VehicleVerdict

1997 Volvo Wia problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 1997 Volvo Wia — 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.

12

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Wia years?

Wia NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted35 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 1 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 3 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 29 complaints1996: 35 complaints1997: 12 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 7 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 0 complaints
Wia NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Wia years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Volvo Wia problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension542%
Body & Structure433%
Electrical System18%
Transmission18%
Visibility & Wipers18%

Does the 1997 Volvo Wia 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE TRUCK STARTED TO PULL VERY HARD TO THE LEFT AND CONSUMER HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME STOPPING THE TRUCK, ONCE THE TRUCK WAS UNDER CONTROL, CONSUMER GOT OUT AND NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT STEER TIRE WAS WORN DOWN TO THE VERY OUTSIDE EDGE TO THE THREAD, ON A SEPARATE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

“WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THERE IS VIBRATION WITHIN THE FRAME, TIRE IS WORN OUT. VECHICLE ISN'T STAYING ON TRACK, IT KEEPS GOING INTO OTHER LANES. ALSO, FRAME IS BENT. *AK THE CONSUMER POINTS OUT THAT THE APPEAL FORUM IS HELPFUL BUT THERE SHOULD BE A METHOD FOR CONSUMERS TO REACH THE MANUFACTURERS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 7, 1997

“TRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF GEAR UNDER A LOAD ,THIS TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT NOV 2000 FOR THIS PROBLUM. IT STARTED AGAIN IN NOV.2001. OTHER OWNERS OF THIS TYPE TRANSMISSION TELL ME THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLUM. THERE IS NOTHING AS DANGEROUS AS A TRUCK GEARING DOWN ON A HILL , AND HAVING THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 16, 2000

1997 Volvo Wia — common questions

Is the 1997 Volvo Wia reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 6 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1997 Wia problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (5 complaints), body & structure (4 complaints), visibility & wipers (1 complaints).

Does the 1997 Volvo Wia have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Volvo Wia. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Volvo Wia under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.