2004 Volvo VNL recalls and problems

6 recalls and 5 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Volvo VNL.

6
recalls
5
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.

2004 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: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 05V346000 · reported August 1, 2005 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 958 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Certain heavy duty trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." the tire size designation on the certification label is not shown.
The risk
The certification label is incorrect giving improper information.
The fix
Dealers will replace the certification labels. The recall began on september 12, 2005. Owners may 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.

Dec 4, 2009 · Steering

WEST BOUND ON 288. DID MY PRE TRIP. I WAS FULLY LOADED. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE. ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL GOT LIGHT. IT DID NOT HAVE ANY CONTROL. THE TRUCK STARTED DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT. I TRIED TO STEER TO THE LEFT. THE TRUCK DID NOT RESPOND. I STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE TRUCK TO…

Nov 17, 2009 · Steering · 500,000 miles · crash reported

DRAG LINK CAME LOOSE WHILE OUR DRIVER WAS PULLING A LOAD ON INTERSTATE 81. HE LOST ALL STEERING AND DROVE INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE TOTAL COSTS FOR REPAIRS TO US WAS $17,022.93. THE TRACTOR HAD JUST BEEN SERVED AND THE DRAG LINK APPEARED FINE AT THAT TIME. WE HAVE NOTICED THEM FAILING IN THE PAST AND CHANGED THEM…

Apr 17, 2009 · Engine and engine cooling · 688,000 miles

MY VOLVO TRUCK STARTED HAVING LOW POWER PROBLEM AFTER A CERTIFIED VOLVO DEALER REPLACED COPPER CUPS ON IT. TO FIX THAT PROBLEM, I TOOK THE TRUCK TO ANOTHER CERTIFIED VOLVO DEALER, WHO REPLACED EGR VALVE,WHICH WAS UNDER WARRANTY. ACCORDING TO THEM, IT WAS SUPPOSED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM, BUT IT DID NOT. IT STILL HAD…

Apr 27, 2005 · Tires

THERE WERE TWO RECAPPED TIRES PLACED ON THE REAR-EXTENDED LIFT AXLE OF A DUMP TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ONE TIRE BLEW OUT, AND THE OTHER TIRE SEPARATED WHILE CARRYING A LOAD. UPON SPEAKING WITH THE RETAILER THEY REFERRED THE CONSUMER TO THE WHOLESALER. NEITHER CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY, AND REFERRED HER TO J.P. BURNS…

Jan 21, 2004 · Visibility · 2,000 miles

GLASS MIRRORS VIBRATED TO THE POINT WERE IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SEE.

VNL model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 8100
2002 7100
2003 9202
2004 6510
2005 6620
2006 7700
2007 91522

All Volvo VNL years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Volvo VNL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Volvo VNL?
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (2 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (1).
How many 2004 Volvo VNL complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 5 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 December 4, 2009.