VehicleVerdict

1997 Volvo Wca problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1997 Volvo Wca — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 6 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Wca years?

Wca NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted1 complaint1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 0 complaints
Wca NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Wca years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Volvo Wca problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1100%

Does the 1997 Volvo Wca have recalls?

6 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.

00V002002BrakesFebruary 24, 2000 · 13,516 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH HALDEX MANIFOLD DASH VALVES (MDV) USED IN TRACTOR AND TRAILER PARKING BRAKES. THESE VALVES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." A LOSS OF THE ISOLATION OF THE TWO BRAKE SYSTEM CIRCUITS CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES WHEN THERE IS ANOTHER FAILURE OF ONE OF THE TWO BRAKE CIRCUITS.

Consequence

THE LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES CAN OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT VALVES.

98V255000SuspensionOctober 14, 1998 · 95,013 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE AIR SUSPENSION CONTROL VALVE SUPPLY LINE WAS NOT PLUMBED THROUGH AN AIR PRESSURE PROTECTION VALVE. IN THE EVENT OF A FAILURE, THERE WOULD BE LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN THE 'B' SYSTEM AIR RESERVOIR THAT SUPPLIES AIR PRESSURE FOR THE FRONT STEER AXLE BRAKES.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NECESSARY AIR PRESSURE PROTECTION VALVE.

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.

97V023000Body & StructureFebruary 24, 1997 · 1,928 units

Defect

WARNING LABELS IDENTIFYING THE CLIMBING SEQUENCE AND PROCESS WERE OMITTED.

Consequence

PERSONS NOT USING THE SEQUENCE AND PROCESS DURING CAB ENTRY OR EXIT OR WHEN USING THE OPTIONAL BACK OF CAB ACCESS MAY SLIP AND/OR FALL CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

VOLVO HEAVY TRUCK WILL BE PROVIDING WARNING LABELS TO BE INSTALLED BY OWNERS ON THEIR TRUCKS.

1997 Volvo Wca — common questions

Is the 1997 Volvo Wca reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 6 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Volvo Wca have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Volvo Wca. 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.