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NHTSA vehicle safety data

1996 Volvo WIA Recalls & Complaints

The 1996 Volvo WIA has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 8 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 1996 Volvo WIA. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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

1996 Volvo WIA owner complaints

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 Volvo WIA, describing incidents dated April 9, 1997 to October 10, 2006.

Most-cited components

  • Steering 3 complaints
  • Suspension 3 complaints
  • Electrical System 2 complaints
  • Engine 2 complaints
  • Structure 2 complaints
  • Air Bags 1 complaint

Of the 8 complaints on file, 1 reports a fire; across all 8 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #10595787 · Filed

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 VOLVO WIA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…

  • ODI #10176427 · Filed

    1996 CONVENTIONAL CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF IT WAS ELECTRICAL. *JB

  • ODI #819978 · Filed

    NOTICED NOISE, UPON TURNING THE CAB SHIFTED. THEN CHECKED THE PROBLEM OUT AND NOTICED. THE VEHICLE WAS LOOKED AT BY A VOLVO DEALER, AND THE CONSUMER FOUND OUT THAT PROBLEM OCCURRED BECAUSE THE WELD BROKE ON THE ELBOW WHICH HOLDS THE CAB TO THE FRAME. IN ADDITION, REPLACED ALTERNATOR/ADJUSTED REAR…

Read all 8 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1996 Volvo WIA in 1 investigation. 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

VOLVO TRUCKS/FMVSS 108/LAMP MOUNTING

NHTSA #02V238000 · Exterior Lighting — Tail Lights — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported September 9, 2002 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC

Potentially affected: 5,532 vehicles

Owners notified October 31, 2002 · Vehicles built November 11, 1990 – July 17, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE TWO TAIL LAMPS, BACK-UP LAMP,AND LICENSE TAG LAMP WERE MOUNTED ON INSUFFICIENTLY RIGID MOUNTS.

Safety consequence

IT MAY NOT ALLOW THE DRIVER OF A REARWARD APPROACHING VEHICLE TO HAVE FULL VIEW OF THE LAMPS.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL ATTACH THE TWO TAIL LAMPS, BACK-UP LAMP, AND THE LICENSE TAP LAMP ON STIFFER BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 31, 2002. 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

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

VOLVO TRUCKS/AIR SUSPENSION

NHTSA #98V255000 · Suspension — Front — Springs — Air Suspension — Lines and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported October 14, 1998 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC

Potentially affected: 95,013 vehicles

Owners notified November 27, 1998 · Vehicles built October 1, 1986 – July 13, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE AIR SUSPENSION CONTROL VALVE SUPPLY LINE WAS NOT PLUMBED THROUGH AN AIR PRESSURE PROTECTION VALVE. IN THE EVENT OF A FAILURE, THERE WOULD BE LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN THE 'B' SYSTEM AIR RESERVOIR THAT SUPPLIES AIR PRESSURE FOR THE FRONT STEER AXLE BRAKES.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NECESSARY AIR PRESSURE PROTECTION VALVE.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 1998. 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.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

VOLVO TRUCKS/FRONT AXLE HUBS

NHTSA #97V196004 · Suspension — Front — Hub · NHTSA notice

Reported December 31, 1997 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC

Potentially affected: 39 vehicles

Owners notified January 26, 1998 · Vehicles built August 12, 1996 – December 7, 1996 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DESIGN LEVEL 1, ROCKWELL FF980 SERIES FRONT AXLE. THE FRONT AXLE HUB FLANGE CAN DEVELOP CRACKS DUE TO HIGH STRESS LEVELS.

Safety consequence

CRACKS IN A HUB FLANGE CAN RESULT IN A WHEEL SEPARATION.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE FRONT HUBS WITH AN IMPROVED DESIGN LEVEL 2 HUB.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JANUARY 26, 1998.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 FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-322-8216. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

VOLVO HEAVY TRUCK/CAB ENTRY

NHTSA #97V023000 · Structure — Body · NHTSA notice

Reported February 24, 1997 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC

Potentially affected: 1,928 vehicles

Owners notified February 28, 1997 · Vehicles built November 11, 1996 – January 29, 1997 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

WARNING LABELS IDENTIFYING THE CLIMBING SEQUENCE AND PROCESS WERE OMITTED.

