1998 Volvo Vn610 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 164 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.7 times the median Vn610 year — the 1998 model ranks #1 of 5 Vn610 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 6 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Suspension leads the complaint categories with 42 reports (26% of the total).
164
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
6
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
6
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Vn610 years?
What are the most common 1998 Volvo Vn610 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 42 | 26% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 18 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 17 | 10% | new |
| Steering | 15 | 9% | new |
| Other | 13 | 8% | new |
| Transmission | 12 | 7% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 11 | 7% | new |
| Brakes | 9 | 5% | new |
| Fuel System | 6 | 4% | new |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 3% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 4 | 2% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 2% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | new |
| Lighting | 2 | 1% | new |
| Seats | 2 | 1% | new |
| Trailer Hitch | 1 | 1% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO VN610. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING POWER. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BROUGHT IN FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BALL…”
“CONSUMER EXPERIENCING WIRING HARNESS PROBLEM UNDER THE DASH, ALSO THE DASH WIRES SHORTED OUT WHICH CAUSED THE DASH LIGHTS TO GO OUT.*YH *DT ”
“THE 500 DETROIT DIESEL ENGINE CAUSED ROUGH IDLE AND LOW POWER, AT 103000 MILES DETROIT OVERHAULED THE ENGINE, CYLINDERS AND PISTONS HAD BURNED, WATER PUMP FAILED, AND ENGINE HAD 8-10 VALVE ADJUSTMENTS, AT 130000 MILES THE WARRANTY WAS CANCELLED, VEHICLE WAS TURNED IN AT 130000 MILES. *SLC ”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO VN610. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING POWER. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BROUGHT IN FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BALL…”
“WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE STEERING LOCKED LIKE WHEN HAVING A FLAT TIRE, CONSUMER WAS INJURED AFTER REPAIRS, CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED AGAIN, THE HEAT VENT FOR THE DASH WAS FOUND STUCK IN THE…”
1998 Volvo Vn610 — common questions
Is the 1998 Volvo Vn610 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 164 complaints put the 1998 model at #1 of 5 Vn610 years. It is one of the Vn610 years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 Vn610 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (42 complaints), electrical system (18 complaints), engine (17 complaints).
Does the 1998 Volvo Vn610 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Volvo Vn610.
Is the 1998 Volvo Vn610 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Volvo Vn610 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Vn610 years to avoid are 1998, 1999. The cleanest record among Vn610 years belongs to 2001.
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.