RoadVitals

2006 Volvo Vnl

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
7
Latest Oct 7, 2016
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
7
Latest Jun 24, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 7 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Volvo Vnl, most frequently naming the steering, exterior lighting and suspension categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 79 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Steering330.0%
  • Exterior lighting220.0%
  • Suspension220.0%
  • Airbags110.0%
  • Other / unspecified110.0%
  • Tires & wheels110.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

7 campaigns cover this model year

View all 7

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
10V282000

STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION

Jun 24, 2010
63,788 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: BALL SOCKET SEPARATION AT THE DRAG LINK RESULTS IN COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING, AND THEREFORE CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: 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.
VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number RVXX1003View on NHTSA.gov
09V173000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

May 21, 2009
127,764 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: IF THIS HAPPENS A SHORT CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR, WHICH OVER TIME COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
The remedy: 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.
VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number RVXX0902View on NHTSA.gov
09V030000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

Jan 27, 2009
366 units potentially affected
The defect: VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING 366 MY 2006-2009 VNL TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SUPER SINGLE TIRES, BENDIX BRAKE CAM TUBES, AND VOLVO AIR SUSPENSION. THE VIBRATION FREQUENCY FROM THE SUSPENSION WITH SUPER SINGLE TIRES MAY RESULT IN A FATIGUE CRACK OF THE MOUNTING BRACKETS FOR THE BRAKE CAM TUBE.
The risk: IF LEFT UNTREATED, THE CRACK CAN PROPAGATE AND CAUSE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE CAM TUBE SUPPORT BRACKET(S), WHICH CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKES AT THE CORRESPONDING WHEEL END INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A SUPPORT BRACKET TO THE BRAKE CAM TUBE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number RVXX0901View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ11001ClosedRecall Query

Volvo Sleeper glass de-bonding

Opened May 23, 2011
Closed Jan 20, 2012

ODI opened Recall Query RQ11-001 after a review of EWR Field Reports identified lower bunk window separations on the subject vehicles.Volvo had issued three recalls for sleeper window separations since 2003.Additionally, Volvo had issued two bulletins for sleeper window issues during the same time period.The frequency of related actions led ODI to open this formal investigation.An Information Request (IR) letter was sent to Volvo on 23 June 2011.Volvo responded on 17 August 2011 and then provided updated warranty information on 9 January 2012.Volvo provided production change data and warranty information which was correlated to vehicle build month and failure date.ODI analyzed the data to determine if additional production time frames should have been included in previous recalls.ODI also requested information from its network of fleet owners.The response from this network reaffirmed the accuracy of the updated warranty information.Based on the information and data received, ODI has concluded that all production periods have been appropriately addressed by Volvo's previous recalls and no additional recall action is required at this time.

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Steering
Filed Oct 7, 2016

WAS DRIVING NORTH ON INTERSTATE 95 AT 55 MPH, WENT TO TURN WHEEL ON CURVE, AND HAD COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING. WHEEL TURNED, BUT WHEELS STAYED STRAIGHT. WAS SURROUNDED BY AT LEAST 10 OTHER VEHICLES WHO WERE ABLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY. I THEN RAN OFF SIDE OF ROAD INTO DITCH WITH TRAILER ATTACHED CARRYING 40,000 POUNDS WAS STUCK IN THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ID
10914433
Incident
Oct 6, 2016
Mileage
893,000 mi
Steering
Filed Sep 21, 2011

VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AT A LOCAL SHOP WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE DRAG LINK WAS ON RECALL AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A SAFETY ISSUE. DRAG LINK WAS IN A VERY BAD SHAPE AND I WAS ADVISED THAT I WAS NOT TO CONDUCT DRIVING IN THAT CONDITION. REPAIRS HAVE BEEN PROCESSED, NOW I NEED TO BE PAID FOR THE RECALL PART. PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY FOR MORE INFORMATION. VIN: [XXX] YR: 2006 MODEL: VNL MAKE: VOLVO INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10426696
Incident
Aug 18, 2011
Exterior lighting
Filed Dec 28, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE CLEAR PLASTIC THAT COVERED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WOULD IMPAIR THE DISTANCE OF ILLUMINATION CAUSING HIM TO UTILIZE THE HIGH BEAMS INSTEAD IN ORDER TO PROPERLY SEE THE ROADWAY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO PURCHASE A KIT TO IMPROVE THE ILLUMINATION DISTANCE. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 430,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300,000. UPDTATED 2/17/11 *CN THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE LIGHTS. UPDATED 02/28/11

NHTSA ID
10373146
Incident
Dec 28, 2009
Mileage
300,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedTires & wheels
Filed Jul 26, 2010

2006 VOLVO VNL64T, UNIT 2 TIRE AND RIM CAME OFF AT MILE POST 57.8. UNIT 2 DIDN'T REALIZE HE LOST HIS TIRE AND RIM UNTIL HE WAS AT MILE POST 53. SUPPLEMENTED OH-2 WITH TURNPIKE DAMAGE. SEVERAL VEHICLES WERE DAMAGE. *BF OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH POLICE REPORT NUMBERS;10-0237-89, 10-0238-89, AND 10-0240-898. *JB UPDATED 08/05/10 *BF UPDATED 10/13/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE WHEELS DID NOT COME OFF THE POWER UNIT. THE TIRE AND RIMS CAME OFF THE TRAILER. UPDATED 10/19/10

