- The problem
- Volvo trucks is recalling certain model year 2001-2006 vnl and vnm trucks manufactured with a trw sealed drag links. Certain factors can exist, which if left untreated may result in a ball socket separation.
- The risk
- Ball socket separation at the drag link results in complete loss of steering, and therefore can result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and repair the ball socket or the drag link as required if necessary. As parts are limited, volvo trucks mailed an interim owner letter on september 2, 2010. The safety recall began on february 14, 2011. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Volvo VNL Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2003 Volvo VNL with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (1) and the engine & cooling (1). Those complaints describe 2 fires. It is covered by 9 recalls, the latest in June 2010 for the connection. For comparison, the 2002 has 1 and the 2004 has 5.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical VNL year, for its age
#342 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Volvo VNL problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Volvo VNL recalls 9
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
- 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 fix
- 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.
- The problem
- On certain heavy duty trucks, the circuit protection (i.E. Automatic circuit breakers) used to protect the vehicle lighting system may not provide adequate protection.
- The 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.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the circuit breakers with fuses. The recall began on february 25, 2008. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
- The problem
- On certain trucks equipped with d12d engines, the exhaust gas recirculation (egr) cooler inlet pipes or the pipes that connect the egr valves to the cooler may crack or break.
- The risk
- If the pipes or the cooler inlet pipes fail and are left untreated, the air cleaner and inner fender may be subject to hot exhaust gases, which could lead to a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and repair the egr cooler pipes as required and install a heat shield free of charge. An interim owner letter was mailed on february 17, 2006, to advise on precautions that the owner can take until parts become available. Owners are being notified starting march 3, 2006, that parts are now available. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
- The problem
- Certain trucks equipped with front steer axle air suspension may develop a front wheel wobble when the tires become worn.
- The risk
- If the wobble persists and is left untreated, damage may occur which could impair vehicle control and a crash could occur without prior notice.
- The fix
- Dealers will repair and replace the front vertical shocks on each side of the front suspension and add a horizontal stabilizer. The recall began on february 20, 2006. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
- The problem
- On certain heavy-duty trucks, when the bunk is raised into the stored position, an object left on the bunk may inadvertently turn on a bunk lamp.
- The risk
- THIS COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A FIRE.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a bunk lamp with a push button on/off switch. Owner notification began on december 24, 2003. 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 truck at 1-800-528-6586.
- The problem
- On certain trucks, the wiring harness connected to the chassis mounted electrical inverter may allow water to enter the inverter and cause an electrical short in the inverter.
- The risk
- THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these vehicles. Owner notification is expected to begin during august 2003. Owners should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
- The problem
- On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with jost international jsk 37u series fifth wheels, a fatigue crack can develop in the bracket pin weld under certain loading conditions.
- The risk
- If left undetected or corrected it could lead to the separation of the fifth wheel top plate from its mounting structure, possibly resulting in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the bracket pins and repair instructions free of charge. 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 jost international at 616-846-7700 or by email to [email protected] or volvo truck at 800-528-6586.
- The problem
- On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks, the sleeper section upper side window glass may de-bond from the window opening slide track mechanism.
- The risk
- If the window is open and this event occurs, the window glass could separate from the window frame and become a hazard to an oncoming vehicle and/or person.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the window. Owner notification began on february 26, 2003. 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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2 complaints about the 2003 Volvo VNL
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volvo vnl610 truck. The contact was driving approximately between 65-70 mph on normal road conditions. There was a strong burning odor inside of the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. A loud explosion came from the rear of the vehicle. The rear sleeper area and underneath the hood engulfed into flames. The fire department was called to the scene. There were no personal injuries. The vehicle was towed to an independent wrecker shop. The cause of failure has...
Read the full complaint
not been determined at this time. The failure and current mileage was 728,000. The vin was rejected from the system which will be updated upon receipt of the complaint form. The vin # was not available.
Coutesy lights too soft to activate, also too hot to touch, started pillow on fire in sleeper bunk. *Ak
Volvo VNL: every year compared
All VNL years2003 Volvo VNL vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Volvo VNL | 2 | 9 | 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 VN | 3 | 4 | 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 VNL
Does the 2003 Volvo VNL have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2003 Volvo VNL: connection (June 2010); motor (May 2009); fuses and circuit breakers (December 2007); exhaust system (January 2006) and more. 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 VNL?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (1), engine & cooling (1), lights (1).
How many complaints has the 2003 Volvo VNL had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 20, 2003 and the latest on January 6, 2010. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Volvo VNL a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 37 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Volvo VNL 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 VNL years have the most complaints?
2007 (15), 2016 (12), 2014 (8). See every Volvo VNL year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Volvo VNL 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