Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 1.5× | 2 | Brake | Few |
| 2002 | 0 | typical | 3 | — | Few |
| 2001 | 0 | typical | 3 | — | Few |
| 2000 | 0 | typical | 3 | — | Few |
| 1999 | 1 | 1.5× | 3 | Suspension | Few |
| 1998 | 0 | typical | 4 | — | Few |
| 1997 | 0 | typical | 4 | — | Few |
| 1995 | 0 | typical | 2 | — | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median Wxll year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volvo Wxll problems
Latest Volvo Wxll recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
On certain heavy-duty class 8 vehicles, the body builder wiring option was mis-wired in such a way that the auto neutral with service brake status option May allow the transmission to go into forward gear without the driver's foot pressing down on the brake pedal first.
Remedy: Volvo trucks will notify its customers and install an additional air operated stop light switch and the necessary wiring changes. Owner notification is expected to begin during September 2003.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
On certain transit buses equipped with cummins westport b gas plus or c gas plus 6 cylinder engines, the electronic control module calibration May not correctly detect a throttle plate actuator failure that could result in an uncommanded open throttle condition.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the electronic control module calibration free of charge. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable…
Suspension › Multiple axle
On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks with Volvo b-ride rear suspension, the forward and/or rear drive axle upper axle seat could break allowing the affected axle to shift out of alignment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the upper axle seat on both rear drive axles. Owner notification began January 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…
Power train › Axle assembly
On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks, the forward and/or rear drive axle upper axle seat can break allowing the axle to shift out of alignment.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the upper axle seat for a certain date code that is stamped on the part, and those axles will be replaced. Owner notification began March 15, 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…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volvo Wxll should you avoid?
None of the Volvo Wxll years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What are the most common Volvo Wxll problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the suspension (1) and brakes (1). Suspension complaints peak in the 1999 model year.
How many recalls has the Volvo Wxll had?
11 recalls across 1995–2003. The model year with the most is 1997. See all Volvo Wxll 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.