What are the most common problems with the 2020 Volvo VN?

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (2 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (1).

How many 2020 Volvo VN complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 6 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2020 Volvo VN recalls and problems

2 recalls and 6 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Volvo VN.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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.

2020 Volvo VN recalls

Electrical system: software · Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 24V790000 · reported October 23, 2024 · Volvo Trucks North America · 124,949 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2025 VN, VAH, VHD and VNRE trucks, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop working.
The risk: Safety systems that depend on the ECU (Automatic Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control, and Collison Mitigation System) may have diminished or lost functionality, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2409.

Seats: critical fasteners

NHTSA campaign 23V769000 · reported November 15, 2023 · Volvo Trucks North America · 638 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2019-2024 VN and VHD vehicles. The passenger side bench seat may be inadequately attached to the floor. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 207, "Seating Systems" and 210, "Seatbelt Assembly Anchorage."
The risk: The attachment points may fail, allowing the bench seat to shift and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the weld nut with two nuts and a washer, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 29, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2312.

Most reported problems

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

Electrical system2
Engine and engine cooling1
Exterior lighting1
Service brakes1
Service brakes, hydraulic1
Structure1
Suspension1
Visibility/wiper1

What owners report

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

Oct 22, 2026 · Engine and engine cooling · 264,811 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Volvo VN. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not eligible because the vehicle was not registered in California. The contact…

Mar 10, 2026 · Service brakes
I have just purchased this truck to replace an old truck lost due to a total loss . I picked up the truck in South dakota and drove back to Pennsylvania. When setting the parking brakes parked on a small incline with the truck empty the parking brake hold on the front drive axle and it skids those tires when rolling…

Dec 12, 2024 · Electrical system
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…

Mar 2, 2022 · Suspension · 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Volvo VNL-860. The contact stated that her husband was driving at 65 MPH and towing a 53-foot trailer, and the steering wheel would overcompensate while making adjustment, left or right to stay centered in lane. The failure lead to constant steering adjustments. The contact stated no warning…

May 12, 2021 · Electrical system
THE OWNER PROGRAMMED A 5 MINUTE IDLE SHUT OFF AND DID NOT PROVIDE ANYTHING FOR ME AS THE DRIVER TO STAY WARM AT NIGHT I WAS DRIVING DURING WINTER AND TRAVELING TO STATES LIKE WYOMING WHERE IT REACHED 23 DEGREES. HE HAS MANY THINGS NOT UP TO DOT REGULATIONS WITH HIS TRUCK, LOT OF THINGS ARE NOT WORKING AND DAMAGED. HE…

VN model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2018	0	2
2019	1	0
2020	2	6
2021	2	3
2022	6	0
2023	9	0

All Volvo VN years →

Questions

Does the 2020 Volvo VN have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 Volvo VN, the most recent reported on October 23, 2024 (Electrical system: software, Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Volvo VN?: Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (2 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (1).
How many 2020 Volvo VN complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 6 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 October 22, 2026.