Is the 2016 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 2016 Volvo VNL?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Volvo VNL have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Volvo VNL

○ Not enough data

2016 Volvo VNL
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:47:22.116Z

Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 12
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 2
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2016: 12 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 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Power train

7 of 12 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing driveshaft.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

Front wheels loose from factor and dealer didn't check, tires psi 1/2 what should been , drive shaft out of phase . Damage the truck more .I know of about 20 of these truck with the drive shaft problem . Dealer and factor wont fix/ this is not…

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-31

Also filed under Wheels

Volvo and mack drive shaft out of phase. I showed my dr. My video of my truck shaking. He said you mit as will be d w i

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-28

Suspension

2 of 12 total reports mention: suspension.

Service brakes

2 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Volvo VNL. While driving at various speeds and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the contact felt an abnormal vibration in the wheels.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-04-05

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Volvo VNL. While driving at an unknown speed, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle violently shook without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was unable to be determined.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-03-15

Wheels

1 of 12 total reports mentions: wheels.

CRASH

Structure

1 of 12 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2015-03-20Parking brake15V026000 Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2015 and 2016 VNX and VNL trucks manufactured from May 20, 2014, through March 6, 2015, equipped with certain Haldex Life Seal Type 30/30 Long Stroke Air Brake Actuators manufactured...

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator and replace, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1501.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2015-09-28Defect petitionClosed 2016-04-08 Ride Quality
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2016-04-21Suspension16V095000 Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 VT trucks manufactured from April 9, 2008, through September 24, 2009, and certain 2016 model VNL and VNM trucks manufactured from January 2, 2015, through to November 6,...

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drag links, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1601.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2016-05-13Steering16V097000 Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 VNL, VNX, and VNM trucks manufactured from May 11, 2015, through April 18, 2016. The trucks may have been manufactured without a roll pin on the steering shafts.

Remedy: Volvo is strongly recommending that the affected vehicles not be driven until the interim remedy is applied. An interim notice was sent to Volvo owners on March 16, 2016, and an interim repair is available now.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-02-16Service brakes, air16V928000 Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 VNL and VNM trucks and certain model year 2017 VNX trucks.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module and replace the air dryer filter, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-10-17Steering17V536000 Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016 Volvo VNL and VNM trucks equipped with certain Dana Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2018-10-22Audit queryClosed 2023-08-04 Discrepancies in Required CFR Reporting
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2018-11-21Engine and engine cooling18V668000 Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Volvo VNL trucks equipped with Cummins ISX15 diesel engines.

Remedy: Cummins will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single screen filter banjo bolt will be replaced with a dual screen filter banjo bolt, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Volvo VNL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 2 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 15V026000 · Parking brake
Recall 16V095000 · Suspension
Recall 16V097000 · Steering
Recall 16V928000 · Service brakes, air
Recall 17V536000 · Steering
Recall 18V668000 · Engine and engine cooling

FAQ

Is the 2016 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 2016 Volvo VNL?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 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.