try.vin
Log in

NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Volvo VNL Recalls & Complaints

The 2003 Volvo VNL has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2 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 VNL. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2003 Volvo VNL owner complaints

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Volvo VNL, describing incidents dated July 18, 2003 to August 4, 2009.

Most-cited components

  • Electrical System 1 complaint
  • Engine 1 complaint
  • Interior Lighting 1 complaint

Of the 2 complaints on file, 2 report a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #10298416 · Filed

    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…

  • ODI #10028661 · Filed

    COUTESY LIGHTS TOO SOFT TO ACTIVATE, ALSO TOO HOT TO TOUCH, STARTED PILLOW ON FIRE IN SLEEPER BUNK. *AK

Read all 2 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 Volvo VNL 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

DRAG LINK

NHTSA #10V282000 · Steering — Linkages — Drag — Link — Connection · NHTSA notice

Reported June 24, 2010 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 63,788 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX1003 · Owners notified September 2, 2010 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

BALL SOCKET SEPARATION AT THE DRAG LINK RESULTS IN COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING, AND THEREFORE CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

VOLVO RECALL NO. RVXX1003.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> .

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.

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.

FRONT WHEEL WOBBLE

NHTSA #05V498000 · Wheels · NHTSA notice

Reported November 2, 2005 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 1,376 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX0506 · Owners notified February 20, 2006 · Vehicles built March 1, 2002 – October 31, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT STEER AXLE AIR SUSPENSION MAY DEVELOP A FRONT WHEEL WOBBLE WHEN THE TIRES BECOME WORN.

Safety consequence

IF THE WOBBLE PERSISTS AND IS LEFT UNTREATED, DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD IMPAIR VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

VOLVO TRUCKSRECALL NO. RVXX0506.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/BUNK LAMP

NHTSA #03V516000 · Equipment — Recreational Vehicle/Trailer · NHTSA notice

Reported December 10, 2003 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 6,939 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX0308 · Owners notified December 24, 2003 · Vehicles built April 3, 2002 – November 5, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

VOLVO RECALL NO. RVXX0308.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/ELECTRICAL SHORT

NHTSA #03V260000 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice

Reported July 22, 2003 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC

Potentially affected: 422 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX0304 · Owners notified August 15, 2003 · Vehicles built October 3, 2001 – June 11, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

VOLVO RECALL NO. RVXX0305.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/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/SLEEPER SECTION WINDOW GLASS

NHTSA #03V038000 · Visibility — Glass, Side/Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported February 6, 2003 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC

Potentially affected: 2,435 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX0302 · Owners notified February 26, 2003 · Vehicles built August 1, 2002 – November 20, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS, THE SLEEPER SECTION UPPER SIDE WINDOW GLASS MAY DE-BOND FROM THE WINDOW OPENING SLIDE TRACK MECHANISM.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

VOLVO TRUCK RECALL NO. RVXX0302.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 VNL model years

Check your 2003 Volvo VNL VIN

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

Check a Volvo VIN