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2008 Volvo VNLProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2008 Volvo VNL, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 12 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls12Free fix at dealersOwner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Service brakes

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 30, 2016. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2008 Volvo VNL 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
Service brakes10
Steering10
Structure10

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

12 recalls

2008 Volvo VNL 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

Power train: clutch assembly

Recall 13V-268 · Jun 26, 2013 · 23,056 vehicles

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Other: labels

Recall 10V-492 · Oct 12, 2010 · 1,926 vehicles

Risk. THE MISINFORMATION ON THESE LABELS COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE OVERLOADING THAT CAN INCREASE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Windshield wiper/washer: motor

Recall 09V-173 · May 21, 2009 · 127,764 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS A SHORT CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR, WHICH OVER TIME COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Service brakes, air

Recall 09V-030 · Jan 27, 2009 · 366 vehicles

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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 8 more recalls
–no report yet

Engine: diesel

Recall 08V-028 · Jan 24, 2008 · 798 vehicles

Risk. IF THE DRIVER BELIEVES THAT REGENERATION HAS BEEN STOPPED WHEN IT HAS NOT, IT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers

Recall 07V-573 · Dec 14, 2007 · 104,845 vehicles

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)

Recall 07V-529 · Nov 19, 2007 · 2,054 vehicles

Risk. LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly

Recall 07V-496 · Oct 23, 2007 · 6,519 vehicles

Risk. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE PIVOT BOLT CAN BECOME LOOSE WITHOUT THE DRIVER'S KNOWLEDGE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Hood: hinge and attachments

Recall 07V-410 · Sep 10, 2007 · 956 vehicles

Risk. THE CYLINDERS COULD POSSIBLY SEPARATE, WHICH WOULD LEAVE THE HOOD UNRESTRAINED WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING THE HOOD.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Fuel system, diesel

Recall 07V-345 · Aug 7, 2007 · 677 vehicles

Risk. IF THE CONDITION EXISTS AND THE KEY IS LEFT ON WITHOUT FUEL IN THE FILTER, THE HEATING ELEMENT MAY HEAT TO A POINT WHERE A FLAME BECOMES PRESENT AT THE TIP OF…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Steering

Recall 07V-323 · Jul 24, 2007 · 9,102 vehicles

Risk. IF THE NUT WERE TO COME LOOSE, THE STEERING SHAFT COULD POTENTIALLY SEPARATE RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Power train: axle assembly

Recall 07V-108 · Mar 16, 2007 · 84 vehicles

Risk. IF A FATIGUE FAILURE OCCURS AND IS LEFT UNATTENDED, THE AXLE MAY LOCK UP OR THE END OF THE AXLE COULD COME OFF, WHICH MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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

2008 vs. every other VNL 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 VNL median. How we score

'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2008 Volvo VNL, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SAF HOLLAND FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLYPE07046 · closed Nov 9, 2007
    No recall
  2. Stop Lamp Switch SignalPE13002 · closed Jul 3, 2013
    Led to recall 13V-268
  3. Volvo Sleeper glass de-bondingRQ11001 · closed Jan 20, 2012
    No recall
In owners' words

What VNL owners report

Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 10490909 · Jan 3, 2013 · 415,000 miles

Own a 2008 VNL?

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