1996 Volvo Volvo Truck: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 5 owner complaints on record; most reports concern suspension.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Volvo w1a64ttes truck - u-bolts broke 4 times. Drive axle pins sheared off 2 times, causing excessive and premature steer tire wear. *tt”Owner report · Suspension
“Tractor brought to dealer for recall notice to replace rear spring shackle saddle blocks. After having parts replaced, u-bolts broke several times, causing entire differential to twist sideways, shearing off the alignment pins and the crossmember to stress and fail. These failures resulted in two blown air bags and a new crossmember. Entire front suspension had to be rebuilt. Continued to have steer tire wear problems, consumer no longer has this vehicle. *tt”Owner report · Suspension
Recalls - 3 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR 3116 MECHANICALLY UNIT INJECTED DIESEL ENGINES. THE GOVERNOR OF THE ENGINE CONTROLS THE UNIT INJECTOR FUELING BY WAY OF A CONTROL ASSEMBLY. IN THIS ASSEMBLY, A LINK TO THE GOVERNOR IS JOINED TO THE CONTROL ROD USING A RIVET. THIS RIVET CAN LOOSEN AND THEN WEAR RESULTING IN ENGINE SPEED INSTABILITY.
Remedy: CATERPILLAR IS CONDUCTING THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS RECALL. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CONTROL ASSEMBLY AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY.
THE EQUALIZING BEAM SHAFT OF THE TANDEM AXLE SUSPENSION WERE MANUFACTURED FROM AS-ROLLED SAE4140 STEEL RATHER THAN THE SPECIFIED ANNEALED SAE4140. THESE SHAFTS CAN FRACTURE INSIDE THE BEAM AT THE TOE OF THE WELD.
Remedy: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS BEING CONDUCTED BY NEWAY ANCHORLOK. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL SUSPENSION SUSPENSION BEAMS WITH SUSPENSION BEAMS CONTAINING APPROPRIATE SHAFTS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS ASSEMBLED BY EITHER VOLVO GM HEAVY TRUCK CORPORATION OR VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC., AND WITH A 2,100 RPM DETROIT SERIES 60 ENGINE, AND A 32 INCH, 8 BLADE KYSOR ENGINE COOLING FAN. THE BLADES MAY SEPARATE FROM THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY DURING FAN OPERATION AND FULL ENGINE RPM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FACTORY INSTALLED ENGINE COOLING FAN.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Volvo Truck years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Volvo Truck 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 1996 Volvo Volvo Truck reliable?
NHTSA has 5 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Volvo Volvo Truck. The most complained-about area is suspension.
Does the 1996 Volvo Volvo Truck have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling. 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.