RoadVitals

2008 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.
3
Latest Mar 30, 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.
12
Latest Jun 26, 2013
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.
3
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 3 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Volvo Vnl, most frequently naming the body & structure, brakes and steering categories. 12 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 92 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

  • Body & structure133.3%
  • Brakes133.3%
  • Steering133.3%

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

12 campaigns cover this model year

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

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

Jun 26, 2013
23,056 units potentially affected
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 VAH, VHD, VNL, VNM, and VT models. The affected vehicles were built without a redundant clutch disengagement switch. Without a redundant switch, a loss of signal from the brake air pressure switch can prevent the clutch from automatically disengaging when the brake is applied.
The risk: Without a signal to disengage the clutch when the brakes are applied, the distance required to stop the truck may lengthen, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Volvo Trucks will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles if necessary. The recall began on August 26, 2013. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1303. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.
Volvo Trucks North AmericaManufacturer number RVXX1303View on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Oct 12, 2010
1,926 units potentially affected
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 VHD, VNL, VNM, AS WELL AS 2008-2010 VT VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." THE TIRE DESCRIPTION MAY BE INCORRECT ON THE VEHICLE'S CERTIFICATION LABEL.
The risk: THE MISINFORMATION ON THESE LABELS COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE OVERLOADING THAT CAN INCREASE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE LABELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICAManufacturer number RVXX1005View on NHTSA.gov

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

Safety investigations

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

PE13002ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Stop Lamp Switch Signal

Opened Feb 7, 2013
Closed Jul 3, 2013

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data from the manufacturer that indicated some number of subject vehicles equipped with the subject automated manual transmission had allegedly experienced a condition where the clutch failed to automatically disengage the transmission from the engine as intended. This may result in extended stopping distances and/or unintended forward motion of a vehicle previously at rest.To date, ODI is aware of 134 subject vehicles with one or more complaints or field reports related to this condition.Also, ODI is aware of 164 subject vehicles with one or more warranty claims related to this condition.By letter dated June 25, 2013, Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) notified ODI that it has initiated a safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 13V268 and Volvo Recall No. RVXX1303) to address a safety defect in approximately 23,003 model year (MY) 2007 through 2014 Volvo VAH, VHD, VNL, VNM and VT model trucks. The affected vehicles were manufactured from December 20, 2006 through May 22, 2013 and were originally equipped with the subject automated manual transmissions.According to Volvo, reports of the subject transmission clutch mechanism failing to automatically disengage as intended are associated with the removal of a brake pedal micro switch that provided a redundant signal to the transmission control module indicating the brakes had been applied.Previously, Volvo had removed this brake pedal micro switch from new vehicle production and from certain vehicles already in-service via two field service campaigns (SP 432-024 and SP 432-026) because it decided the switch was unnecessary and/or a maintenance issue.In the absence of this redundant brake pedal micro switch, the clutch mechanism may fail to disengage the transmission from the engine at low vehicle speed should the stop lamp switch fail to send and/or the transmission control module fail to receive the primary signal.At the time of this closing, Volvo is evaluating available remedies and will provide NHTSA with details when the recall remedy procedure has been finalized.Volvo will notify affected owners by mail by August 25, 2013.Please see NHTSA Recall No. 13V268 for details.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONLed to recall 13V268000
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
PE07046ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SAF HOLLAND FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY

Opened Sep 14, 2007
Closed Nov 9, 2007

ON OCTOBER 18, 2007 VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA FILED DEFECT REPORT 07V-496 WHICH OUTLINES A SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM TO NOTIFY THE AFFECTED OWNERS AND CORRECT THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.

TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY

Recent owner complaints

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

Steering
Filed Mar 30, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR AN INSPECTION WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THIS PARTICULAR FAILURE, THE VEHICLE HAD THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V282000 (STEERING) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,605.

NHTSA ID
10852385
Incident
Mar 3, 2015
Mileage
80,605 mi
Body & structure
Filed Dec 19, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ID
10667284
Incident
Oct 19, 2014
Mileage
60,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jan 3, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED ON AN INCLINE AND APPLING THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ROLLED AWAY. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE BRAKE SLACK ADJUSTER ON THE SECOND AXLE WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 415,000.

NHTSA ID
10490909
Incident
Nov 16, 2012
Mileage
415,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

KC-2347

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL; PARKING BRAKE

CBR - Active "Set Park Brake" Message On Drivers Information Display (DID)

KC-202

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:KINETIC:FLYWHEEL,BEARINGS; POWER TRAIN

CBR - Automated Manual Transmission ( AMT ) Flywheel Pilot Bearing Wear On Input Shaft.

CBR-2320 202312

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

CBR: 11L Engine - Air Conditioner (A/C) Line Damaged At Bracket - Model Year 2007 to Present.

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

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
2008Viewing3123
2007159364.2
2006771
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.