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.
2 of 9 total reports mention: power train.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: tires.
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
1 of 9 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: structure.
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 (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.