2000 Volvo VNL: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern suspension; the 2001 and 2002 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2003
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 2000 volvo vnl. The contact received a letter from the manufacturer stating that the drag link may be defective but the vehicle was not included in the recall for it (recall information was not given) because the vehicle was manufactured september 1999. The contact had not experienced any failures was concerned about the potential loss of steering in the future. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were approximately 406,000.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2010
“Consumer states that while driving in the middle lane on the highway a truck carrying metal and a canvas sign blew off the trailer and hit his semi. *mc (ohio traffic crash reprt) *jb”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2007
“2000 volvo conventional steering arm broke off of the ball joint making vehicle undriveable. *kb the ball joint connecting the drag link to the steering arm was worn. The ball joint caused the accident. *jb”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2006
Show 4 more owner reports
“2000 volvo conventionally left front tie rod broke off. *ts when the tie rod broke it caused the driver to lose control and veer off the right side of the road and strike a guardrail. *nm”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2006
“2000 volvo conventional tire went flat while driving. *ts the tread on the right inside tire separated from the tire. The tire debris struck the left side fuel tank breaking the fuel line. The truck spilled approximately 30 gallons of diesel fuel into a ditch. *nm”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2005
“Fuel tank is built right underneath driver's seat, and it is low to the ground. Tank was speard while driving, causing all gas to leak. Volvo has been contacted. *ak *slc”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2000
“Model vnl660. Consumer is experiencing problems with thie wiring harness under the dash. Other electrical problems include intermittent operation of the sleeper lights, 12v tv plug. *tt”Owner report · Electrical System
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRUCK HUB UNITS MANUFACTURED BY SKF EXCLUSIVELY FOR USE ON ARVINMERITOR'S FF98X SERIES NON-DRIVE STEER AXLES, THE HUB UNIT BEARINGS CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FRONT AXLE HUBS. AN INTERIM NOTICE TO OWNERS WAS MAILED ON JUNE 25, 2003. FINAL OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2003. 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 AT 1-800-528-6586.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS", S5.1.6.3, "ANTILOCK POWER FOR TOWED VEHICLES." ELECTRICAL POWER FOR THE TRAILER ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) CAN BE DISRUPTED WHEN A SWITCH LOCATED ON THE VEHICLE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS ACTIVATED TO CONTROL LIGHTING WITHIN THE TRAILER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS WHICH WILL PROVIDE CONTINUOUS ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE TRAILER ABS WHENEVER THE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE ON OR RUN POSITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 29, 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact VNL 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 2000 Volvo VNL reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2000 Volvo VNL. The most complained-about area is suspension.
Does the 2000 Volvo VNL have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:tail lights:switch. 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.