- The problem
- Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Volvo VNL trucks equipped with Cummins ISX15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted.
- The risk
- If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Cummins will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single screen filter banjo bolt will be replaced with a dual screen filter banjo bolt, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1802.
Vehicle safety record
2016 Volvo VNL Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2016 Volvo VNL with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (7) and the brakes (2). Those complaints describe 2 crashes. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in September 2018 for the diesel. For comparison, the 2015 has 5 and the 2017 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical VNL year, for its age
#204 most complained-about 2016 vehicle
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2016 Volvo VNL problems
Share of all 12 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2016 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 North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016 Volvo VNL and VNM trucks equipped with certain Dana Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.
- The 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.
- The fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle on units cannot be sufficiently torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1702.
- The problem
- Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 VNL and VNM trucks and certain model year 2017 VNX trucks. In the affected vehicles, incorrect software for controlling the electronic air dryer may result in oil and water contaminating the brake system.
- The risk
- If the brake system becomes contaminated, braking performance could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module and replace the air dryer filter, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1608.
- The problem
- Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 VT trucks manufactured from April 9, 2008, through September 24, 2009, and certain 2016 model VNL and VNM trucks manufactured from January 2, 2015, through to November 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with USK non-greasable drag links that may experience corrosion of the ball joints due to the seals being compromised, possibly resulting in accelerated wear and failure of the ball joint.
- The risk
- Failure of the ball joint may cause separation of the socket and a complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drag links, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1601. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall 15V-651.
Do not drive
- The problem
- Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 VNL, VNX, and VNM trucks manufactured from May 11, 2015, through April 18, 2016. The trucks may have been manufactured without a roll pin on the steering shafts. If the roll pin is missing, the lower steering shaft may disconnect from the junction block. Also, the bolt connecting the upper steering shaft to the lower steering shaft may not have been properly tightened. Either condition can lead to separation of the steering shaft.
- The risk
- Separation of the steering shaft will result in complete loss of steering which may lead to a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Volvo is strongly recommending that the affected vehicles not be driven until the interim remedy is applied. An interim notice was sent to Volvo owners on March 16, 2016, and an interim repair is available now. A second notice was mailed on May 13, 2016. The final remedy is now available. Both remedies are free of charge. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-877-800-4945 opt #1. Volvo's recall numbers for this campaign are RVXX1602 and RVXX1603. This recall supersedes safety recall 15V-786.
- The problem
- Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2015 and 2016 VNX and VNL trucks manufactured from May 20, 2014, through March 6, 2015, equipped with certain Haldex Life Seal Type 30/30 Long Stroke Air Brake Actuators manufactured January 9, 2014, to October 28, 2014. The affected actuators may have an incomplete attachment of the internal rubber diaphragm to the actuation mechanism of the parking brake section of the Life Seal actuator.
- The 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 the parking brake section. This air pressure in turn, if not vented, may prevent full release of the actuator unit, and may induce brake drag and may result in overheated wheelend service brakes, increasing the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator and replace, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1501.
What owners say
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12 complaints about the 2016 Volvo VNL
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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 manufacturing caused a considerable amount of vibration while the vehicle was being driven at any speed. Cit trucks (located at 3440 gatlin dr, springfield, il 62707, (217) 544-5300) as well as several unknown dealers were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100. The vin was invalid.
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
Volvo and mack drive shaft out of phase. I showed my dr. My video of my truck shaking. He said you mit as will be d w i
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, (812) 233-6406) was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage and vin were unknown. *Tt
My stupid dealer cit trucks could not find y my truck was shaking so they played with transmission programing its an I shift no clutch peddle . Stonington il. Got fuel at f.S. Coming back cross rail road tracks and tried to stop for rt 48 . The clutch would not release .This the 4 time .
New volvo truck mid march 2016 it had a shake that got worse . My dealer cit trucks was to stupid find the problem. Anther dealer look at it. The rear drive shaft was out of phase but how after almost 80000 miles the rear ends are going out . My truck is not the only one out there . Videos can be seen at you tube- volvo shakes and volvo truck shakes
Volvo and mack trucks drive shafts out of phase. Making it shake and eat up tires and wear truck out should be recalled
My new volvo truck shakes and starting to hop r jump 30k miles https://youtu.Be/eu119g9vycu
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 volvo vnl. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the cab would sway back and forth causing the vehicle to lean to the side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the cab bushings were and cab needed to be leveled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 volvo vnl. While driving at various speeds and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the contact felt an abnormal vibration in the wheels. The vehicle independently veered to the left, especially during inclement weather. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the brake drums were changed, but the remedy failed to repair the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred after the repair. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 volvo vnl. While driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle shook violently. While driving in the rain, the vehicle independently veered to the left. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on three separate occasions to diagnose and repair the issue; however, the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 5,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 volvo vnl. While driving at an unknown speed, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle violently shook without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was unable to be determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.
Volvo VNL: every year compared
All VNL years2016 Volvo VNL vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Volvo VNL | 12 | 6 | D | |
| 2016 Volvo V60 CC | 48 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2016 Volvo S60 | 28 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2016 Volvo S60CC | 27 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 2016 Volvo S60I | 26 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2016 Volvo V60 | 14 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 2016 Volvo S80 | 6 | 2 | A | Compare |
| 2016 Volvo 780 | 2 | 0 | 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 2016 Volvo VNL
Does the 2016 Volvo VNL have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2016 Volvo VNL: diesel (September 2018); steering (August 2017); service brakes, air (December 2016); upper ball joint (February 2016) 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 2016 Volvo VNL?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (7), brakes (2), suspension (2).
How many complaints has the 2016 Volvo VNL had?
12 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 15, 2016 and the latest on June 18, 2019. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2016 Volvo VNL a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 36 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 2016 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