2003 Volvo VNL Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: Volvo trucks is recalling certain model year 2001-2006 vnl and vnm trucks manufactured with a trw sealed drag links. Certain factors can exist, which if left untreated may result in a ball socket separation.

Risk: Ball socket separation at the drag link results in complete loss of steering, and therefore can result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the ball socket or the drag link as required if necessary. As parts are limited, volvo trucks mailed an interim owner letter on september 2, 2010. The safety recall began on february 14, 2011. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Problem: Volvo trucks is recalling 127,764 my 2001-2008 vhd, vnl, vnm, and my 2005-2008 vt trucks. A seal may fail allowing water and contaminants to seep into the windshield wiper motor.

Risk: If this happens a short circuit may occur, which over time could possibly lead to a vehicle fire.

Fix: Volvo will replace the wiper motor free of charge. Since this recall involves a large number of vehicles, volvo will release the recall in stages as parts are received. Priority will be given to the vehicles located in the regions/states that have a corrosive environment. The recall began on september 30, 2009. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Problem: On certain heavy duty trucks, the circuit protection (i.e. Automatic circuit breakers) used to protect the vehicle lighting system may not provide adequate protection.

Risk: If a short circuit occurs and is left untreated, components and wiring may be subject to overheating which could possibly result in a vehicle fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the circuit breakers with fuses. The recall began on february 25, 2008. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Problem: On certain trucks equipped with d12d engines, the exhaust gas recirculation (egr) cooler inlet pipes or the pipes that connect the egr valves to the cooler may crack or break.

Risk: If the pipes or the cooler inlet pipes fail and are left untreated, the air cleaner and inner fender may be subject to hot exhaust gases, which could lead to a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the egr cooler pipes as required and install a heat shield free of charge. An interim owner letter was mailed on february 17, 2006, to advise on precautions that the owner can take until parts become available. Owners are being notified starting march 3, 2006, that parts are now available. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Problem: Certain trucks equipped with front steer axle air suspension may develop a front wheel wobble when the tires become worn.

Risk: If the wobble persists and is left untreated, damage may occur which could impair vehicle control and a crash could occur without prior notice.

Fix: Dealers will repair and replace the front vertical shocks on each side of the front suspension and add a horizontal stabilizer. The recall began on february 20, 2006. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Problem: On certain heavy-duty trucks, when the bunk is raised into the stored position, an object left on the bunk may inadvertently turn on a bunk lamp.

Risk: This could possibly result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will install a bunk lamp with a push button on/off switch. Owner notification began on december 24, 2003. 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 time should contact volvo truck at 1-800-528-6586.

Problem: On certain trucks, the wiring harness connected to the chassis mounted electrical inverter may allow water to enter the inverter and cause an electrical short in the inverter.

Risk: This could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these vehicles. Owner notification is expected to begin during august 2003. Owners should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Problem: On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with jost international jsk 37u series fifth wheels, a fatigue crack can develop in the bracket pin weld under certain loading conditions.

Risk: If left undetected or corrected it could lead to the separation of the fifth wheel top plate from its mounting structure, possibly resulting in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the bracket pins and repair instructions 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 time should contact jost international at 616-846-7700 or by email to [email protected] or volvo truck at 800-528-6586.

Problem: On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks, the sleeper section upper side window glass may de-bond from the window opening slide track mechanism.

Risk: If the window is open and this event occurs, the window glass could separate from the window frame and become a hazard to an oncoming vehicle and/or person.

Fix: Dealers will replace the window. Owner notification began on february 26, 2003. 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 time should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.