VehicleVerdict

2004 Volvo Vn problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2004 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Vn years?

Vn NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted49 complaints1996: 7 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 44 complaints1999: 49 complaints2000: 10 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 3 complaints2004: 1 complaints2005: 3 complaints2006: 2 complaints2007: 6 complaints2008: 2 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 2 complaints2013: 1 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 2 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 8 complaints2021: 4 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 0 complaints2026: 0 complaints2027: 0 complaints
Vn NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vn years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Volvo Vn problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1100%

Does the 2004 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.

04V405000TransmissionAugust 12, 2004 · 4,032 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE BOLTS THAT RETAIN THE UNIVERSAL JOINT TO THE YOKE AT THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED CORRECTLY.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN THE DRIVE SHAFT COMING LOOSE FROM THE TRANSMISSION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND INSTALL REMOVING NEW BOLTS, INSPECT FOR CROSS-THREADED BOLTS, AND REPLACE THE YOKE IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DT:HISTORY OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASE OF SEMI-TRUCK. WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEEDS OR EVEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR THE TRUCK STOPS WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE ENGINE DIES AND LOSES ALL ELECTRICAL POWER. SEVERAL TIMES, THE ENGINE STALLED FOR A SECOND AND THEN QUIT. CONSUMER HAD TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 10, 2003

2004 Volvo Vn — common questions

Is the 2004 Volvo Vn reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2004 Volvo Vn have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Volvo Vn. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Volvo Vn under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 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.