1998 Volvo Vnl64t problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 85 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Vnl64t year — the 1998 model ranks #1 of 5 Vnl64t years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: suspension issues account for 60% of all reports (51 of 85), far ahead of steering at 6.
85
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Vnl64t years?
What are the most common 1998 Volvo Vnl64t problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 51 | 60% | new |
| Electrical System | 6 | 7% | new |
| Steering | 6 | 7% | new |
| Fuel System | 4 | 5% | new |
| Transmission | 4 | 5% | new |
| Engine | 3 | 4% | new |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 4% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 2% | new |
| Other | 2 | 2% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 2% | new |
| Brakes | 2 | 2% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“OUR FRONT END IS UNSTABLE ABOVE 63 MPH. WE ALSO HAVE A FRONT END WEIGHT WITH FULL TANKS OF 13000 AND A GROSS OF 23000+. SEEMS A BIT HIGH COMPARED TO THE 17885 THEY ADVERTISE FOR THE BROOKS AND DUNN LE. DWIGHT MCALEXANDER OF VOLVO NA HAS ATTEMPTED TO PUT THIS PROBLEM OFF ONTO THE OPTION AS THEY…”
“WHEN DRIVING OR BACKING OUT AT LOW SPEED THE STEERING LOCKS UP, VEHICLE IS HARD TO CONTROL. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK *JB ”
“CONSUMER STATES THAT TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR LIGHT WAS OPERATING INTERMITTENTLY, VOLVO SERVICE REPLACED THE BULB, BUT AFTER THAT, THE DIAGNOSTIC DISPLAY HAD LINES THROUGHOUT OBSCURING THE INFORMATION. MOST ALL THE DASH IS DARK INTERMITTENTLY, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTORS ARE…”
“THE TRANSMISSION WAS VERY HARD TO GET INTO GEAR, ALSO TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT BECUASE THE ALARM NEVER CAME ON AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEVER INDICATED ANYTHING WAS WRONG, ALSO THE SLAVE CYLINDER WAS LEAKING.*JB”
“CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE TRUCK, THE DEALER REPLACED 4 INJECTORS.*YH ”
1998 Volvo Vnl64t — common questions
Is the 1998 Volvo Vnl64t reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 85 complaints put the 1998 model at #1 of 5 Vnl64t years. It is one of the Vnl64t years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 Vnl64t problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (51 complaints), steering (6 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).
Does the 1998 Volvo Vnl64t have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Volvo Vnl64t.
Which Volvo Vnl64t years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Vnl64t years to avoid are 1998. The cleanest record among Vnl64t years belongs to 2004.
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.