2004 Volvo VNL
Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2004
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2004: 5 complaints
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 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Steering
2 of 5 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing linkages.
Show complaint excerpts
Drag link came loose while our driver was pulling a load on interstate 81. He lost all steering and drove into a guardrail. The total costs for repairs to us was $17,022.93.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-11-17
Visibility
1 of 5 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing exterior.
Show complaint excerpts
Glass mirrors vibrated to the point were it was difficult to see.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-21
Tires
1 of 5 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
There were two recapped tires placed on the rear-extended lift axle of a dump truck. While driving 55 MPH one tire blew out, and the other tire separated while carrying a load.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-04-27
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2005-09-12Equipment05V346000 Certain heavy duty trucks fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." The tire…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the certification labels. The recall began on September 12, 2005. Owners may contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
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R
2006-02-20Wheels05V498000 Certain trucks equipped with front steer axle air suspension may develop a front wheel wobble when the tires become worn.
Remedy: Dealers will repair and replace the front vertical shocks on each side of the front suspension and add a horizontal stabilizer. The recall began on February 20, 2006. Owners may contact Volvo…
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R
2006-03-03Engine and engine cooling06V021000 On certain trucks equipped with D12D engines, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler inlet pipes or the pipes that connect the EGR valves to the cooler may crack or break.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the EGR cooler pipes as required and install a heat shield free of charge. An interim owner letter was mailed on February 17, 2006, to advise on precautions that…
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R
2008-02-25Electrical system07V573000 On certain heavy duty trucks, the circuit protection (I.e. Automatic circuit breakers) used to protect the vehicle lighting system may not provide adequate protection.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the circuit breakers with fuses. The recall began on February 25, 2008. Owners may contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
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I
2009-01-15Engineering analysisClosed 2010-07-06 Drag Link Failure
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2009-09-30Visibility09V173000 Volvo trucks is recalling 127,764 my 2001-2008 VHD, VNL, VNM, and my 2005-2008 VT trucks. A seal may fail allowing water and contaminants to seep into the windshield wiper motor.
Remedy: Volvo will replace the wiper motor free of charge. Since this recall involves a large number of vehicles, Volvo will release the recall in stages as parts are received. Priority will be given to…
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R
2010-09-02Steering10V282000 Volvo trucks is recalling certain model year 2001-2006 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured with a trw sealed drag links. Certain factors can exist, which if left untreated may result in a ball socket…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the ball socket or the drag link as required if necessary. As parts are limited, Volvo trucks mailed an interim owner letter on September 2, 2010. The safety recall…
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I
2011-05-23Recall queryClosed 2012-01-20 Volvo Sleeper glass de-bonding
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Volvo VNL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V346000 · Equipment
- Recall 05V498000 · Wheels
- Recall 06V021000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 07V573000 · Electrical system
- Recall 09V173000 · Visibility
- Recall 10V282000 · Steering
FAQ
- Is the 2004 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 2004 Volvo VNL?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Volvo VNL have?
- 6 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.