2003 Volvo VN recalls and problems

4 recalls and 3 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Volvo VN.

4
recalls
3
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Volvo VN recalls

Seat belts

NHTSA campaign 12V510000 · reported October 18, 2012 · Volvo Trucks North America · 1,496 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 be sufficient enough to meet the seat belt pull test. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
The risk
In the event of a crash, an insufficient seat belt weld may prevent the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant. This increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
The fix
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.

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor

NHTSA campaign 04V457000 · reported September 17, 2004 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 56,154 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 connector could ignite.
The risk
If this occurs, excessive heat and smoke could result in an under hood fire.
The fix
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.

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly

NHTSA campaign 04V315000 · reported July 2, 2004 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 1,374 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
This condition could cause the fifth wheel latch to release inadvertently when the park brake is engaged, creating the potential for loss of the trailer. A crash could occur without prior warning.
The fix
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 1-800-528-6586.

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 04V077000 · reported February 13, 2004 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 2,112 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain heavy-duty class 8 trucks, the assembled engine pre-heater jumper wiring harness was incorrectly assembled.
The risk
The engine pre-heater could overheat resulting in damage to the pre-heater and other engine heat sensitive components near the pre-heater and the ability to re-start the engine could be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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 an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 1, 2010 · Unknown or other · crash reported

2003 VOLVO 660, UNIT 1 STRUCK THE REAR OF UNIT 2. UNIT 1 THEN WENT OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND STRUCK THE GUARDRAIL. ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING TO CLOSELY BEHIND THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF HIM. (OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT # 10-0467-90) UPDATED 09/13/10

Apr 17, 2005 · Latches/locks/linkages

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.

Mar 6, 2005 · Suspension · 247,000 miles

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. THIS WAS A VERY LOW MILEAGE FOR SUCH A FAILURE. NO ACCIDENT OR INJURIES WERE CAUSED BY THE FAILURE BECAUSE IT WAS…

VN model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 2500
2001 2100
2002 5000
2003 4310
2004 4100
2005 2200
2006 4201

All Volvo VN years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Volvo VN have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Volvo VN, the most recent reported on October 18, 2012 (Seat belts). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo VN?
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is latches/locks/linkages (1 complaints), followed by suspension (1).
How many 2003 Volvo VN complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 3 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 1, 2010.