VehicleVerdict

1996 Volvo Volvo Truck problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 1996 Volvo Volvo Truck — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

9

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Volvo Truck years?

Volvo Truck NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted22 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 5 complaints1990: 6 complaints1993: 2 complaints1994: 5 complaints1995: 13 complaints1996: 9 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 22 complaints1999: 18 complaints2000: 15 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 2 complaints
Volvo Truck NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Volvo Truck years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Volvo Volvo Truck problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension444%
Electrical System222%
Engine111%
Other111%
Visibility & Wipers111%

Does the 1996 Volvo Volvo Truck have recalls?

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

99V187001EngineJune 23, 1999 · 162 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR 3116 MECHANICALLY UNIT INJECTED DIESEL ENGINES. THE GOVERNOR OF THE ENGINE CONTROLS THE UNIT INJECTOR FUELING BY WAY OF A CONTROL ASSEMBLY. IN THIS ASSEMBLY, A LINK TO THE GOVERNOR IS JOINED TO THE CONTROL ROD USING A RIVET. THIS RIVET CAN LOOSEN AND THEN WEAR RESULTING IN ENGINE SPEED INSTABILITY.

Consequence

IF NOT IDENTIFIED AND CORRECTED, ENGINE SPEED CONTROL COULD BE LOST DUE TO RIVET DISENGAGEMENT.

Remedy

CATERPILLAR IS CONDUCTING THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS RECALL. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CONTROL ASSEMBLY AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY.

99V078000EngineApril 13, 1999 · 382 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS ASSEMBLED BY EITHER VOLVO GM HEAVY TRUCK CORPORATION OR VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC., AND WITH A 2,100 RPM DETROIT SERIES 60 ENGINE, AND A 32 INCH, 8 BLADE KYSOR ENGINE COOLING FAN. THE BLADES MAY SEPARATE FROM THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY DURING FAN OPERATION AND FULL ENGINE RPM.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION POSES A HAZARD TO ANYONE WORKING OR STANDING IN THE AREA OF THE ENGINE COOLING FAN WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE HOOD IS OPEN.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FACTORY INSTALLED ENGINE COOLING FAN.

96V124001SuspensionJuly 25, 1996 · 214 units

Defect

THE EQUALIZING BEAM SHAFT OF THE TANDEM AXLE SUSPENSION WERE MANUFACTURED FROM AS-ROLLED SAE4140 STEEL RATHER THAN THE SPECIFIED ANNEALED SAE4140. THESE SHAFTS CAN FRACTURE INSIDE THE BEAM AT THE TOE OF THE WELD.

Consequence

VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO VEHICLE TILT AND POSSIBLE ROLLOVER IN THE EVENT THAT BOTH EQUALIZING BEAMS, ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, EXPERIENCE A SIMULTANEOUS SHAFT FAILURE. AFFECTED SUSPENSIONS CAN ALSO DROP AND CONTACT THE ROAD SURFACE GENERATING SPARKS WHICH COULD IGNITE FLAMMABLE MATERIAL.

Remedy

OWNER NOTIFICATION IS BEING CONDUCTED BY NEWAY ANCHORLOK. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL SUSPENSION SUSPENSION BEAMS WITH SUSPENSION BEAMS CONTAINING APPROPRIATE SHAFTS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE VEHICLE HAS HAD UNUSUAL TRACKING INCONSISTENCIES SINCE NEW, THE REAR AXLE TIRES HAVE WORN OUT PREMATURELY AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN GRABBING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN LINE WITH THE FRONT AND THE PINS WHICH HOLD THE LEAF SPRINGS TOGETHER WERE NEVER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 7, 1997

“VEHICLE IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE DASH AND THE U-BOLTS(VEHICLE MODEL: WIT64). *JG ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

1996 Volvo Volvo Truck — common questions

Is the 1996 Volvo Volvo Truck reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1996 Volvo Volvo Truck have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Volvo Volvo Truck. 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.