Volvo VN Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Volvo VN options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Volvo VN has 7 owner complaints and 38 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is UNKNOWN OR OTHER. 2021 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Volvo
- Model
- VN
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 38
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2021 (3 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (0 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Reliability signal
- Excellent
By model year
Volvo VN: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
ExcellentThe VOLVO VN has 7 NHTSA complaints and 38 recalls on record. 1 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 7 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 38 federal recall campaigns
- 1 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
38 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE:THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
STEERING
STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 7 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
7 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
See attached document for complaint.
Driver [XXX] alcohol in truck DOB: [XXX] Driver's License number [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Volvo VN. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 615,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 763,309. Local Authorities had not been notified.
RVXX2409 - Bendix ABS ECU Recall C6619 RVXX2004 Pedal Carrier Date Code Inspection Recall
Every window in this truck leaks. The upholstery is water stained around and underneath every window. This , I found out is a common problem for Volvo trucks. Volvo knows about this problem as they had a recall in 2019 for this very problem. Volvo Corp office also acknowledged a current recall for this problem. Certain trucks qualified for repair under recall according to Volvo. Certain trucks do not qualify. Why is that ?? Water leaking around and down from a window can cause structure damage, electrical fires and problems along with damage to interior upholstery. I was told my particular truck did not qualify for dealer repair and that i needed to pay to have every window resealed. WHY? This is a safety hazard and a known problem. This should be the responsibility of Volvo to make sure their vehicles do not leak water. For the price we pay for these vehicles we should expect a quality made and safe vehicle to operate . I want help in getting this addressed for myself and every individual that has this problem. It is unsafe. I did contact Volvo at 2 dealers and the Corp office. I filed a complaint with the Corp office and yet to have received a response from them. The Somerset Pennsylvania Volvo dealer said they would call me back as well , no response. That dealer along with the Corp office acknowledged there is a problem with windows leaking.
The contact owns a 2020 Volvo VN. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V790000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the contact called the local dealer to schedule an appointment and was informed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Read 1 more owner reports
This Person hit my SUV and would not Stop, USDOT # 923849 I had to chase him down for a mile before he stopped. He destroyed my New Car 2025 Subaru Forester. I would like this person NOT be able to drive a BIG RIG again.
Showing 7 of 7 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Volvo VN
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Volvo VN, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Volvo VN has 7 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Volvo VN has 38 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 1 of the Volvo VN's 7 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Excellent) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Volvo VN vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Volvo VN vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Volvo VN has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Volvo VN by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Volvo VN.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Volvo VN reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Volvo VN reliable?
Excellent. The Volvo VN has 7 NHTSA owner complaints and 38 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Volvo VN years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2021 (3 complaints), 2020 (1 complaints), 2024 (1 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Volvo VN problems?
Top reported issues: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints); TIRES (1 complaints).
Does the Volvo VN have recalls?
Yes — 38 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Volvo VN. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.