VehicleVerdict

1999 Volvo Vn problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 49 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 49.0 times the median Vn year — the 1999 model ranks #1 of 32 Vn years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Other leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (27% of the total).

49

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

4

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Vn years?

See all Vn years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Volvo Vn problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other1327%
Suspension1224%
Electrical System612%
Steering612%
Engine24%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Body & Structure24%
Transmission24%
Lighting24%
Fuel System12%
Tires & Wheels12%

Does the 1999 Volvo Vn have recalls?

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

02V037005SteeringAugust 15, 2002 · 19,915 units

Defect

ON SOME HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ARVINMERITOR AXLE ASSEMBLIES WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH TRW MODEL 20EDL BALL SOCKETS, THE TIE ROD BALL-SOCKET BEARINGS HAVE A BELOW SPECIFICATION CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS WHICH CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR OUT OF THE SOCKET IN SOME APPLICATIONS.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BALL SOCKET ASSEMBLIES. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERSEDES NHTSA CAMPAIGN NOS. 01V-139.001 AND 02V-037.002. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 25, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

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.

01V139001SteeringNovember 20, 2000 · 13,373 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ARVINMERITOR AXLE ASSEMBLIES WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH TRW MODEL 20EDL BALL SOCKETS. THE TIE ROD BALL-SOCKET BEARINGS HAVE A BELOW SPECIFICATION CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS WHICH CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR OUT OF THE SOCKET IN SOME APPLICATIONS.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BALL SOCKET ASSEMBLIES. THE CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY RECALL NO. 02V037002. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 17, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

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.

99V055004BrakesMay 10, 1999 · 285 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR AIR BRAKE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS. SOME OF THE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS HAD INSUFFICIENT TORQUE APPLIED TO THE GUIDE PAWL CAP SCREW.

Consequence

WITHOUT SUFFICIENT TORQUE ON THE GUIDE PAWL CAP SCREW, THE BRAKES COULD GRADUALLY LOSE ADJUSTMENT, INCREASING THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL CHECK THE TORQUE ON THE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTER GUIDE PAWL. IF THERE IS NO TORQUE, THE BRAKES WILL BE ADJUSTED AND THE GUIDE PAWL WILL BE TIGHTENED TO 15-20 FT. LBS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT VALVE WAS UPDATED, THE FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT, HOOD SHOCKS, STEERING AXLE SHOCKS, CAB MOTOR BLOWER, ALTERNATOR, BUNK HEATER CONTROL WERE ALL REPLACED, ALSO THE FOOT VALVE WENT BAD AND THE HOOD RELEASE BROKE.*JB

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other

VEHICLE,(VN700 SERIES), IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER DASH. ALSO, CONSUMER STARTED OUT REPLACING THE U BOLTS, FRONT SHOCKS, TIRES, DRAG ARM, AND LEAF SPRINGS. THERE HAS BEEN EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR WHICH CAUSE A VIBRATION RESULTING IN NUMBNESS OF CONSUMERS ARMS AND HANDS. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

VEHICLE,(VN700 SERIES), IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER DASH. ALSO, CONSUMER STARTED OUT REPLACING THE U BOLTS, FRONT SHOCKS, TIRES, DRAG ARM, AND LEAF SPRINGS. THERE HAS BEEN EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR WHICH CAUSE A VIBRATION RESULTING IN NUMBNESS OF CONSUMERS ARMS AND HANDS. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT VALVE WAS UPDATED, THE FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT, HOOD SHOCKS, STEERING AXLE SHOCKS, CAB MOTOR BLOWER, ALTERNATOR, BUNK HEATER CONTROL WERE ALL REPLACED, ALSO THE FOOT VALVE WENT BAD AND THE HOOD RELEASE BROKE.*JB

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering

1999 Volvo Vn — common questions

Is the 1999 Volvo Vn reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 49 complaints put the 1999 model at #1 of 32 Vn years. It is one of the Vn years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Vn problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (13 complaints), suspension (12 complaints), steering (6 complaints).

Does the 1999 Volvo Vn have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Volvo Vn. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.