2016 Volvo VNLProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 2016 Volvo VNL, most often about the power train. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-668 the manufacturer reports only 70% of affected cars repaired.

2016 Volvo VNL

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 18, 2019. Updated daily. Photo: Thecohorts, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2016 Volvo VNL has problems

12 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
Power train72
Suspension20
Service brakes20
Wheels11
Structure10
Steering10

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

6 recalls

2016 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.

70%repaired · 2020 Q1

Engine: diesel

Recall 18V-668 · Sep 25, 2018 · 3,705 vehicles · 2,598 repaired

Risk. If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

74%repaired · 2019 Q1

Steering

Recall 17V-536 · Aug 29, 2017 · 470 vehicles · 346 repaired

Risk. If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

88%repaired · 2018 Q2

Service brakes, air

Recall 16V-928 · Dec 22, 2016 · 5,547 vehicles · 4,902 repaired

Risk. If the brake system becomes contaminated, braking performance could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

84%repaired · 2017 Q3

Control arm: lower ball joint

Recall 16V-095 · Feb 19, 2016 · 2,053 vehicles · 1,727 repaired

Risk. Failure of the ball joint may cause separation of the socket and a complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls
99%repaired · 2017 Q3

Steering

Do not drive

Recall 16V-097 · Feb 17, 2016 · 18,116 vehicles · 17,889 repaired

Risk. Separation of the steering shaft will result in complete loss of steering which may lead to a vehicle crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

98%repaired · 2016 Q2

Hydraulic: actuator

Recall 15V-026 · Jan 22, 2015 · 170 vehicles · 166 repaired

Risk. If the diaphragm is not completely attached, there may be internal leakage from the service section past the diaphragm, potentially trapping air pressure in…

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

2016 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
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2016 Volvo VNL, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Discrepancies in Required CFR ReportingAQ18005 · closed Aug 4, 2023
    No recall
  2. Ride QualityDP15006 · closed Apr 8, 2016
    No recall
In owners' words

What VNL owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL630. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ARRIVED FROM THE MANUFACTURER WITH A REAR DRIVESHAFT THAT WAS NOT CALIBRATED. THE DRIVESHAFT WAS THREE TIMES OVER THE MAXIMUM SPECIFICATIONS WHERE THE TRANSMISSION AND DRIVESHAFT WERE ATTACHED. THE FAILURE IN…
Complaint 11220825 · Jun 18, 2019 · 100 miles
FRONT WHEELS LOOSE FROM FACTOR AND DEALER DIDN'T CHECK, TIRES PSI 1/2 WHAT SHOULD BEEN, DRIVE SHAFT OUT OF PHASE. DAMAGE THE TRUCK MORE.I KNOW OF ABOUT 20 OF THESE TRUCK WITH THE DRIVE SHAFT PROBLEM. DEALER AND FACTOR WONT FIX/ THIS IS NOT SAFE
Complaint 11192711 · Mar 31, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL SEMI-TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. A SERIES OF INDEPENDENT MECHANICS CONFIRMED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT WAS LOOSE WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION. VOMAC SALES AND SERVICE MACK (5556 EAST MARGARET DRIVE, TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA 47803,…
Complaint 11121647 · Aug 22, 2018

Own a 2016 VNL?

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