NHTSA vehicle safety data

2004 Volvo VNL Recalls & Complaints

The 2004 Volvo VNL has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 5 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 2004 Volvo VNL. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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

2004 Volvo VNL owner complaints

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Volvo VNL, describing incidents dated June 17, 2003 to August 16, 2009.

Most-cited components

Steering 2 complaints
Engine 1 complaint
Tires 1 complaint
Visibility/Wiper 1 complaint

Of the 5 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10294908 · Filed December 4, 2009
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…
ODI #10292527 · Filed November 17, 2009
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…
ODI #10265699 · Filed April 17, 2009
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…

Read all 5 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2004 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.

Recall Query RQ11-001: Volvo Sleeper glass de-bonding
Closed January 20, 2012
Engineering Analysis EA09-003: Drag Link Failure
Closed July 6, 2010
- Recall 10V-282

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.

FMVSS 120/CERTIFICATION LABEL/TIRE DESCRIPTION

NHTSA #05V346000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported August 1, 2005 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 958 vehicles

Volvo campaign RVXX0504 · Owners notified September 12, 2005 · Vehicles built August 4, 2003 – June 23, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THE CERTIFICATION LABEL IS INCORRECT GIVING IMPROPER INFORMATION.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CERTIFICATION LABELS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Notes

VOLVO TRUCKS RECALL NO. RVXX0504. 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.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2004 Volvo VNL. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

5 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Volvo VNL.

Steering

ODI #10294908

Incident: September 30, 2008 · Filed: December 4, 2009

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 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.

Steering

ODI #10292527

Crash

Incident: August 16, 2009 · Filed: November 17, 2009

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

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10265699

Incident: March 25, 2009 · Filed: April 17, 2009

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 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

Tires

ODI #10119236

Incident: April 20, 2005 · Filed: April 27, 2005

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

Visibility

ODI #10055494

Incident: June 17, 2003 · Filed: January 21, 2004

GLASS MIRRORS VIBRATED TO THE POINT WERE IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SEE. *AK

Other Volvo VNL model years

Check your 2004 Volvo VNL VIN

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