2002 Volvo VNL recalls and problems

7 recalls and 1 owner complaint on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Volvo VNL.

7
recalls
1
owner complaints
0
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.

2002 Volvo VNL recalls

Steering: linkages, drag, link, connection

NHTSA campaign 10V282000 · reported June 24, 2010 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA · 63,788 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 separation.
The risk
Ball socket separation at the drag link results in complete loss of steering, and therefore can result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
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 began on february 14, 2011. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor

NHTSA campaign 09V173000 · reported May 21, 2009 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA · 127,764 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If this happens a short circuit may occur, which over time could possibly lead to a vehicle fire.
The fix
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 the vehicles located in the regions/states that have a corrosive environment. The recall began on september 30, 2009. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer

NHTSA campaign 03V516000 · reported December 10, 2003 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 6,939 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain heavy-duty trucks, when the bunk is raised into the stored position, an object left on the bunk may inadvertently turn on a bunk lamp.
The risk
This could possibly result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will install a bunk lamp with a push button on/off switch. Owner notification began on december 24, 2003. 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 truck at 1-800-528-6586.

Electrical system: wiring

NHTSA campaign 03V260000 · reported July 22, 2003 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC · 422 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain trucks, the wiring harness connected to the chassis mounted electrical inverter may allow water to enter the inverter and cause an electrical short in the inverter.
The risk
This could result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these vehicles. Owner notification is expected to begin during august 2003. Owners should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly

NHTSA campaign 03V204000 · reported May 30, 2003 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC · 1,275 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with jost international jsk 37u series fifth wheels, a fatigue crack can develop in the bracket pin weld under certain loading conditions.
The risk
If left undetected or corrected it could lead to the separation of the fifth wheel top plate from its mounting structure, possibly resulting in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the bracket pins and repair instructions free of charge. 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 jost international at 616-846-7700 or by email to [email protected] or volvo truck at 800-528-6586.

Suspension: front

NHTSA campaign 03V199000 · reported May 28, 2003 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC · 433 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain trucks equipped with truck hub units manufactured by skf exclusively for use on arvinmeritor's ff98x series non-drive steer axles, the hub unit bearings can wear prematurely.
The risk
Seizure of the bearings can cause wheel separation or wheel end fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace all front axle hubs. An interim notice to owners was mailed on june 25, 2003. Final owner notification began on october 6, 2003. 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 at 1-800-528-6586.

Exterior lighting: tail lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 02V238000 · reported September 9, 2002 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC · 5,532 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Certain heavy duty class 8 trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the two tail lamps, back-up lamp,and license tag lamp were mounted on insufficiently rigid mounts.
The risk
It may not allow the driver of a rearward approaching vehicle to have full view of the lamps.
The fix
Dealers will attach the two tail lamps, back-up lamp, and the license tap lamp on stiffer brackets. Owner notification began october 31, 2002. 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.

Jul 14, 2005 · Service brakes, air · 159,000 miles

DT: CALLER HAD A HEAVY DUTY TRUCK. CALLER SAID HE COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY IF THE BRAKES FAILED. CALLER HAD IT IN THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER TOLD HIM THEY COULD NOT FIND WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. MANUFACTURER SAID TO TAKE IT TO A LOCAL DEALER, WHO GUESSED AT WHAT WAS WRONG AND REPLACED PARTS…

VNL model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 41011
2001 8100
2002 7100
2003 9202
2004 6510
2005 6620

All Volvo VNL years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Volvo VNL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2002 Volvo VNL, the most recent reported on June 24, 2010 (Steering: linkages, drag, link, connection). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Volvo VNL?
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, air (1 complaints).
How many 2002 Volvo VNL complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 1 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 July 14, 2005.