2004 Volvo VN: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 1 owner complaint on record; most reports concern electrical system; the 2002 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2012
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 1 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt:history of electrical problems since purchase of semi-truck. When driving at any speeds or even shifting into gear the truck stops without warning. When this occurs the engine dies and loses all electrical power. Several times, the engine stalled for a second and then quit. Consumer had to replace blowen out 30 amp and 15 amp fuses. There is a load of 75-80,000 pounds, and vehicle stops in the middle of the highway in traffic. Has been to dealer numerous times, said warranty expired aafter one year. Dealer tried to fix some electrical wiring harness but of no avail. Truck drained batteries, and is currently on a battery charger. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2003
Recalls - 4 campaigns
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH VALEO WIPER SYSTEMS, THE WIPER MOTOR MAY BE SUSCEPTIVE TO SALT INTRUSION THAT COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A CONDITION WHERE THE CONNECTOR OVERHEATS TO A POINT WHERE THE CONNECTOR COULD IGNITE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE CONNECTOR PLATE ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. PHASE 2 OF THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2002-2013 VHD and VN trucks, manufactured from August 4, 2000, through June 22, 2012, and equipped with bench passenger seats. The seat belt d-ring weld may not be sufficient enough to meet the seat belt pull test. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Remedy: Volvo Trucks of America will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspected d-ring, free of change. The safety recall began on May 10, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, A MALFUNCTION IN THE SOLENOID VALVE MAY ALLOW AIR TO BE RELEASED TO FIFTH WHEEL LATCH WHEN THE PARK BRAKE IS ENGAGED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD AN ADDITIONAL SOLENOID VALVE IN SERIES WITH THE EXISTING PNEUMATIC CIRCUIT FOR THE FIFTH WHEEL AIR RELEASE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-528-6586.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE BOLTS THAT RETAIN THE UNIVERSAL JOINT TO THE YOKE AT THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED CORRECTLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND INSTALL REMOVING NEW BOLTS, INSPECT FOR CROSS-THREADED BOLTS, AND REPLACE THE YOKE IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
How other years compare
Check your exact VN by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Volvo VN reliable?
NHTSA has 1 owner complaint and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Volvo VN. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2004 Volvo VN have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.