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 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 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: suspension.
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, 20050306
1 of 3 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages.
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20050417
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 ON
Campaign 04V077000 — check if this car was fixed
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 1-800
Campaign 04V315000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CON
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.
Campaign 04V457000 — check if this car was fixed
HOOD STRUT FAILURE
INOPERABLE TAIL LIGHTS
Volvo Sleeper glass de-bonding
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 b
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.
Campaign 12V510000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Volvo VN — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V077000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V315000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V457000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V510000 (seat belts) has been completed.
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:front:hub, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.