VehicleVerdict

2021 Volvo Vnr problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2021 Volvo Vnr — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 8 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Vnr years?

Vnr NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted2 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
Vnr NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vnr years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Volvo Vnr problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other150%
Visibility & Wipers150%

Does the 2021 Volvo Vnr have recalls?

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

23V280000Electrical SystemApril 19, 2023 · 125 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2024 VNR Electric vehicles. The coolant line in the high voltage battery pack may not be fully seated and locked, which can result in the loss of coolant and an electrical short circuit.

Consequence

A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Volvo Trucks will work with the battery manufacturer Akasol to inspect and replace the batteries, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX 2304.

23V255000OtherApril 7, 2023 · 236 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2023 VNR Electric vehicles equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). When the adaptive cruise control braking activates under light load conditions, it can trigger an aggressive braking response.

Consequence

Overly aggressive braking can result in the rear axle skidding, the brakes locking up, and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will secure wiring and remove radar antennas and brackets from the vehicle. The anti-lock braking system will be reprogrammed to disable adaptive cruise control. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2303.

21V417000Tires & WheelsJune 2, 2021 · 1,050 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2021-2022 VAH, VDH, VNL, AND VNR vehicles. The hubcap compression spring can cause the hubcap to separate.

Consequence

A separated hubcap can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will remove the hubcap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Mack's number for this recall is RVXX 2102.

20V782000BrakesDecember 15, 2020 · 6,982 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling 2021 VNL, VNR, VAH, and VHD vehicles. The collets (internal jaws) for the brass fitting inserts used in the pneumatic pass-through plate may have been damaged during leak testing. As a result, the brass fitting may completely release the air brake line from the pass-through plate while under pressure. If this occurs on the park brake circuit, signal pressure that holds off the mechanical spring in the park brake chambers will be lost allowing the park brakes to apply.

Consequence

If the park brakes apply unexpectedly, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air brake line for proper engagement of the fitting in the pass-through plate, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2006.

20V536000BrakesSeptember 2, 2020 · 11,127 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2021 VAH, VHD, VNL and VNR vehicles. The die cast pedal plate may break at one of its attachment points, possibly resulting in the brake pedal dislodging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Consequence

A dislodged brake pedal would be inoperable, increasing a risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the pedal plates if required, free of charge. The recall began October 7, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2004.

20V535000SteeringSeptember 2, 2020 · 12 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2021 VNL, VHD, and VNR vehicles. The king pin nut may not have been installed or properly tightened during axle assembly.

Consequence

If the king pin is missing or not tightened properly, the knuckle may separate from the axle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to make sure that the king pin nut is installed and that it properly tightened, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-458-1522. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX 2003.

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.

20V241000SteeringApril 29, 2020 · 23 units

Defect

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2021 VNL and VNR trucks. The steering gear fasteners may have not been properly tightened.

Consequence

The loose fasteners may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the steering gear fasteners to specification, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2001.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

This Is a volvo semi tractor 2021 the original sunvisor was removed from tractor. And an off brand replacement was installed which is substantially smaller by 4 inches on each side of visor + it's mounted in wrong direction making morning and evening's very difficult due too extremely bright glares…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 1, 2023

This Is a volvo semi tractor 2021 the original sunvisor was removed from tractor. And an off brand replacement was installed which is substantially smaller by 4 inches on each side of visor + it's mounted in wrong direction making morning and evening's very difficult due too extremely bright glares…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 1, 2023

2021 Volvo Vnr — common questions

Is the 2021 Volvo Vnr reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 8 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2021 Volvo Vnr have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Volvo Vnr. 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.