- The problem
- Volvo is recalling certain model year 2002-2013 VHD and VN trucks, manufactured from August 4, 2000, through June 22, 2012, and equipped with bench passenger seats. The seat belt d-ring weld may not be sufficient enough to meet the seat belt pull test. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, an insufficient seat belt weld may prevent the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant. This increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
- The fix
- Volvo Trucks of America will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspected d-ring, free of change. The safety recall began on May 10, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Volvo VN Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2003 Volvo VN with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (1) and the suspension (1). Those complaints describe 1 crash. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in October 2012 for the seat belts. For comparison, the 2002 has 0 and the 2004 has 1.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical VN year, for its age
#305 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Volvo VN problems
Share of all 3 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Volvo VN recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- On certain trucks equipped with valeo wiper systems, the wiper motor may be susceptive to salt intrusion that could possibly lead to a condition where the connector overheats to a point where the connector could ignite.
- The risk
- If this occurs, excessive heat and smoke could result in an under hood fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the connector plate on the windshield wiper motor. Phase 2 of the recall began on november 1, 2004. Owners should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
- The problem
- On certain trucks, a malfunction in the solenoid valve may allow air to be released to fifth wheel latch when the park brake is engaged.
- The 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. A crash could occur without prior warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will add an additional solenoid valve in series with the existing pneumatic circuit for the fifth wheel air release. The recall began on august 9, 2004. Owners should contact volvo at 1-800-528-6586.
- The problem
- On certain heavy-duty class 8 trucks, the assembled engine pre-heater jumper wiring harness was incorrectly assembled.
- The 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 re-start the engine could be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will repair the affected circuits in the jumper wiring harness connector. Owner notification is expected to begin during march 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
What owners say
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3 complaints about the 2003 Volvo VN
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
2003 Volvo 660, unit 1 struck the rear of unit 2. Unit 1 then went off the right side of the roadway and struck the guardrail. *Bf according to the police report, unit 1 was traveling to closely behind the truck in front of him. (Ohio traffic report # 10-0467-90) *jb updated 09/13/10*bf
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
The bearings in the integral hub/bearing on the right front wheel (steering axle) failed at 247,000 miles. This is a unit designed to last the life of the vehicle, and there is no maintenance possible. This was a very low mileage for such a failure. No accident or injuries were caused by the failure because it was noticed before that could happen, but such a failure could cause a catastrophic accident. We paid approximately $625 for parts, labor, and shipping for a new part. The dealership removed an...
Read the full complaint
identical hub from a new truck on the lot and replaced our hub. I doubt they kept the old hub, although they might have. This was at the volvo dealership in vinton, tx, i-10 exit 2 in texas.*Ak
Volvo VN: every year compared
All VN years2003 Volvo VN vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Volvo VN | 3 | 4 | D | |
| 2003 Volvo S60 | 123 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo V70 | 47 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo S80 | 29 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo S40 | 21 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo V70XC | 15 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo C70 | 7 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo V40 | 5 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Volvo VHD | 3 | 11 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Volvo VN
Does the 2003 Volvo VN have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Volvo VN: seat belts (October 2012); motor (September 2004); fifth wheel assembly (July 2004); engine and engine cooling (February 2004). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo VN?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (1), suspension (1).
How many complaints has the 2003 Volvo VN had?
3 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 6, 2005 and the latest on September 1, 2010. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Volvo VN a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 37 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Volvo VN year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Volvo VN years have the most complaints?
2003 (3), 2007 (3), 2005 (2). See every Volvo VN year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Volvo VN has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data