1997 Volvo WCA Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 16, 2002 · 1 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other WCA years
Not enough data 1st of 8 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 1997 Volvo WCA. That is the most of any WCA model year in the database (8 years). The most reported problem area is electrical system (1 complaints, 100%). Complaints mention 1 fire. There are 6 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 1997 Volvo WCA problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System1100%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

1997 Volvo WCA recalls (6)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Exterior lighting:tail lights:switchSep 9, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V238000 · 5,532 vehicles

Problem: Certain heavy duty class 8 trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the two tail lamps, back-up lamp,and license tag lamp were mounted on insufficiently rigid mounts.

Risk: It may not allow the driver of a rearward approaching vehicle to have full view of the lamps.

Fix: Dealers will attach the two tail lamps, back-up lamp, and the license tap lamp on stiffer brackets. Owner notification began october 31, 2002. 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.

Parking brakeFeb 24, 2000 · NHTSA campaign 00V002002 · 13,516 vehicles

Problem: 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. 121, "air brake systems." a loss of the isolation of the two brake system circuits can result in the loss of service brakes when there is another failure of one of the two brake circuits.

Risk: The loss of service brakes can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the suspect valves.

Suspension:front:springs:air suspension:lines and fittingsOct 14, 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V255000 · 95,013 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: class 8 heavy duty trucks. The air suspension control valve supply line was not plumbed through an air pressure protection valve. In the event of a failure, there would be loss of air pressure in the 'b' system air reservoir that supplies air pressure for the front steer axle brakes.

Risk: This condition would result in increased stopping distances.

Fix: Dealers will install the necessary air pressure protection valve.

Wheels:rimMay 19, 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V120001 · 3,065 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: This condition can cause failure of these wheels.

Fix: Accuride/akw will replace these wheels.

Suspension:front:wheel bearingNov 17, 1997 · NHTSA campaign 97V212000 · 923 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: If this condition exists, the jam nut and wheel bearing adjusting nut can back off the spindle allowing the wheel and the brake drum assembly to separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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.

Structure:bodyFeb 24, 1997 · NHTSA campaign 97V023000 · 1,928 vehicles

Problem: Warning labels identifying the climbing sequence and process were omitted.

Risk: Persons not using the sequence and process during cab entry or exit or when using the optional back of cab access may slip and/or fall causing personal injury.

Fix: Volvo heavy truck will be providing warning labels to be installed by owners on their trucks.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Failure in routing during installation of the power harness to the heated mirror caused short resulting in fire. *ms

Electrical System · received Mar 18, 1999 · NHTSA complaint 544445

Other Volvo WCA years

← 1996 WCA · 1998 WCA →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2002 WCA01
2001 WCA01
2000 WCA01
1999 WCA01
1998 WCA04
199716
1996 WCA05
1995 WCA04

See all Volvo WCA problems by year, every Volvo model, or the Volvo VIN decoder.

Similar Volvo models

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Volvo WCA?

Owners most often report electrical system problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Volvo WCA?

Yes, 6 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1997 Volvo WCA a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other WCA model years, the 1997 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.