- 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
2004 Volvo VNL Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2004 Volvo VNL with NHTSA, most often about the steering (2) and the visibility & wipers (1). Those complaints describe 1 crash. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in June 2010 for the connection. For comparison, the 2003 has 2 and the 2005 has 6.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical VNL year, for its age
#269 most complained-about 2004 vehicle
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2004 Volvo VNL problems
Share of all 5 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 Volvo VNL recalls 6
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
- Certain heavy duty trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "Tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." The tire size designation on the certification label is not shown.
- The risk
- The certification label is incorrect giving improper information.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the certification labels. The recall began on september 12, 2005. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
What owners say
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5 complaints about the 2004 Volvo VNL
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
West bound on 288. Did my pre trip. I was fully loaded. I was in the middle lane. All of the sudden my steering wheel got light. It did not have any control. The truck started drifting to the right. I tried to steer to the left. The truck did not respond. I started to apply the brakes. I was able to bring the truck to a stop without crashing. I came with in a few inches of the guard rail. The trailer was out in the road. Traffic was coming over a hill and could not see it in time. I had to sit at the...
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top of the hill and divert traffic. I looked under the truck and saw the drag link separated and dragging on the ground. The drag link was not serviceable. I thought it was supposed to be life time. The preventive maintenance was done by trimac in dear park, tx. I still have the broken drag link. This was a very scary event and I sold the truck. If someone had been in the right lane, there would have been a crash.
Drag link came loose while our driver was pulling a load on interstate 81. He lost all steering and drove into a guardrail. The total costs for repairs to us was $17,022.93. The tractor had just been served and the drag link appeared fine at that time. We have noticed them failing in the past and changed them regularly. *Tr
My volvo truck started having low power problem after a certified volvo dealer replaced copper cups on it. To fix that problem, I took the truck to another certified volvo dealer, who replaced egr valve,which was under warranty. According to them, it was supposed to resolve the problem, but it did not. It still had low power. I brought it back to them. After testing it for the second time, they said that copper cups were the problem and suggested me to take it back to the dealer who fixed them. I followed their...
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advice and for the second time took it back to the first dealer. He found low boost power, which is also under warranty, but did not guarantee the correction of the problem. Last month I spend more than $6,000 on fixing my truck, but the situation is getting worse instead of getting better. Since I bought the truck in july of 2007, I've spent $16,000 on its repairs. All repairs were done by volvo dealers. I've got all the receipts. *Tr
There were two recapped tires placed on the rear-extended lift axle of a dump truck. While driving 55 mph one tire blew out, and the other tire separated while carrying a load. Upon speaking with the retailer they referred the consumer to the wholesaler. Neither claimed responsibility, and referred her to j.P. Burns who was a recapping specialist in new york. *Ak *sc *jb
Glass mirrors vibrated to the point were it was difficult to see. *Ak
Volvo VNL: every year compared
All VNL years2004 Volvo VNL vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Volvo VNL | 5 | 6 | C | |
| 2004 Volvo S60 | 198 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Volvo V70 | 89 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Volvo S40 | 50 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Volvo S80 | 50 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2004 Volvo C70 | 16 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Volvo 780 | 5 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Volvo V40 | 4 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Volvo VHD | 3 | 7 | C | 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 2004 Volvo VNL
Does the 2004 Volvo VNL have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Volvo VNL?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the steering (2), visibility & wipers (1), wheels & tires (1).
How many complaints has the 2004 Volvo VNL had?
5 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 21, 2004 and the latest on December 4, 2009. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2004 Volvo VNL a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 47 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as 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 2004 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