2008 Volvo VNL: problems, recalls and reliability
12 recalls and 3 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes; the 2010 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2013
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 volvo vnl. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for an inspection where it was informed that the steering column was fractured. The vehicle was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Prior to this particular failure, the vehicle had the steering column replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 10v282000 (steering) however the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 80,605.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 volvo vnl. The contact stated that the front drivers side door failed to open from the outside. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 volvo vnl. The contact stated that while parked on an incline and appling the parking brake, the vehicle unexpectedly rolled away. The failure recurred three times. The vehicle was taken to an independent auto mechanic for diagnosis. The technician stated that the brake slack adjuster on the second axle was faulty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 415,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2012
Recalls - 12 campaigns
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE HOOD RESTRAINT CYLINDER DOES NOT CONTAIN ENOUGH DAMPENING TO ADEQUATELY RESTRAIN THE HOOD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD RESTRAINT CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 VHD, VNL, VNM, AS WELL AS 2008-2010 VT VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." THE TIRE DESCRIPTION MAY BE INCORRECT ON THE VEHICLE'S CERTIFICATION LABEL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE LABELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A SAF HOLLAND SIMPLEX FIFTH WHEEL, THE LEVER ARM PIVOT BOLT MAY HAVE BEEN OVER TIGHTENED. AN OVER TIGHTENED PIVOT BOLT CAN DISTORT THE PIVOT BOLT SPACER SLEEVE, WHICH MAY PREVENT THE FIFTH WHEEL LATCH JAW FROM CLOSING AND LATCHING SECURELY AROUND THE TRAILER KING PIN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PIVOT BOLT AND SLEEVE WITH A HEX HEAD SHOULDER BOLT AND WASHER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE STEERING GEAR TO THE FRAME MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 3, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING 127,764 MY 2001-2008 VHD, VNL, VNM, AND MY 2005-2008 VT TRUCKS. A SEAL MAY FAIL ALLOWING WATER AND CONTAMINANTS TO SEEP INTO THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR.
Remedy: VOLVO WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. SINCE THIS RECALL INVOLVES A LARGE NUMBER OF VEHICLES, VOLVO WILL RELEASE THE RECALL IN STAGES AS PARTS ARE RECEIVED. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THE VEHICLES LOCATED IN THE REGIONS/STATES THAT HAVE A CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE AXLE HOUSINGS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH STEEL THAT WAS OUT OF SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FATIGUE FAILURE OVER TIME.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR AND INSPECT THE AXLES AND REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 9, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 VAH, VHD, VNL, VNM, and VT models. The affected vehicles were built without a redundant clutch disengagement switch. Without a redundant switch, a loss of signal from the brake air pressure switch can prevent the clutch from automatically disengaging when the brake is applied.
Remedy: Volvo Trucks will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles if necessary. The recall began on August 26, 2013. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1303. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE NUT USED TO RETAIN THE STEERING SHAFT MAY OR MAY NOT BE A LOCK NUT THAT HAS THE LOCKING FEATURE. A LOCK NUT IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESISTANCE TO ENSURE THAT THE NUT DOES NOT COME LOOSE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT PINCH BOLTS AND LOCKNUTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 24, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING 366 MY 2006-2009 VNL TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SUPER SINGLE TIRES, BENDIX BRAKE CAM TUBES, AND VOLVO AIR SUSPENSION. THE VIBRATION FREQUENCY FROM THE SUSPENSION WITH SUPER SINGLE TIRES MAY RESULT IN A FATIGUE CRACK OF THE MOUNTING BRACKETS FOR THE BRAKE CAM TUBE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A SUPPORT BRACKET TO THE BRAKE CAM TUBE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, AN INCORRECT SOFTWARE PARAMETER WAS LOADED WHICH RESULTED IN THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) 'INHIBIT' FUNCTION BEING DISABLED. THE 'INHIBIT' FUNCTION IS A MEANS FOR THE DRIVER TO STOP A DPF REGENERATION FROM OCCURRING IF A VEHICLE IS IN A LOCATION THAT MAY PRESENT A HAZARDOUS SITUATION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHANGE THE CONTROL PARAMETERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, THE CIRCUIT PROTECTION (I.E. AUTOMATIC CIRCUIT BREAKERS) USED TO PROTECT THE VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS WITH FUSES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, AN UNPROTECTED LEAD IN THE THERMOSWITCH OF THE HEATER MAY MAKE CONTACT WITH ANOTHER POST POSSIBLY CREATING A SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN RESULT IN CONTINUOUS OPERATION OF THE HEATING ELEMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE THERMOSWITCH AND WILL REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2007. OWNERS MAY 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 2008 Volvo VNL reliable?
NHTSA has 3 owner complaints and 12 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Volvo VNL. The most complained-about area is service brakes.
Does the 2008 Volvo VNL have open recalls?
12 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning structure:body:hood:hinge and attachments. 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.