VehicleVerdict

2018 Volvo Vnl problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2018 Volvo Vnl — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

12

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Vnl years?

Vnl NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted25 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 8 complaints1999: 16 complaints2000: 12 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 3 complaints2004: 5 complaints2005: 7 complaints2006: 11 complaints2007: 25 complaints2008: 3 complaints2009: 11 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 4 complaints2012: 7 complaints2013: 7 complaints2014: 11 complaints2015: 6 complaints2016: 15 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 12 complaints2019: 6 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 4 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
Vnl NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vnl years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Volvo Vnl problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission325%
Speed Control217%
Steering217%
Engine18%
Airbags18%
Fuel System18%
Brakes18%
Electrical System18%

Does the 2018 Volvo Vnl have recalls?

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

20V384000OtherJuly 1, 2020 · 89 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2021 VNL and VNR buses. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the rear drive axles stated on the Federal Certification Label exceeds the rating of the wheel hubs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Consequence

If the rear axles are overloaded, over time the wheel hubs may fail prematurely, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners and send corrected replacement labels, free of charge. The recall began August 18, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX2002.

19V509000Electrical SystemJuly 2, 2019 · 235 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNR vehicles. The fuse in the transmission circuit may blow, preventing the transmission from shifting.

Consequence

If the fuse blows the transmission may not shift, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuse, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX1903.

19V208000Body & StructureMarch 18, 2019 · 11,089 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VNL and VNX vehicles configured as 740 and 760 sleeper models. The sleeper bunk window may detach and fall from the vehicle.

Consequence

If a window detaches from the vehicle, it may strike another vehicle or pedestrian, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Volvo Trucks has notified owners, and dealers will replace the window hinge, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall on April 8, 2019 and will be sent a second notice when the remedy parts are available. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX1902.

19V032000TransmissionJanuary 14, 2019 · 1,450 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volvo VNL vehicles equipped with an automated manual transmission. An internal component in the clutch assembly may fail, possibly resulting in unintended vehicle movement.

Consequence

Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo has notified owners and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began February 1, 2019. Owners can contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1901.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLVO VNL. WHILE DRIVING 57-65 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT TWICE, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 1, 2017

“A PRIOR WRECK HAPPEN SEMI TRUCK TRAILER CROSS MEDIAN AND LAY OVER BLOCKING ALL MY LANES IN THE DARK ON 09/10/18 TIME 0040 HRS RAINING WIPER ON . DID NOT SEE IT TILL FINAL SECONDS ROOF OF SEMI TRAILER FACING ME ON THE GROUND I DROVE THRU THE ROOF OF SEMI TRAILER WITH A LOAD OF CANDY IN IT AIR BAG…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 10, 2018 · crash

“2019 COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT UNEVEN WEARING OF THE FRONT TIRES THEY CHECKED ALIGNMENT THEN SAME COMPLAINT IN MARCH 2020 NO DEFECTS FIND THEN IN JULY 02 2020 I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF VIBRATION , AFTER INSPECTION THEY FOUND PLASTIC BUSHINGS FOR BOTH KINGPINS WORN OUT AND REPLACED AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 2, 2020

“A PRIOR WRECK HAPPEN SEMI TRUCK TRAILER CROSS MEDIAN AND LAY OVER BLOCKING ALL MY LANES IN THE DARK ON 09/10/18 TIME 0040 HRS RAINING WIPER ON . DID NOT SEE IT TILL FINAL SECONDS ROOF OF SEMI TRAILER FACING ME ON THE GROUND I DROVE THRU THE ROOF OF SEMI TRAILER WITH A LOAD OF CANDY IN IT AIR BAG…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 10, 2018 · crash

2018 Volvo Vnl — common questions

Is the 2018 Volvo Vnl reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 Vnl problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (3 complaints), steering (2 complaints), speed control (2 complaints).

Does the 2018 Volvo Vnl have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Volvo Vnl. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.