1997 Volvo Vnm problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1997 Volvo Vnm — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Vnm years?

Vnm NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vnm years to avoid →

Does the 1997 Volvo Vnm have recalls?

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

02V238000LightingSeptember 9, 2002 · 5,532 units

Defect

CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE TWO TAIL LAMPS, BACK-UP LAMP,AND LICENSE TAG LAMP WERE MOUNTED ON INSUFFICIENTLY RIGID MOUNTS.

Consequence

IT MAY NOT ALLOW THE DRIVER OF A REARWARD APPROACHING VEHICLE TO HAVE FULL VIEW OF THE LAMPS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ATTACH THE TWO TAIL LAMPS, BACK-UP LAMP, AND THE LICENSE TAP LAMP ON STIFFER BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 31, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

02V110000BrakesApril 11, 2002 · 208 units

Defect

CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS", S5.1.6.3, "ANTILOCK POWER FOR TOWED VEHICLES." ELECTRICAL POWER FOR THE TRAILER ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) CAN BE DISRUPTED WHEN A SWITCH LOCATED ON THE VEHICLE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS ACTIVATED TO CONTROL LIGHTING WITHIN THE TRAILER.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE OF THE TOWED VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS WHICH WILL PROVIDE CONTINUOUS ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE TRAILER ABS WHENEVER THE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE ON OR RUN POSITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

00V232003BrakesAugust 22, 2000 · 18,362 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.

98V120001Tires & WheelsMay 19, 1998 · 3,065 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AFTERMARKET ALUMINUM DUAL WHEELS, 22.5X8.25, ONE-PIECE, TUBELESS, SUPPLIED BY ACCURIDE/AKW. CERTAIN DESIGN REVISIONS COMBINED WITH PROCESS CONDITIONS CAUSED FATIGUE CRACKS IN THESE WHEELS.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE FAILURE OF THESE WHEELS.

Remedy

ACCURIDE/AKW WILL REPLACE THESE WHEELS.

97V212000SuspensionNovember 17, 1997 · 923 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE STEER AXLE WHEEL BEARING JAM NUT LOCK WASHER MAY NOT HAVE BEEN BENT OVER THE JAM NUT AFTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE ADJUSTED.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE JAM NUT AND WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTING NUT CAN BACK OFF THE SPINDLE ALLOWING THE WHEEL AND THE BRAKE DRUM ASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING AXLE WHEEL BEARING JAM NUT LOCK WASHER TO DETERMINE IF IT IS BENT OVER THE JAM NUT, AND IF NOT, REPAIR AS REQUIRED.

1997 Volvo Vnm — common questions

Is the 1997 Volvo Vnm reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Volvo Vnm have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Volvo Vnm. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1997 compare to other Vnm years?

Does the 1997 Volvo Vnm have recalls?

1997 Volvo Vnm — common questions

Is the 1997 Volvo Vnm reliable?

Does the 1997 Volvo Vnm have recalls?

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