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
- 9
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1998
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 9 complaints
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 | 2 |
| 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.
Suspension
6 of 9 total reports mention: suspension.
Power train
3 of 9 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.
Structure
3 of 9 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing hood and body.
Electrical system
3 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring and alternator/generator/regulator.
Steering
2 of 9 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing connection and steering wheel/handle bar.
Show 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, 2002-03-14
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, 2010-09-27
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1998-05-30Exterior lighting98V092000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the drl control module.
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R
1998-11-30Steering98V297000 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.
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R
1999-09-27Visibility99V225000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will wire the fuel-metering pump through a rollover protection switch.
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R
2000-03-28Parking brake00V002002 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…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the suspect valves.
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I
2001-04-18Engineering analysisClosed 2002-07-30 U-bolt failures on drive -axle assemblie
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R
2001-04-26Equipment01V093000 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…
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…
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I
2001-05-10Defect petitionClosed 2002-01-23 Equipment certification label
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I
2004-02-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-06-24 Steering binding
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I
2004-06-24Engineering analysisClosed 2005-03-31 Steering binding
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R
Date not on fileWheels98V120001 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Volvo VN — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 98V120001 · Wheels
- Recall 98V092000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 98V297000 · Steering
- Recall 99V225000 · Visibility
- Recall 00V002002 · Parking brake
- Recall 01V093000 · Equipment
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.