Volvo VN Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 12, 2026 · 56 owner complaints analyzed

NHTSA has 56 owner complaints and 47 safety recalls on file for the Volvo VN, across 32 model years (1996–2027). The 1999 model year has the most complaints (9). The most reported problem area overall is suspension.

Peak: 1998, with 9 complaints
1996: 219961997: 01998: 991999: 9199992000: 52001: 12002: 020022003: 32004: 12005: 220052006: 22007: 32008: 220082009: 02010: 02011: 020112012: 22013: 12014: 220142015: 02016: 02017: 020172018: 22019: 02020: 520202021: 32022: 02023: 020232024: 22025: 02026: 020262027: 0

n = 56 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Volvo VN years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

No VN model year stands out with more than twice the complaints of a typical year.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 1999 VN: 9 complaints, 5 recalls
  2. 1998 VN: 9 complaints, 6 recalls
  3. 2020 VN: 5 complaints, 2 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2001 VN: 1 complaint, 2 recalls
  2. 2004 VN: 1 complaint, 4 recalls
  3. 2013 VN: 1 complaint, 2 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Volvo VN problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Suspension1660
Electrical System1390
Power Train950
Structure980
Steering840
Engine and Engine Cooling640
Exterior Lighting540
Tires540
Equipment220
Service Brakes, Hydraulic220
Visibility210
Engine110
Firerelated110
Fuel System, Gasoline110
Latches/locks/linkages110
Seat Belts110
Seats110
Service Brakes110
Service Brakes, Air110
Visibility/wiper110
Wheels110

All Volvo VN model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2027 VN01——
2026 VN03——
2025 VN08——
2024 VN27—Seat Belts
2023 VN09——
2022 VN06——
2021 VN32—Unknown or Other
2020 VN52—Electrical System
2019 VN01——
2018 VN20—Tires
2017 VN00——
2016 VN02——
2015 VN01——
2014 VN21—Firerelated
2013 VN12—Electrical System
2012 VN22—Tires
2011 VN02——
2010 VN04——
2009 VN04——
2008 VN22—Engine and Engine Cooling
2007 VN33—Power Train
2006 VN24—Electrical System
2005 VN22—Exterior Lighting
2004 VN14—Electrical System
2003 VN34—Latches/locks/linkages
2002 VN05——
2001 VN12—Structure
2000 VN52—Electrical System
1999 VN95—Suspension
1998 VN96—Suspension
1997 VN09——
1996 VN21—Suspension

More from Volvo: all Volvo models · Volvo VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Volvo VN years should you stay away from?

No year stands out at twice the typical count; the most complaints are for 1999 (9), 1998 (9), 2020 (5). Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Volvo VN?

Suspension, with 16 complaints across 6 model years.

How many recalls does the Volvo VN have?

47 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.