on rotating parts or 2) a damaged component at the wheel end that generates a certain type of…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ABS ECU.
Parking brake
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with haldex manifold dash valves (mdv) used in tractor and trailer parking brakes. These valves do not meet the requirements of FMVSS no.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the suspect valves.
Trailer hitches
Vehicle description: heavy duty class 8 trucks. The antilock brake system (ABS) wire in the trailer cable junction box at the end of the frame May not contain power for the trailer ABS as required by FMVSS no. 121, "air brake systems."
Remedy: Dealers will install the electrical circuit required to activate the center pin of the trailer cable circuit.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volvo Wah should you avoid?
None of the Volvo Wah years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Volvo Wah?
1995 has the fewest complaints compared with other Wah years at the same age, followed by 1997 and 1998. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Volvo Wah problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (1), suspension (1) and transmission & drivetrain (1). Brake complaints peak in the 1999 model year.
How many recalls has the Volvo Wah had?
10 recalls across 1995–2000. The model year with the most is 1997. See all Volvo Wah 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.