The Used Car Index

2013 Volvo VNL problems

NHTSA lists 7 complaints for the 2013 Volvo VNL, 1 of them mention a crash and 0 mention a fire. 0 complaints mention an injury, with 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-09.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as VOLVO VNL.

At a glance

Complaints
7
With crash
1
With fire
0
With injury (complaints)
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0
Recalls
14
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
23,056
Investigations
3
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
124

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
TIRES228.6%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING114.3%
SERVICE BRAKES114.3%
STEERING114.3%
STRUCTURE114.3%
VISIBILITY114.3%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
VISIBILITYREARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES1

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
loss of control228.6%0.98
mechanical failure228.6%0.91
electrical electronic114.3%0.85
fire or overheating114.3%0.81
visibility or lighting114.3%1.00
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
moderate685.7%0.86
high114.3%0.70

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 7 tagged complaints of 7 complaints (100.0%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

14 recalls. Showing the latest 10 of 14.

16V928000

Date: 2016-12-22. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR.

Defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 VNL and VNM trucks and certain model year 2017 VNX trucks. In the affected vehicles, incorrect software for controlling the electronic air dryer may result in oil and water contaminating the brake system.

Consequence: If the brake system becomes contaminated, braking performance could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module and replace the air dryer filter, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1608.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

16V467000

Date: 2016-06-27. Systems: STEERING, SUSPENSION.

Defect: Volvo Trucks North America, (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013 VNM and VNL trucks manufactured April 16, 2012, to May 4, 2012. These vehicles are equipped with certain Meritor FF967 non-drive front steer axles that may have been incorrectly heat treated.

Consequence: The improperly heat treated axles may fracture, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the axles for specific heat code serial numbers. The affected axles will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1605.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

15V643000

Date: 2015-10-13. Systems: TRAILER HITCHES.

Defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured June 21, 2010, to December 14, 2012. The affected trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, which, due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, have a locking mechanism that may fail to operate or to properly engage.

Consequence: If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and Fontaine dealers will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1507.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

15V634000

Date: 2015-10-08. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Volvo VNL trucks manufactured December 1, 2011, to September 1, 2013, equipped with certain Electric Auxiliary Power Units (APU), part number BA600, manufactured by Idle Free Systems (IFS). The affected APUs have metal housings whose mounting points may crack and tear. Additionally, the mounting bolts of the power units (excerpt)

Consequence: If the mounting points crack and tear or the attaching bolts loosen or fail, the power unit may detach from the truck, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. (excerpt)

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners and IFS dealers will inspect the APU for damage and, where needed, install a welded gusset upgrade kit to strengthen the APU C-channels. All units will receive stronger clamping brackets. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586, or IFS customer service at 1-920-206-9333. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX15 (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

15V524000

Date: 2015-08-17. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.

Defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured May 31, 2011, to December 1, 2014. In the affected trucks, the trailer hand brake handle may not to return to the off position due to being restricted by the cut out in the trim panel.

Consequence: If the brake handle does return to the off position, the trailer service brakes may drag causing the wheel end to overheat and potentially cause a wheel end fire or tire blowout. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trim panel slot and make it longer, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-258-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1504.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

14V740000

Date: 2014-11-18. Systems: TIRES.

Defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 VAH and VNL trucks manufactured May 12, 2010, to October 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience premature tire failure during certain operating conditions such as high speeds, heavy load, and high road temperature.

Consequence: Premature tire failure could increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tires and set the road speed limiter, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1405.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

14V739000

Date: 2014-11-18. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012, 2014-2015 VHD, 2012-2015 VNL, and 2014-2015 VNM trucks manufactured June 16, 2011, to August 18, 2014, and equipped with the Eco-Roll option. The affected trucks may fail to re-engage the vehicle drivetrain after using the Eco-Roll feature.

Consequence: If the drivetrain does not re-engage, the vehicle's stopping distance may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volvo has notified owners, and dealers will update the Eco-Roll software, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1406.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

14V356000

Date: 2014-06-20. Systems: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE.

Defect: Volvo Trucks of North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 VNL and 2014-2015 VNM trucks manufactured November 17, 2010, through February 5, 2014, and equipped with enhanced cruise control and without side fairings. In the affected vehicles, the active braking component of the enhanced cruise control can become disabled.

