1998 Volvo VNL
Only 8 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 8 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 |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 8 |
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2000 | 10 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2006 | 7 |
| 2007 | 15 |
| 2008 | 3 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2014 | 8 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 8 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
PREMATURE WEAR FROM STEER TIRES RESULTING FROM IMPROPER COMBINATION OF RACE/BEARINGS IN MERITOR AXLES. LOST WHEEL ASSEMBLY. *MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 20010316
PREMATURE WEAR FROM STEER TIRES RESULTING FROM IMPROPER COMBINATION OF RACE/BEARINGS IN MERITOR AXLES. *MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 20010316
PREMATURE WEAR FROM STEER TIRES RESULTING FROM IMPROPER COMBINATION OF RACE/BEARINGS IN MERITOR AXLES. *MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 20010316
1 of 8 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURERS RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING THE STEERING DRAG LINK SEPTEMBER 2010.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100927
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAF
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
Campaign 00V232003 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS", S5.1.6.3, "ANTILOCK POWER FOR TOWED VEHICLES." ELECTRICAL POWER FOR THE TRA
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS WHICH WILL PROVIDE CONTINUOUS ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE TRAILER ABS WHENEVER THE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE ON OR RUN POSITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 29,
Campaign 02V110000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE TWO TAIL LAMPS, BAC
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ATTACH THE TWO TAIL LAMPS, BACK-UP LAMP, AND THE LICENSE TAP LAMP ON STIFFER BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 31, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALE
Campaign 02V238000 — check if this car was fixed
INTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRUCK HUB UNITS MANUFACTURED BY SKF EXCLUSIVELY FOR USE ON ARVINMERITOR'S FF98X SERIES NON-DRIVE STEER AXLES, THE HUB UNIT BEARINGS CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FRONT AXLE HUBS. AN INTERIM NOTICE TO OWNERS WAS MAILED ON JUNE 25, 2003. FINAL OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZE
Campaign 03V199000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING BINDING
Drag Link Failure
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL GENERAL S380A 295/75R22.5 LR G TIRES, SERIAL NOS. A3371E5488 THROUGH A3371E5089. THESE TIRES HAVE BEEN OVERCURED.
Remedy: CONTINENTAL GENERAL IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. DEALERS WILL EXCHANGE THE TIRE FOR AN IDENTICAL OR REASONABLY EQUIVALENT TIRE.
Campaign 99V296001 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Volvo VNL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V296001 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V232003 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V110000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V238000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V199000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1998 Volvo VNL 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 VNL?
The most-reported component is suspension:front:hub, accounting for 75% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Volvo VNL have?
5 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.