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 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.
Electrical system: wiring, fuses and circuit breakers
NHTSA campaign 07V573000 · reported December 14, 2007 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA · 104,845 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain heavy duty trucks, the circuit protection (I.e. Automatic circuit breakers) used to protect the vehicle lighting system may not provide adequate protection.
- The risk
- If a short circuit occurs and is left untreated, components and wiring may be subject to overheating which could possibly result in a vehicle fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the circuit breakers with fuses. The recall began on february 25, 2008. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system
NHTSA campaign 06V021000 · reported January 26, 2006 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 33,102 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain trucks equipped with d12d engines, the exhaust gas recirculation (egr) cooler inlet pipes or the pipes that connect the egr valves to the cooler may crack or break.
- The risk
- If the pipes or the cooler inlet pipes fail and are left untreated, the air cleaner and inner fender may be subject to hot exhaust gases, which could lead to a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and repair the egr cooler pipes as required and install a heat shield free of charge. An interim owner letter was mailed on february 17, 2006, to advise on precautions that the owner can take until parts become available. Owners are being notified starting march 3, 2006, that parts are now available. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Wheels
NHTSA campaign 05V498000 · reported November 2, 2005 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 1,376 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Certain trucks equipped with front steer axle air suspension may develop a front wheel wobble when the tires become worn.
- The risk
- If the wobble persists and is left untreated, damage may occur which could impair vehicle control and a crash could occur without prior notice.
- The fix
- Dealers will repair and replace the front vertical shocks on each side of the front suspension and add a horizontal stabilizer. The recall began on february 20, 2006. 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.
Visibility: glass, side/rear
NHTSA campaign 03V038000 · reported February 6, 2003 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA INC · 2,435 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks, the sleeper section upper side window glass may de-bond from the window opening slide track mechanism.
- The risk
- If the window is open and this event occurs, the window glass could separate from the window frame and become a hazard to an oncoming vehicle and/or person.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the window. Owner notification began on february 26, 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 trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Jan 6, 2010 · Engine and engine cooling · 728,000 miles · fire reported
TL CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLVO VNL610 TRUCK. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 65-70 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE WAS A STRONG BURNING ODOR INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. A LOUD EXPLOSION CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR SLEEPER AREA AND UNDERNEATH…
Jul 20, 2003 · Electrical system · fire reported
COUTESY LIGHTS TOO SOFT TO ACTIVATE, ALSO TOO HOT TO TOUCH, STARTED PILLOW ON FIRE IN SLEEPER BUNK.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 6, 2010.