Consequence: If the active braking feature becomes disabled, the vehicle may not automatically activate the brakes as intended when the enhanced cruise control system is in use, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on August 12, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1402.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

14V139000

Date: 2014-03-24. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

Defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 VNL trucks, and 2013-2014 VNM trucks equipped with certain Cummins Westport Model ISL G and ISX12 G engines. Condensation in the intake manifold may freeze during cold weather conditions and interfere with the proper operation of the intake manifold pressure sensor.

Consequence: The improper operation of the sensor could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a person near the exhaust pipe.

Remedy: Cummins Inc. and Cummins Wesport Inc. will notify owners, and authorized Cummins service facilities will upload a new ECM calibration, free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1401.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

13V366000

Date: 2013-08-09. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Defect: Volvo Trucks North America is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 VNL vehicles manufactured April 2, 2012, through May 3, 2013; and equipped with a Meritor RPL-20 driveline transmission. The driveshaft is too weak for this application and may fail.

Consequence: Failure of the driveshaft can result in debris on the roadway and disabling of the truck, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 9, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1305.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

3 investigations; 0 open.

AQ18005

Opened: 2018-10-22. Closed: 2023-08-04.

Discrepancies in Required CFR Reporting

On October 22, 2018, an Audit Query (AQ18-005) was opened to assess the completeness and timeliness of Volvo Group's early warning reporting, safety recalls, and communications submissions to the agency.NHTSA's investigation determined that Volvo Group failed to recall vehicles in a timely fashion and to comply with other recall and reporting requirements, including notifying owners of recalls and

Systems: COMMUNICATION.

Linked campaign numbers: None listed.

DP15006

Opened: 2015-09-28. Closed: 2016-04-08.

Ride Quality

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Defect Petition (DP) assessment in response to a defect petition received from owners of a 2015 Volvo VNL 780 tractor.Prior to submitting the letter the owners had submitted two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ).Their concerns included: cab sway, cab alignment , and loss of control.The petitioners further allege that due to a failure of the su

Systems: SUSPENSION.

Linked campaign numbers: None listed.

PE13002

Opened: 2013-02-07. Closed: 2013-07-03.

Stop Lamp Switch Signal

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data from the manufacturer that indicated some number of subject vehicles equipped with the subject automated manual transmission had allegedly experienced a condition where the clutch failed to automatically disengage the transmission from the engine as intended. This may result in extended stopping distances and/or

Systems: POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, AIR.

Linked campaign numbers: 13V268000.

Manufacturer communications

124 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING33
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM30
POWER TRAIN22
EQUIPMENT17
UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
EXTERIOR LIGHTING8
ENGINE6
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL6

10251325

Date: 2024-02-23. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT.

CBR - Telematics Gateway (TGW) Connect Ability Issues.

10251319

Date: 2024-02-16. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER, POWER TRAIN.

CBR - Automated Manual Transmission ( AMT ) Flywheel Pilot Bearing Wear On Input Shaft.

10251323

Date: 2024-02-16. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, PARKING BRAKE.

CBR - Active "Set Park Brake" Message On Drivers Information Display (DID)

10249569

Date: 2024-01-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

CBR: TGW Will Not Connect After SIM Card Replacement

10248063

Date: 2023-12-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VISIBILITY.

CBR: 11L Engine - Air Conditioner (A/C) Line Damaged At Bracket - Model Year 2007 to Present.

10243460

Date: 2023-09-05. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

TSB: Aftertreatment Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Tank, Level Sensor, Replacement

10243461

Date: 2023-09-05. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

TSB: Aftertreatment Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Tank, Level Sensor, Replacement

10241904

Date: 2023-08-29. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

CBR: Volvo VHD & VN Models - Vehicle Wil Not Start, PTO Active Message Displayed In Cluster, PTO Light On When PTO Switch Is Turned Off

10241906

Date: 2023-08-14. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SUSPENSION.

TSB: Barksdale Leveling Valve, Leak Test

10240244

Date: 2023-07-24. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, POWER TRAIN.

CBR: Programming Failure - Chassis With Cummins Engine And An Allison Transmission

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
VNL7

Same model, other years

All model years | All Volvo models

Other Volvo models, 2013

Sources

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