2002 Volvo VNL

7 Recalls · 100 Complaints · 0 Crashes · 2 Fires

Critical

7

Recalls

100

Complaints

2

Fires

No crashes reported

The 2002 Volvo VNL has 7 recalls and 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. No crashes have been reported. 2 fires have been reported. The most common issue involves steering:linkages:drag:link:connection.

Recalls (7)

STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
Jun 24, 2010

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.

Consequence

BALL SOCKET SEPARATION AT THE DRAG LINK RESULTS IN COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING, AND THEREFORE CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

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 RECAL...

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
May 21, 2009

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.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS A SHORT CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR, WHICH OVER TIME COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

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...

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Jul 22, 2003

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

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.

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
Dec 10, 2003

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

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...

TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY
May 30, 2003

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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 REME...

Owner Complaints (100)

Jan 2, 2026
MN

BOTH front door actuators have failed. Can NOT open the front passenger side door at ALL and the front driver side door will ONLY OPEN from the INSIDE. My passenger had to exit the vehicle through the front passenger side window when the door malfunctioned in January. Then about 2 weeks later we could no longer open the front driver's side door from the outside. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My front seat passenger was trapped in the car. Luckily the window was able to roll down and my passenger was limber enough to crawl out through the window.

Dec 14, 2024
TX

Over a year ago, my vehicles engine began ticking. On 12/14/2024, while driving the vehicle, it developed a rod knock, went into a limp mode and was towed back to our house. I eventually took the vehicle to Honda in Beaumont, Tx where they did an inspection of the vehicle and verbally told me it was the crankshaft, but would not provide me any documentation stating that. According to the lady at the desk, the service tech had never seen or heard of an issue like this in these vans. I was quoted almost $10,000 to replace the engine with a salvage yard engine with almost as many miles on it. I knew prior to taking it to Honda that there was a recall that did not cover my vehicle regarding this same issue. The vehicle is still parked at my house being started occasionally to keep battery charged.

Feb 18, 2026
OH

I was sold this 2024 Mazda cx30 from Ken ganley kia located in mentor Ohio (44060) the vehicle started showing major electrical issues. when they occur I have no control of the functions of anything in the cabin (infotainment, heat/air, braking system,) just to name a few. My wife and I were assured we were purchasing a good safe and reliable used vehicle. I feel this vehicle is extremely unsafe and unpredictable and ken ganley kia of mentor refuse to take this unsafe vehicle back or even pay for the repairs. I am utterly disappointed such a big name in the auto industry could turn there back on a customer not only that let a young family pull off in a unpredictable electrical nightmare of a vehicle and refuse to stand by it.

Jan 12, 2026
CA

While driving through west Los Angeles, the vehicle suddenly began emitting white smoke from the engine compartment. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem. The smoke quickly intensified and turned dark. Thick smoke filled the air, and the cockpit, with the smell of toxic fumes. I safely maneuvered to the shoulder and exited the vehicle with my passenger. Flames erupted from the front of the vehicle. We called 911, which dispatched the fire department. The LAFD responded, cutting open the hood in order to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to a yard following the incident. The vehicle and its contents were declared a total loss.   BWM North America dispatched a technician to inspect the vehicle. After inspection, the manufacturer indicated that the starter was the source of the fire. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was subject to a safety recall related to the starter with no remedy available. The failure occurred without warning. Both occupants were exposed to heavy smoke.

Fire
Feb 27, 2026
TN

we've had to replace the engine. Twice and the electric power steering quit, working completely.And now they want five thousand dollars to replace it.When it's a known problem.

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Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Data reflects all recalls and owner complaints on file.