NHTSA ID
10345522
Incident
Jun 23, 2010
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 10, 2009

I DRIVE A 2006 VNL VOLVO WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON DIM YOU CANNOT HARDLY SEE THE ROAD MOST OF THE TIME ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS RAINING I HAVE SPOKEN TO MANY DRIVERS WITH THIS SAME TYPE OF TRUCK AND THEY ALL SAY THE SAME THING ABOUT THE POOR LIGHTING SYSTEM WHEN ON DIM I HAVE CHECKED EVERYTHING TO TRY AND FIGURE OUT THE CAUSE OR REASON FOR THIS INCLUDING HOW MANY VOLTS ARE GETTING TO THE LIGHTS AND EVEN REPLACING THE BULBS MANY TIMES WITH DIFFERENT BRANDS AND USING A HIGHER WATTAGE BULB WITH NO BETTER RESULTS MANY TIMES I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN A WRECK BECAUSE OF THIS AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE VOLVO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM I HAVE DRIVEN THIS TRUCK SINCE IT WAS NEW AND IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THIS WAY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10254451
Incident
Jan 9, 2009
Suspension
Filed Sep 8, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TRACTOR TRAILER'S STEERING SYSTEM PULLED TO EITHER SIDE WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP IN MANY DIFFERENT STATES WHO DETERMINED ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER EQUIPMENT FOR HEAVY TRUCK ALIGNMENT SO IT HAD BEEN REFERRED TO OTHER COMPANIES WITH THE SPECIALIZED ALIGNMENT EQUIPMENT. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN IN FOR ALIGNMENT NINE TIMES, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. ALSO, THE TREAD LOCATED IN MIDDLE OF BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE EXCESSIVELY WORN OUT. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE ALIGNMENT AS THE SOURCE OF THIS IRREGULAR WEAR. THE THIRD PROBLEM WAS ON THE SEMI REAR AXLE, WHICH WAS NOT PARALLEL TO THE MIDDLE AXLE CREATING IRREGULAR ANGULAR DISPLACEMENT OF THE TRAILER, WHICH ENTAILED A SERIOUS RISK TO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. THE INNER TIRE OF THE REAR AXLE WORE EXCESSIVELY INDICATING STRUCTURAL DEFECT IN THE AXLE MOUNTING.

NHTSA ID
10167690
Incident
Dec 29, 2005
Mileage
40,000 mi
AirbagsSteeringSuspension
Filed Aug 22, 2006

RUSSO TRUCKING, CORP. OWNS TWO VOLVO TRUCKS WITH MAJOR STEERING AND FRONT AXLE PROBLEMS, WHICH VOLVO TRUCKS OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE DEALER NEXTRAN TRUCK CENTER AT POMPANO BEACH, FL SEEMS THAT CAN'T FIX, WE HAVE TAKEN OUR TRUCKS TO TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM TO SEVERAL PLACES, AND NOBODY HAS BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT, WE ARE AFRAID THAT OUR VOLVO TRUCKS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I WILL MENTION SOME OF THE SHOPS WHERE WE HAVE TAKEN OUR TRUCKS: ML TIRE IN MIAMI, VOLVO IN POMPANO BEACH, FL, JOSAN IN ORLANDO, FL, VOLVO DEALER IN NC, VOLVO DEALER IN KNOXVILLE, TN, VOLVO DEALER IN ARKANSAS, VOLVO DEALER IN CHATTANOOGA, TN, VOLVO DEALER IN CT. ETC. *JB

NHTSA ID
10166260
Incident
Aug 22, 2006

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

CBR-2120 202308

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CBR: Volvo VHD & VN Models - Vehicle Wil Not Start, PTO Active Message Displayed In Cluster, PTO Light On When PTO Switch Is Turned Off

V728-005A 202308

SUSPENSION

TSB: Barksdale Leveling Valve, Leak Test

CBR-2112 202307

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN

CBR: Programming Failure - Chassis With Cummins Engine And An Allison Transmission

CBR-2201

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine Control Module (EMS) Software (MSW) Information – August 2022; Improvement List (Change Log) - US21+OBD22 (13L VGT, TC) And US17+OBD22 (11L) Emissions

KC-405

POWER TRAIN

Warranty Automated Manual Transmission ( AMT, I-Shift, mDrive ) Control Housing Assembly; Guidelines For Filing A Claim For Chassis Return Visit With Transmission Issues After A Repair Requiring Control Housing Removal And Reinstallation - US07 And Newer

KC-2143

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

(Back Office) - Cruise Control Inoperative After Updating Software VECU5 Without ESP Package (UESP)

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volvo Vnl by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025010—
2024070—
2023130—
2022270—
2021070—
2020090—
2019480—
2018850—
2017051—
2016126260.8
2015592—
20148123—
20137143—
20125144—
20114124—
2010043—
2009244—
20083123—
2007159364.2
2006Viewing771—
2005663—
2004562—
2003292—
2002173—
2001182—
2000104259.4
1999115351.6
1998853—
1997040—
1996010—
1995010—
1994010—
1993010—
1992010—
1991010—
1990010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.