2020 Volvo VNL

9 Recalls · 100 Complaints · 0 Crashes · 2 Fires

Critical

9

Recalls

100

Complaints

2

Fires

No crashes reported

The 2020 Volvo VNL has 9 recalls and 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. No crashes have been reported. 2 fires have been reported. The most common issue involves steering. Compare this to the 2019 Volvo VNL which had 8 recalls.

Recalls (9)

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Jul 2, 2019

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2019-2020 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNR vehicles. The t-bolt clasps on the transmission auxiliary air tank straps may have been over-tightened, resulting in potential deformation to the strap where the t-bolt is anchored.

Consequence

The deformation of the air tank strap t-bolts may cause the t-bolt to disconnect from the strap allowing the tank to drop to the ground and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the air tank strap, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer s...

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Jul 2, 2019

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNR vehicles. The fuse in the transmission circuit may blow, preventing the transmission from shifting.

Consequence

If the fuse blows the transmission may not shift, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuse, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at ...

STEERING
Apr 29, 2020

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2021 VNL and VNR trucks. The steering gear fasteners may have not been properly tightened.

Consequence

The loose fasteners may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the steering gear fasteners to specification, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer ser...

STRUCTURE:BODY
Oct 5, 2020

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020 VNL vehicles. The window hinge and mounting hardware are insufficient to hold the window in place if the truck is driven with the sleeper bunk windows open.

Consequence

If a window detaches from the vehicle, it may strike another vehicle or pedestrian, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Volvo Trucks has notified owners, and dealers will replace the window hinge, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-458-1552....

STRUCTURE:BODY
Mar 18, 2019

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VNL and VNX vehicles configured as 740 and 760 sleeper models. The sleeper bunk window may detach and fall from the vehicle.

Consequence

If a window detaches from the vehicle, it may strike another vehicle or pedestrian, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Volvo Trucks has notified owners, and dealers will replace the window hinge, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall on April 8, 2019 and will be sent a second notice when the remedy pa...

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.