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2003 Volvo VNProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2003 Volvo VN, most often about the latches/locks/linkages. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints31 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Latches/locks/linkages

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 18, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Volvo VN has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Latches/locks/linkages10
Suspension10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

4 recalls

2003 Volvo VN recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Seat belts

Recall 12V-510 · Oct 18, 2012 · 1,496 vehicles

Risk. In the event of a crash, an insufficient seat belt weld may prevent the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly

Recall 04V-315 · Jul 2, 2004 · 1,374 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE FIFTH WHEEL LATCH TO RELEASE INADVERTENTLY WHEN THE PARK BRAKE IS ENGAGED, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF THE TRAILER.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 04V-077 · Feb 13, 2004 · 2,112 vehicles

Risk. THE ENGINE PRE-HEATER COULD OVERHEAT RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE PRE-HEATER AND OTHER ENGINE HEAT SENSITIVE COMPONENTS NEAR THE PRE-HEATER AND THE ABILITY TO…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volvo.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other VN year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the VN median. How we score

'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2003 Volvo VN, and the recalls they led to.

  1. HOOD STRUT FAILUREPE05058 · closed Feb 24, 2006
    No recall
  2. INOPERABLE TAIL LIGHTSPE06054 · closed Feb 7, 2007
    No recall
  3. Volvo Sleeper glass de-bondingRQ11001 · closed Jan 20, 2012
    No recall
In owners' words

What VN owners report

Recent latches/locks/linkages complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

HOOD SHOCKS ON VOLVO TRUCKS ARE COMING OFF AT HOOD CONECTION SIDE. WHEN PULLING HOOD OPEN IF BOTH SHOCKS ARE LOSE HOOD CAN COME OVER ON DRIVER, CAUSING DRIVER POSSIBLE INJURIES. *AK
Complaint 10118023 · Apr 17, 2005

Own a 2003 VN?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.