NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Volvo VHD Recalls & Complaints

The 2003 Volvo VHD has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns and 3 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volvo dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Volvo VHD. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2003 Volvo VHD owner complaints

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Volvo VHD, describing incidents dated March 19, 2007 to November 12, 2010.

Most-cited components

  • Electrical System 2 complaints
  • Engine 2 complaints
  • Service Brakes 1 complaint

Newest complaints

  • ODI #10367239 · Filed

    NOVEMBER 12, 2010, WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE HIGHWAY, AS SOLE OWNER/OPERATOR OF A 2003 VOLVO VHD 64F 10 WHEEL DUMP TRUCK THE ENGINE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING STOPPED RUNNING. IT IMMEDIATELY BECAME A SAFETY ISSUE TO CONTROL THIS EMPTY TRUCK WITH NO EQUIPMENT TRAILER ATTACHED BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF…

  • ODI #10291956 · Filed

    THE TRUCK WAS JUST WORKING AN AVERAGE DAY, HAULING HOT MIX ASPHALT, WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SKIP. BROUGHT THE TRUCK INTO DARIO DIESEL, THEY FOUND FAULTY INJECTOR CONNECTOR, HAD IT REPLACED. ONE MONTH LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED, AGAIN TOOK TRUCK TO DARIO DIESEL, THEY FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM, THEY…

  • ODI #10186704 · Filed

    ABS MALFUNCTION BRAKE SHUTDOWN AND UNIT TURNED OF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. COULD NOT MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE. I PLACED VEHICLE IN COMPANY SHOP SEVERAL TIMES AND INCIDENT CONTINUED TO OCCUR NUMEROUS TIMES. I SPOKE TO SWIFT OPERATION MANAGER SCOTT JOHNSON LOCATED IN OCALA FLORIDA ABOUT…

Read all 3 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 Volvo VHD in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Seat Belt weld/FMVSS 210

NHTSA #12V510000 · Seat Belts · NHTSA notice

Reported October 18, 2012 · Volvo Trucks North America

Potentially affected: 1,496 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX1204 · Owners notified May 10, 2013 · Vehicles built August 4, 2000 – June 22, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Volvo's recall campaign number is RVXX1204.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

WIPER MOTOR

NHTSA #09V173000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer — Motor · NHTSA notice

Reported May 21, 2009 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 127,764 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX0902 · Owners notified September 30, 2009

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS A SHORT CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR, WHICH OVER TIME COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

VOLVO TRUCKS RECALL NO. RVXX0902.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

LIGHTING SYSTEM/CIRCUIT BREAKERS

NHTSA #07V573000 · Electrical System — Wiring — Fuses and Circuit Breakers · NHTSA notice

Reported December 14, 2007 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 104,845 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX0707 · Owners notified February 25, 2008

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

VOLVO TRUCKS RECALL NO. RVXX0707.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

DISC WHEEL SPACER

NHTSA #06V213000 · Wheels · NHTSA notice

Reported June 14, 2006 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 873 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX0603 · Owners notified June 26, 2006 · Vehicles built December 1, 2001 – June 30, 2005 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE WHEEL SPACER MAY BECOME DISTORTED FROM HEAT WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF CLAMP THAT MAY RESULT IN LOOSE WHEEL NUTS.

Safety consequence

IF THE WHEEL NUTS LOOSEN FOR ANY REASON, DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL STUDS AND WHEEL MAY OCCUR, AND MAY LEAD TO A COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE WHEELS FROM THE TRUCK WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WHEEL SPACERS AND THE WHEEL EQUIPMENT (WHEELS,STUDS, AND HUB) WILL BE INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 26, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Notes

VOLVO TRUCKS RECALL NO. RVXX0603.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION COOLER PIPES

NHTSA #06V021000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Exhaust System · NHTSA notice

Reported January 26, 2006 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 33,102 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX0601 · Owners notified March 3, 2006 · Vehicles built November 1, 2002 – January 31, 2006 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

VOLVO TRUCKS RECALL NO. RVXX0601.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

VOLVO TRUCKS/WINDSHIELD WIPER

NHTSA #04V457000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer — Motor · NHTSA notice

Reported September 17, 2004 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 56,154 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX0406 · Owners notified November 1, 2004 · Vehicles built July 1, 2000 – June 11, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, EXCESSIVE HEAT AND SMOKE COULD RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

VOLVO TRUCKS RECALL NO.RVXX0406.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION?S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

VOLVO TRUCK/ISRINGHAUSEN/FMVSS 207/SEATS

NHTSA #04V404000 · Seats · NHTSA notice

Reported August 12, 2004 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 126 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX0405 · Owners notified November 1, 2004 · Vehicles built January 1, 2003 – October 31, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, 'SEATING SYSTEMS.' THE BENCH SEAT, AS INSTALLED, DOES NOT THE SEAT PULL REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Safety consequence

THE SEAT ANCHORAGE TO THE FLOOR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO RETAIN THE ADJUSTED SEATING POSITION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVEN TOF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE BENCH SEAT WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND OF SEAT. THE RECALL BEGAN NOVEMBER 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Notes

VOLVO TRUCK RECALL NO. RVXX0405.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

VOLVO TRUCKS/PITMAN ARM BOLT

NHTSA #04V078000 · Steering — Gear Box — Shaft Pitman · NHTSA notice

Reported February 13, 2004 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 92 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX0401 · Owners notified March 2, 2004 · Vehicles built August 1, 2003 – November 25, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN HEAVY-DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS, THE PINCH BOLT ATTACHING THE STEERING DRAG LINK TO THE PITMAN ARM MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.

Safety consequence

THE BOLT COULD LOOSEN ALLOWING THE DRAG LINK AND PITMAN ARM TO SEPARATE, RESULTING IN UNCONTROLLABLE STEERING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW PINCH BOLT AND TIGHTEN TO THE REQUIRED TORQUE. 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.

Notes

VOLVO TRUCK RECALL NO. RVXX0401.CUSTOMER'S CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

VOLVO TRUCKS/WIRING HARNESS

NHTSA #04V077000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported February 13, 2004 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 2,112 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX0402 · Owners notified March 8, 2004 · Vehicles built November 14, 2002 – October 6, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN HEAVY-DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS, THE ASSEMBLED ENGINE PRE-HEATER JUMPER WIRING HARNESS WAS INCORRECTLY ASSEMBLED.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

VOLVO TRUCK RECALL NO. RVXX0402.CUSTOMER'S CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

VOLVO/FIFTH WHEELS/FATIGUE CRACKS

NHTSA #03V204000 · Trailer Hitches — Fifth Wheel Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported May 30, 2003 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC

Potentially affected: 1,275 vehicles

Vehicles built January 2, 2001 – April 11, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

VOLVO TRUCKS/FMVSS 210/SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE

NHTSA #03V108000 · Seat Belts — Front — Anchorage · NHTSA notice

Reported March 20, 2003 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC

Potentially affected: 396 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX0303 · Owners notified April 7, 2003 · Vehicles built December 15, 2000 – February 3, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL TWO-MAN PASSENGER BENCH SEAT FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." ON THE TWO-MAN PASSENGER BENCH SEAT INBOARD (CENTER) POSITION, SEAT BELT D-RING MOUNTING BRACKET WELDNUT, THE WELD IS NOT SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE SEAT BELT PULL REQUIREMENTS .

Safety consequence

THESE TRUCKS DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT D-RING MOUNTING BRACKET. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 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.

Notes

VOLVO TRUCK RECALL NO. RVXX0303.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Other Volvo VHD model years

Check your 2003 Volvo VHD VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Volvo VHD at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Volvo VIN