2008 Volvo VNL recalls and problems

12 recalls and 3 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Volvo VNL.

12
recalls
3
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.

2008 Volvo VNL recalls

Power train: clutch assembly

NHTSA campaign 13V268000 · reported June 26, 2013 · Volvo Trucks North America · 23,056 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 VAH, VHD, VNL, VNM, and VT models. The affected vehicles were built without a redundant clutch disengagement switch. Without a redundant switch, a loss of signal from the brake air pressure switch can prevent the clutch from automatically disengaging when the brake is applied.
The risk
Without a signal to disengage the clutch when the brakes are applied, the distance required to stop the truck may lengthen, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Volvo Trucks will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles if necessary. The recall began on August 26, 2013. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1303. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.

Equipment: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 10V492000 · reported October 12, 2010 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA · 1,926 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 vhd, vnl, vnm, as well as 2008-2010 vt vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of part 567, "certification." the tire description may be incorrect on the vehicle's certification label.
The risk
The misinformation on these labels could lead to a vehicle overloading that can increase risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the labels free of charge. The safety recall began on february 25, 2011. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

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.

Service brakes, air

NHTSA campaign 09V030000 · reported January 27, 2009 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA · 366 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Volvo trucks is recalling 366 my 2006-2009 vnl trucks equipped with super single tires, bendix brake cam tubes, and volvo air suspension. The vibration frequency from the suspension with super single tires may result in a fatigue crack of the mounting brackets for the brake cam tube.
The risk
If left untreated, the crack can propagate and cause failure of the brake cam tube support bracket(s), which can result in loss of brakes at the corresponding wheel end increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will add a support bracket to the brake cam tube. The recall began on june 30, 2009. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Engine and engine cooling: engine, diesel

NHTSA campaign 08V028000 · reported January 24, 2008 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA · 798 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain trucks, an incorrect software parameter was loaded which resulted in the diesel particulate filter (dpf) 'inhibit' function being disabled. The 'inhibit' function is a means for the driver to stop a dpf regeneration from occurring if a vehicle is in a location that may present a hazardous situation.
The risk
If the driver believes that regeneration has been stopped when it has not, it could result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will change the control parameters. The recall began on february 15, 2008. 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.

Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)

NHTSA campaign 07V529000 · reported November 19, 2007 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA · 2,054 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain trucks, the bolts that attach the steering gear to the frame may not have been tightened to the specified torque.
The risk
Loss of steering control could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will tighten the bolts free of charge. The recall began on december 3, 2007. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly

NHTSA campaign 07V496000 · reported October 23, 2007 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA · 6,519 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain trucks equipped with a saf holland simplex fifth wheel, the lever arm pivot bolt may have been over tightened. An over tightened pivot bolt can distort the pivot bolt spacer sleeve, which may prevent the fifth wheel latch jaw from closing and latching securely around the trailer king pin.
The risk
There is a possibility that the pivot bolt can become loose without the driver's knowledge. When this occurs, the driver could drive away and the trailer could become disengaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the pivot bolt and sleeve with a hex head shoulder bolt and washer free of charge. The recall began on january 28, 2008. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Structure: body, hood, hinge and attachments

NHTSA campaign 07V410000 · reported September 10, 2007 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA · 956 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain trucks, the hood restraint cylinder does not contain enough dampening to adequately restrain the hood.
The risk
The cylinders could possibly separate, which would leave the hood unrestrained when opening and closing the hood.
The fix
Dealers will replace the hood restraint cylinders free of charge. The recall began on october 15, 2007. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Fuel system, diesel

NHTSA campaign 07V345000 · reported August 7, 2007 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA · 677 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain trucks, an unprotected lead in the thermoswitch of the heater may make contact with another post possibly creating a short circuit, which can result in continuous operation of the heating element.
The risk
If the condition exists and the key is left on without fuel in the filter, the heating element may heat to a point where a flame becomes present at the tip of the element which could result in a vehicle fire.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the thermoswitch and will replace it if necessary. The recall began on september 10, 2007. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Steering

NHTSA campaign 07V323000 · reported July 24, 2007 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA · 9,102 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain trucks, the nut used to retain the steering shaft may or may not be a lock nut that has the locking feature. A lock nut is required to provide additional resistance to ensure that the nut does not come loose.
The risk
If the nut were to come loose, the steering shaft could potentially separate resulting in loss of steering control which could cause a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the steering shaft pinch bolts and locknuts free of charge. The recall began on august 24, 2007. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Power train: axle assembly

NHTSA campaign 07V108000 · reported March 16, 2007 · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA · 84 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain trucks, the axle housings may have been manufactured with steel that was out of specification which could result in a fatigue failure over time.
The risk
If a fatigue failure occurs and is left unattended, the axle may lock up or the end of the axle could come off, which may result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Dealers will repair and inspect the axles and replace them free of charge. The recall began on april 9, 2007. 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.

Mar 30, 2016 · Steering · 80,605 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR AN INSPECTION WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THIS PARTICULAR FAILURE, THE VEHICLE HAD…

Dec 19, 2014 · Structure · 60,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Jan 3, 2013 · Service brakes · 415,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED ON AN INCLINE AND APPLING THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ROLLED AWAY. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE BRAKE SLACK ADJUSTER ON…

VNL model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2005 6620
2006 7700
2007 91522
2008 12300
2009 4200
2010 4000
2011 12400

All Volvo VNL years →

Questions

Does the 2008 Volvo VNL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2008 Volvo VNL, the most recent reported on June 26, 2013 (Power train: clutch assembly). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volvo VNL?
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes (1 complaints), followed by steering (1).
How many 2008 Volvo VNL complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 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 March 30, 2016.