1998 Volvo Vn770 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1998 Volvo Vn770 sits mid-pack among Vn770 years: 67 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 66, with no recalls and 2 closed investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (11), electrical system (10), and body & structure (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
67
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Vn770 years?
What are the most common 1998 Volvo Vn770 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 11 | 16% | new |
| Electrical System | 10 | 15% | new |
| Body & Structure | 9 | 13% | new |
| Transmission | 7 | 10% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 9% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 6 | 9% | new |
| Steering | 6 | 9% | new |
| Other | 5 | 7% | new |
| Fuel System | 2 | 3% | new |
| Engine | 2 | 3% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | new |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE SHOCK ABSORBER BRACKET FELL OFF WHEN THE U-BOLTS ON THE REAR DRIVE AXLE BROKE. THERE WAS A FRONT END VIBRATION AT 65 MPH DUE TO A CRACK IN THE LEFT STEERING RIM. LATER ON, THE RIGHT STEERING TIRE WAS WORN TO THE CORD. THE NUT CAME OFF OF THE LEVELING ARM AND THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE NUT AND…”
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, CONSUMER SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT SMELL. SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE SLEEPER BIRTH AREA, THEN THE CABIN WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIRE INSPECTOR INDICATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE SWITCH THAT CONTROLLED THE BUILT IN REFRIGERATOR FREEZER.…”
“THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED STEER TIRE WEAR, REAR END AND U-BOLT PROBLEMS. *YD. THE LIGHTS WENT OUT ON THE DASHBOARD, THERE WAS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, AND WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS, AND THE HOOD DID NOT STAY CLOSED.*JB”
“CLUTCH WAS REPLACED WHEN THE REAR MAIN SEAL WAS REPLACED (CLUTCH NOT WORN OUT JUST MORE COST EFFECTIVE), NEW CLUTCH WENT THROUGH 3 ADJUSTMENTS BEFORE THE TRUCK WAS TOWED IN FOR NON-DISENGAGEMET: NUMEROUS TIMES THE CLUTCH COULD NOT SHIFT INTO OTHER GEARS (HIGH OR LOW) CAUSING LACK OF POWER AND…”
“WIRING HARNESS UNDER DASH HAS EXPERIENCED CONTINUED PROBLEMS CAUSING ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS, POWER PROBLEMS AND SHORTS CAUSING BURNING SMELL. MJS. CONSUMER IS ALSO HAVE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP WHILE MAKING TURNS, WHEELS HAVE FALLEN OFF, TRUCKS HAVE CAUGHT FIRE, AND ALSO GUAGES GO OFF WHILE GOING…”
1998 Volvo Vn770 — common questions
Is the 1998 Volvo Vn770 reliable?
It is close to typical for the Vn770: 67 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.
What are the most common 1998 Vn770 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (11 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints), body & structure (9 complaints).
Does the 1998 Volvo Vn770 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Volvo Vn770.
Is the 1998 Volvo Vn770 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Volvo Vn770 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Vn770 years to avoid are 2000. The cleanest record among Vn770 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.