VehicleVerdict

2016 Volvo Vnl problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2016 Volvo Vnl — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 6 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

15

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

2

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Vnl years?

See all Vnl years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Volvo Vnl problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission747%
Suspension213%
Brakes213%
Tires & Wheels17%
Body & Structure17%
Other17%
Steering17%

Does the 2016 Volvo Vnl have recalls?

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

18V668000EngineSeptember 25, 2018 · 3,705 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Volvo VNL trucks equipped with Cummins ISX15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted.

Consequence

If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Cummins will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single screen filter banjo bolt will be replaced with a dual screen filter banjo bolt, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1802.

17V536000SteeringAugust 29, 2017 · 470 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016 Volvo VNL and VNM trucks equipped with certain Dana Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.

Consequence

If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle on units cannot be sufficiently torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1702.

16V928000BrakesDecember 22, 2016 · 5,547 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 VNL and VNM trucks and certain model year 2017 VNX trucks. In the affected vehicles, incorrect software for controlling the electronic air dryer may result in oil and water contaminating the brake system.

Consequence

If the brake system becomes contaminated, braking performance could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module and replace the air dryer filter, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1608.

16V095000SuspensionFebruary 19, 2016 · 2,053 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 VT trucks manufactured from April 9, 2008, through September 24, 2009, and certain 2016 model VNL and VNM trucks manufactured from January 2, 2015, through to November 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with USK non-greasable drag links that may experience corrosion of the ball joints due to the seals being compromised, possibly resulting in accelerated wear and failure of the ball joint.

Consequence

Failure of the ball joint may cause separation of the socket and a complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drag links, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1601. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall 15V-651.

16V097000SteeringFebruary 17, 2016 · 18,116 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 VNL, VNX, and VNM trucks manufactured from May 11, 2015, through April 18, 2016. The trucks may have been manufactured without a roll pin on the steering shafts. If the roll pin is missing, the lower steering shaft may disconnect from the junction block. Also, the bolt connecting the upper steering shaft to the lower steering shaft may not have been properly tightened. Either condition can lead to separation of the steering shaft.

Consequence

Separation of the steering shaft will result in complete loss of steering which may lead to a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Volvo is strongly recommending that the affected vehicles not be driven until the interim remedy is applied. An interim notice was sent to Volvo owners on March 16, 2016, and an interim repair is available now. A second notice was mailed on May 13, 2016. The final remedy is now available. Both remedies are free of charge. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-877-800-4945 opt #1. Volvo's recall numbers for this campaign are RVXX1602 and RVXX1603. This recall supersedes safety recall 15V-786.

15V026000BrakesJanuary 22, 2015 · 170 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2015 and 2016 VNX and VNL trucks manufactured from May 20, 2014, through March 6, 2015, equipped with certain Haldex Life Seal Type 30/30 Long Stroke Air Brake Actuators manufactured January 9, 2014, to October 28, 2014. The affected actuators may have an incomplete attachment of the internal rubber diaphragm to the actuation mechanism of the parking brake section of the Life Seal actuator.

Consequence

If the diaphragm is not completely attached, there may be internal leakage from the service section past the diaphragm, potentially trapping air pressure in the parking brake section. This air pressure in turn, if not vented, may prevent full release of the actuator unit, and may induce brake drag and may result in overheated wheelend service brakes, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator and replace, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1501.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

FRONT WHEELS LOOSE FROM FACTOR AND DEALER DIDN'T CHECK, TIRES PSI 1/2 WHAT SHOULD BEEN , DRIVE SHAFT OUT OF PHASE . DAMAGE THE TRUCK MORE .I KNOW OF ABOUT 20 OF THESE TRUCK WITH THE DRIVE SHAFT PROBLEM . DEALER AND FACTOR WONT FIX/ THIS IS NOT SAFE

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 11, 2016 · crash

VOLVO AND MACK TRUCKS DRIVE SHAFTS OUT OF PHASE. MAKING IT SHAKE AND EAT UP TIRES AND WEAR TRUCK OUT SHOULD BE RECALLED

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 14, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY SHOOK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 17, 2016

FRONT WHEELS LOOSE FROM FACTOR AND DEALER DIDN'T CHECK, TIRES PSI 1/2 WHAT SHOULD BEEN , DRIVE SHAFT OUT OF PHASE . DAMAGE THE TRUCK MORE .I KNOW OF ABOUT 20 OF THESE TRUCK WITH THE DRIVE SHAFT PROBLEM . DEALER AND FACTOR WONT FIX/ THIS IS NOT SAFE

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 11, 2016 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 28, 2015

2016 Volvo Vnl — common questions

Is the 2016 Volvo Vnl reliable?

The record is thin — 15 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 6 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2016 Vnl problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (7 complaints), brakes (2 complaints), suspension (2 complaints).

Does the 2016 Volvo Vnl have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Volvo Vnl. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Volvo Vnl under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.