1998 Volvo Vn problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 44 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 44.0 times the median Vn year — the 1998 model ranks #2 of 32 Vn years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (10), other (7), and electrical system (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Vn years?

Vn NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vn years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Volvo Vn problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Suspension	10	23%	▲ up
Other	7	16%	▲ up
Electrical System	5	11%	new
Body & Structure	5	11%	new
Transmission	4	9%	new
Lighting	4	9%	new
Engine	3	7%	new
Tires & Wheels	2	5%	new
Steering	2	5%	— flat
Seats	1	2%	new
Brakes	1	2%	new

Does the 1998 Volvo Vn have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V093000OtherMarch 22, 2001 · 1,577 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE WEIGHT CERTIFICATION LABEL WHICH CONTAINS FRONT GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS," DOES NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE ACTUAL FRONT GROSS AXLE WEIGHT.

Consequence

WHEN OPERATING THE TRUCK "BOBTAIL" WITH FULL FUEL TANKS AND TWO OCCUPANTS WITH AN ALLOWANCE FOR PERSONAL BELONGINGS, THE ACTUAL GROSS AXLE WEIGHT MAY EXCEED THE STATED RATING FOUND ON THE WEIGHT CERTIFICATION LABEL.

Remedy

THE WEIGHT CERTIFICATION LABEL WILL BE BROUGHT INTO COMPLIANCE BY ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING MEANS: (1) REPLACEMENT OF THE LABEL WITH ONE WHICH CONTAINS CORRECT INFORMATION; OR (2) REPLACEMENT OF FRONT AXLE TIRES, RIMS OR TIE ROD TUBE OR A COMBINATION THEREOF; OR (3) REPLACEMENT OR RELOCATION OF THE FUEL TANKS. DUE TO THE VARIOUS TRUCK CONFIGURATIONS, SEVERAL OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS ARE BEING SENT FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. THE FIRST OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS MAILED APRIL 26, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY OR LABEL WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

00V002002BrakesFebruary 24, 2000 · 13,516 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH HALDEX MANIFOLD DASH VALVES (MDV) USED IN TRACTOR AND TRAILER PARKING BRAKES. THESE VALVES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." A LOSS OF THE ISOLATION OF THE TWO BRAKE SYSTEM CIRCUITS CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES WHEN THERE IS ANOTHER FAILURE OF ONE OF THE TWO BRAKE CIRCUITS.

Consequence

THE LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES CAN OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT VALVES.

99V225000Visibility & WipersAugust 18, 1999 · 352 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN ESPAR COMPACT HEATER MOUNTED IN THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT. THE FUEL-METERING PUMP THAT SUPPLIES FUEL TO THE COMPACT HEATER IS NOT WIRED THROUGH A ROLLOVER PROTECTION SWITCH. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH 49 CFR 393.77, "HEATERS."

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ROLLOVER, AND THE COMPACT HEATER WAS IN OPERATION, FUEL WOULD STILL BE SUPPLIED TO THE HEATER CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL WIRE THE FUEL-METERING PUMP THROUGH A ROLLOVER PROTECTION SWITCH.

98V297000SteeringNovember 17, 1998 · 25 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A FAL 8.0 FRONT STEER AXLE. THE UPPER STEERING ARM CAN FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE UPPER STEERING ARM AND REPLACE IT, IF REQUIRED.

98V120001Tires & WheelsMay 19, 1998 · 3,065 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AFTERMARKET ALUMINUM DUAL WHEELS, 22.5X8.25, ONE-PIECE, TUBELESS, SUPPLIED BY ACCURIDE/AKW. CERTAIN DESIGN REVISIONS COMBINED WITH PROCESS CONDITIONS CAUSED FATIGUE CRACKS IN THESE WHEELS.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE FAILURE OF THESE WHEELS.

Remedy

ACCURIDE/AKW WILL REPLACE THESE WHEELS.

98V092000LightingMay 4, 1998 · 2,329 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE ELECTRONIC MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL) AND HEADLIGHTS CAN FAIL WITHOUT WARNING RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF THE DRL AND HEADLIGHT FUNCTIONS.

Consequence

IF THESE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRL CONTROL MODULE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER STATES HE IS HAVING FRONT TIRE PROBLEMS THAT IS CAUSING VIBRATION, THERE HAVE BEEN 4 SETS OF STEER TIRES IN 260000 MILES, THEY WEAR BAD AND GO WAY OUT OF BALANCE, THE VEHICLE HAS LEANED TO THE LEFT SINCE PURCHASE, BOTH SPRINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, HOWEVER THIS DOES NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM,…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

“CONSUMER STATED THE CAB VISOR LIGHT, RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SEAL AND BEARINGS, TRACTOR PROTECTION VALVE, SEAT VALVE TORQUE ARM AND HOOD RELEASE, BAD AIR DRYER AND PROPORTION WERE ALL REPLACED.*JB”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other

“THE LIGHTS AND COMPUTER IN THE DASH HAVE SHORTED OUT AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS IN THE DASH, THE VEHICLE IS OVERWEIGHT AND HAS EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *SLC *NLM ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“CONSUMER STATED THE CAB VISOR LIGHT, RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SEAL AND BEARINGS, TRACTOR PROTECTION VALVE, SEAT VALVE TORQUE ARM AND HOOD RELEASE, BAD AIR DRYER AND PROPORTION WERE ALL REPLACED.*JB”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure

“CLUTCH WAS REPLACED, FIVE DAYS LATER IT NEEDED ADJUSTED DUE TO NO GREASE NEVER BEING PUT IN, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS A NEW CLUTCH AND THEY WOULD GET USED TO IT, HOWEVER THEY HAVE NOT. *SLC ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

1998 Volvo Vn — common questions

Is the 1998 Volvo Vn reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 44 complaints put the 1998 model at #2 of 32 Vn years. It is one of the Vn years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Vn problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (10 complaints), other (7 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 1998 Volvo Vn have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Volvo Vn. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Volvo Vn under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Volvo Vn years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Vn years to avoid are 1999, 1998. The cleanest record among Vn years belongs to 2027.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1998 compare to other Vn years?

What are the most common 1998 Volvo Vn problems?

Does the 1998 Volvo Vn have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1998 Volvo Vn — common questions

Is the 1998 Volvo Vn reliable?

What are the most common 1998 Vn problems?

Does the 1998 Volvo Vn have recalls?

Is the 1998 Volvo Vn under NHTSA investigation?

Which Volvo Vn years should you avoid?

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