2003 Volvo Vn problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2003 Volvo Vn — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Vn years?

Vn NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vn years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Volvo Vn problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Latches & Locks	1	33%	new
Other	1	33%	▼ down
Suspension	1	33%	▼ down

Does the 2003 Volvo Vn have recalls?

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

12V510000Seat BeltsOctober 18, 2012 · 1,496 units

Defect

Volvo is recalling certain model year 2002-2013 VHD and VN trucks, manufactured from August 4, 2000, through June 22, 2012, and equipped with bench passenger seats. The seat belt d-ring weld may not be sufficient enough to meet the seat belt pull test. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Consequence

In the event of a crash, an insufficient seat belt weld may prevent the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant. This increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Remedy

Volvo Trucks of America will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspected d-ring, free of change. The safety recall began on May 10, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.

04V457000Visibility & WipersSeptember 17, 2004 · 56,154 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH VALEO WIPER SYSTEMS, THE WIPER MOTOR MAY BE SUSCEPTIVE TO SALT INTRUSION THAT COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A CONDITION WHERE THE CONNECTOR OVERHEATS TO A POINT WHERE THE CONNECTOR COULD IGNITE.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, EXCESSIVE HEAT AND SMOKE COULD RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR PLATE ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. PHASE 2 OF THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

04V315000Trailer HitchJuly 2, 2004 · 1,374 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, A MALFUNCTION IN THE SOLENOID VALVE MAY ALLOW AIR TO BE RELEASED TO FIFTH WHEEL LATCH WHEN THE PARK BRAKE IS ENGAGED.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE FIFTH WHEEL LATCH TO RELEASE INADVERTENTLY WHEN THE PARK BRAKE IS ENGAGED, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF THE TRAILER. A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ADD AN ADDITIONAL SOLENOID VALVE IN SERIES WITH THE EXISTING PNEUMATIC CIRCUIT FOR THE FIFTH WHEEL AIR RELEASE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-528-6586.

04V077000EngineFebruary 13, 2004 · 2,112 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN HEAVY-DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS, THE ASSEMBLED ENGINE PRE-HEATER JUMPER WIRING HARNESS WAS INCORRECTLY ASSEMBLED.

Consequence

THE ENGINE PRE-HEATER COULD OVERHEAT RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE PRE-HEATER AND OTHER ENGINE HEAT SENSITIVE COMPONENTS NEAR THE PRE-HEATER AND THE ABILITY TO RE-START THE ENGINE COULD BE COMPROMISED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE AFFECTED CIRCUITS IN THE JUMPER WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2004. 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“HOOD SHOCKS ON VOLVO TRUCKS ARE COMING OFF AT HOOD CONECTION SIDE. WHEN PULLING HOOD OPEN IF BOTH SHOCKS ARE LOSE HOOD CAN COME OVER ON DRIVER, CAUSING DRIVER POSSIBLE INJURIES. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · April 1, 2005

“THE BEARINGS IN THE INTEGRAL HUB/BEARING ON THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL (STEERING AXLE) FAILED AT 247,000 MILES. THIS IS A UNIT DESIGNED TO LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, AND THERE IS NO MAINTENANCE POSSIBLE. THIS WAS A VERY LOW MILEAGE FOR SUCH A FAILURE. NO ACCIDENT OR INJURIES WERE CAUSED BY THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 23, 2005

“2003 VOLVO 660, UNIT 1 STRUCK THE REAR OF UNIT 2. UNIT 1 THEN WENT OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND STRUCK THE GUARDRAIL. *BF ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING TO CLOSELY BEHIND THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF HIM. (OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT # 10-0467-90) *JB UPDATED 09/13/10*BF”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 14, 2010 · crash

2003 Volvo Vn — common questions

Is the 2003 Volvo Vn reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 Volvo Vn have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Volvo Vn. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Volvo Vn under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 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 2003 compare to other Vn years?

What are the most common 2003 Volvo Vn problems?

Does the 2003 Volvo Vn have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2003 Volvo Vn — common questions

Is the 2003 Volvo Vn reliable?

Does the 2003 Volvo Vn have recalls?

Is the 2003 Volvo Vn under NHTSA investigation?

Which Volvo Vn years should you avoid?

Related