1997 Volvo Wx problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1997 Volvo Wx — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 7 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 Wx years?

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

See all Wx years to avoid →

Does the 1997 Volvo Wx have recalls?

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

03V259000Speed ControlJuly 22, 2003 · 23 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES ON THE L10G ENGINES, THE ECM DOES NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO DETECT A THROTTLE FAIL-SAFE ENGINE SHUTDOWN COMMAND. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNANTICIPATED, UNCOMMANDED OPEN THROTTLE CONDITION WITHOUT WARNING.

Consequence

IF THIS EVENT OCCURS, THE VEHICLE OPERATOR WILL NOT HAVE CONTROL OF THE ENGINE SPEED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

CUMMINS WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE ECM. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-343-7357 OR 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.

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.

99V240000BrakesAugust 30, 1999 · 166 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: DUAL STEER CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE FRONT STEER AXLE BRAKES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Consequence

A SLOW BRAKE RELEASE TIME CAN CAUSE PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR WHICH IF LEFT UNCHECKED COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FAILURE AND VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY VALVE IN THE FRONT STEERING AXLE BRAKE SYSTEM.

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.

1997 Volvo Wx — common questions

Is the 1997 Volvo Wx reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 7 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Volvo Wx have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Volvo Wx. 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 Wx years?

Does the 1997 Volvo Wx have recalls?

1997 Volvo Wx — common questions

Is the 1997 Volvo Wx reliable?

Does the 1997 Volvo Wx have recalls?

Related