Safety consequence

PERSONS NOT USING THE SEQUENCE AND PROCESS DURING CAB ENTRY OR EXIT OR WHEN USING THE OPTIONAL BACK OF CAB ACCESS MAY SLIP AND/OR FALL CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

VOLVO HEAVY TRUCK WILL BE PROVIDING WARNING LABELS TO BE INSTALLED BY OWNERS ON THEIR TRUCKS.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MARCH 18, 1997. NOTES:OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE WARNING LABEL FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO GM HEAVY DUTY TRUCK AT 1-910-393-2000.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

VOLVO HEAVY TRUCK/EATON/DRIVE AXLE HOUSINGS

NHTSA #96V233004 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported December 2, 1996 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC

Potentially affected: 42 vehicles

Owners notified January 2, 1997 · Vehicles built August 7, 1996 – September 3, 1996 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH EATON DRIVE AXLES AND AXILOK SPINDLE NUTS. THE DRIVE AXLE HOUSINGS CONSIST OF A PLATE STEEL CENTER SECTION AND TWO FORGED SPINDLES, ONE OF WHICH IS WELDED TO EACH END OF THE CENTER SECTION. EACH SPINDLE CONTAINS A KEYWAY SLOT IN WHICH THE LOCKING TAB FOR THE WHEEL BEARING NUT LOCKING MECHANISM IS INSERTED. THE LENGTH OF THE KEYWAY SLOT MAY NOT BE LONG ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE THE TAB CAUSING THE TAB TO BE DEFORMED OR DAMAGED DURING INSTALLATION.

Safety consequence

THIS LOCKING TAB PREVENTS THE WHEEL BEARING NUT FROM LOOSENING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IF THIS TAB IS DEFORMED, THE NUT CAN LOOSEN ALLOWING THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE AXLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVE AXLE HOUSING NUTS WITH A CONVENTIONAL WHEEL NUT HARDWARE SYSTEM.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN JANUARY 2, 1997.NOTE: 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 GM HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS AT 1-910-393-2000. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Service Brakes, Air

NHTSA #96V095000 · NHTSA notice

Reported March 23, 1996 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC

Potentially affected: 771 vehicles

Owners notified April 23, 1996 · Vehicles built August 1, 1994 – February 1, 1996 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

THE TRACTION SOLENOID EXHAUST CAN BE OBSTRUCTED DUE TO INADEQUATE DRAINAGE AND A BUILD-UP OF ROAD CONTAMINATION BETWEEN THE MOUNTING BRACKET AND THE SOLENOID HOUSING. THE OBSTRUCTED EXHAUST PREVENTS THE RELAY VALVE CONTROL AIR PRESSURE FROM VENTING AFTER A DIFFERENTIAL BRAKING TRACTION EVENT.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION WOULD KEEP THE REAR AXLE SERVICE BRAKES APPLIED WITHOUT ANY BRAKE PEDAL MOVEMENT BY THE DRIVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE SUSPECT VALVE AND INSTALL A NEW VALVE THAT HAS A MODIFIED SOLENOID HOUSING WHICH WILL ALLOW FOR SUFFICIENT DRAINAGE AND A NEW VALVE MOUNTING BRACKET WITH INCREASED HEIGHT TO REDUCE ENTRY OF CONTAMINATION.

Notes

SYSTEM: BRAKES; AIR SYSTEMS. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A BENDIX ATR TRACTION RELAY VALVE. NOTE: 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 GM HEAVY TRUCK AT 1-800-528-6586. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Steering — Linkages

NHTSA #96V038000 · NHTSA notice

Reported February 22, 1996 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC

Potentially affected: 1,303 vehicles

Owners notified February 27, 1996 · Vehicles built August 1, 1995 – February 1, 1996 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES BUILT WITH A VOLVO 5.7 (12,500 LBS) FRONT STEERING AXLE. DUE TO HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT, THE FRONT STEERING AXLE KING PINS COULD HAVE BROKEN DURING ASSEMBLY. CONTINUED OPERATION OF A VEHICLE WITH A BROKEN KING PIN COULD ALLOW THE PIN TO WORK LOOSE.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE ERRATIC STEERING RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR A BROKEN KING PIN AND REPLACE THE KING PINS IF BROKEN.

Notes

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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Other Volvo WIA model years

Check your 1996 Volvo WIA VIN

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