2018 Volvo VNL: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 8 owner complaints on record; most reports concern vehicle speed control; the 2017 and 2019 and 2020 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2018 Volvo VNL Truck. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was lunging forward and failed to properly respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no additional information provided. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the power train warning light illuminated a week later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 600,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2022
“The contact owns a Volvo 2018 VNL64 Commercial vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle would shut down while driving at various speeds. There was no further information provided. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the high pressure fuel pump filter, the differential pressure sensor, the rear wire harness were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing transmission failures and would fail to respond intermittently while reversing. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 537,850.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2022
“2019 complained to the dealer about uneven wearing of the front tires they checked alignment then same complaint in march 2020 no defects find then in july 02 2020 I was unable to drive because of vibration , after inspection they found plastic bushings for both kingpins worn out and replaced as whole sets. My complaint is about premature failure components at 300000 miles due to use of plastic bushings by manufacturer. Truck was used on highways not as a vocational truck”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2020
Show 3 more owner reports
“A prior wreck happen semi truck trailer cross median and lay over blocking all my lanes in the dark on 09/10/18 time 0040 hrs raining wiper on . Did not see it till final seconds roof of semi trailer facing me on the ground I drove thru the roof of semi trailer with a load of candy in it air bag did not go off , early warning distance sensor did not go off extreme damage to front hood , cab area maybe with the trailer in a angle hit and roof facing me sensors did not go off vehicle ???”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2018
“The steering wheel on all new 2018 volvo vnl760 tractors is painful to use, impossible to grip properly, and has a mis-functioning turn signal lever. Please see video on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lt4mcuvucg”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2018 volvo vnl. While driving 57-65 mph, the vehicle vibrated violently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the driveshaft twice, but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic where the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as designed and was safe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 99,421. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Volvo VNL trucks equipped with Cummins ISX15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted.
Remedy: Cummins will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single screen filter banjo bolt will be replaced with a dual screen filter banjo bolt, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1802.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VNL and VNX vehicles configured as 740 and 760 sleeper models. The sleeper bunk window may detach and fall from the vehicle.
Remedy: Volvo Trucks has notified owners, and dealers will replace the window hinge, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall on April 8, 2019 and will be sent a second notice when the remedy parts are available. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX1902.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2021 VNL and VNR buses. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the rear drive axles stated on the Federal Certification Label exceeds the rating of the wheel hubs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners and send corrected replacement labels, free of charge. The recall began August 18, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX2002.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNR vehicles. The fuse in the transmission circuit may blow, preventing the transmission from shifting.
Remedy: Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuse, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX1903.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volvo VNL vehicles equipped with an automated manual transmission. An internal component in the clutch assembly may fail, possibly resulting in unintended vehicle movement.
Remedy: Volvo has notified owners and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began February 1, 2019. Owners can contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1901.
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 2018 Volvo VNL reliable?
NHTSA has 8 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2018 Volvo VNL. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control.
Does the 2018 Volvo VNL have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel. 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.