1998 Volvo VN
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 9 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 3 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 9 total reports mention: suspension.
3 of 9 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.
3 of 9 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing hood and body.
3 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring and alternator/generator/regulator.
2 of 9 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing connection and steering wheel/handle bar.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20020314
Also filed under TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO VN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SPORADICALLY BECOME EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE STEERING DRAG LINK WAS REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100927
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE ELECTRONIC MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL) AND HEADLIGHTS CAN FAIL WITHOUT WARNING RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF THE DRL AND HEAD
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRL CONTROL MODULE.
Campaign 98V092000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A FAL 8.0 FRONT STEER AXLE. THE UPPER STEERING ARM CAN FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE UPPER STEERING ARM AND REPLACE IT, IF REQUIRED.
Campaign 98V297000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN ESPAR COMPACT HEATER MOUNTED IN THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT. THE FUEL-METERING PUMP THAT SUPPLIES FUEL TO THE COMPACT HEATER IS NOT WIRED THROUGH
Remedy: DEALERS WILL WIRE THE FUEL-METERING PUMP THROUGH A ROLLOVER PROTECTION SWITCH.
Campaign 99V225000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH HALDEX MANIFOLD DASH VALVES (MDV) USED IN TRACTOR AND TRAILER PARKING BRAKES. THESE VALVES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR B
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT VALVES.
Campaign 00V002002 — check if this car was fixed
U-BOLT FAILURES ON DRIVE -AXLE ASSEMBLIE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE WEIGHT CERTIFICATION LABEL WHICH CONTAINS FRONT GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE
Remedy: THE WEIGHT CERTIFICATION LABEL WILL BE BROUGHT INTO COMPLIANCE BY ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING MEANS: (1) REPLACEMENT OF THE LABEL WITH ONE WHICH CONTAINS CORRECT INFORMATION; OR (2) REPLACEMENT OF FR
Campaign 01V093000 — check if this car was fixed
EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATION LABEL
STEERING BINDING
STEERING BINDING
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AFTERMARKET ALUMINUM DUAL WHEELS, 22.5X8.25, ONE-PIECE, TUBELESS, SUPPLIED BY ACCURIDE/AKW. CERTAIN DESIGN REVISIONS COMBINED WITH PROCESS CONDITIONS CAUSED FATIGUE CRACKS IN THESE WHEELS.
Remedy: ACCURIDE/AKW WILL REPLACE THESE WHEELS.
Campaign 98V120001 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Volvo VN — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V120001 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V092000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V297000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V225000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V002002 (parking brake) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V093000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1998 Volvo VN reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Volvo VN?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Volvo VN have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.