2003 Volvo VN
Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 3 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 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Suspension
1 of 3 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing hub.
Show complaint excerpts
The bearings in the integral hub/bearing on the right front wheel (Steering axle) failed at 247,000 miles. This is a unit designed to last the life of the vehicle, and there is no maintenance possible.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-03-06
Latches/locks/linkages
1 of 3 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
Show complaint excerpts
Hood shocks on Volvo trucks are coming off at hood conection side. When pulling hood open if both shocks are lose hood can come over on driver, causing driver possible injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-04-17
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2004-03-08Engine and engine cooling04V077000 On certain heavy-duty class 8 trucks, the assembled engine pre-heater jumper wiring harness was incorrectly assembled.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the affected circuits in the jumper wiring harness connector. Owner notification is expected to begin during March 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer…
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R
2004-08-09Trailer hitches04V315000 On certain trucks, a malfunction in the solenoid valve may allow air to be released to fifth wheel latch when the park brake is engaged.
Remedy: Dealers will add an additional solenoid valve in series with the existing pneumatic circuit for the fifth wheel air release. The recall began on August 9, 2004. Owners should contact Volvo AT…
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R
2004-11-01Visibility04V457000 On certain trucks equipped with valeo wiper systems, the wiper motor may be susceptive to salt intrusion that could possibly lead to a condition where the connector overheats to a point where the…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the connector plate on the windshield wiper motor. Phase 2 of the recall began on November 1, 2004. Owners should contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
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I
2005-11-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-02-24 Hood strut failure
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I
2006-11-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-02-07 Inoperable tail lights
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I
2011-05-23Recall queryClosed 2012-01-20 Volvo Sleeper glass de-bonding
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R
2013-05-10Seat belts12V510000 Volvo is recalling certain model year 2002-2013 VHD and VN trucks, manufactured from August 4, 2000, through June 22, 2012, and equipped with bench passenger seats. The seat belt d-ring weld may not…
Remedy: Volvo Trucks of America will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspected d-ring, free of change. The safety recall began on May 10, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Volvo VN — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
- Latches/locks/linkages: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V077000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 04V315000 · Trailer hitches
- Recall 04V457000 · Visibility
- Recall 12V510000 · Seat belts
FAQ
- Is the 2003 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 2003 Volvo VN?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Volvo VN have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.