Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 | 3.2× | — | Window & Wiper | Average |
| 2000 | 9 | 4.4× | 1 | Window & Wiper | Average |
| 1999 | 1 | −40% | 2 | Window & Wiper | Few |
| 1998 | 0 | −64% | 2 | — | Few |
| 1997 | 0 | −64% | 3 | — | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median WXR year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Volvo WXR problems
Latest Volvo WXR recalls
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.
Wheels › Rim
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with aftermarket aluminum dual wheels, 22.5x8.25, one-piece, tubeless, supplied by accuride/akw. Certain design revisions combined with process conditions caused fatigue cracks in these wheels.
Remedy: Accuride/akw will replace these wheels.
Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
Vehicle description: class 8 heavy duty trucks. The steer axle wheel bearing jam nut lock washer May not have been bent over the jam nut after the wheel bearings were adjusted.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering axle wheel bearing jam nut lock washer to determine if it is bent over the jam nut, and if not, repair as required.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Volvo WXR should you avoid?
None of the Volvo WXR years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Volvo WXR?
1997 has the fewest complaints compared with other WXR years at the same age, followed by 1998 and 1999. 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 WXR problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the windows, wipers & sunroof (16). Window & Wiper complaints peak in the 2000 model year.
How many recalls has the Volvo WXR had?
4 recalls across 1997–2001. The model year with the most is 1997. See all Volvo WXR 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.