1998 Volvo Volvo Truck: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern suspension; the 1996 and 1997 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2002
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Consumer states that the hood was not adjusted properly at the time of purchase, causing it to pop open while driving down the road, consumer also states that there has been a problem with opening the hood, model is a vn64t610. *slc”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Oct 1999
“Volvo vnl64t 1998 - consumer experiencing front end problems possibly causing premature steer tire wear, dealer replaced, balanced and aligned steer tires that were off track. *tt”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 1997
“Consumer states one of the wheels fell off of the vehicle and is experiencing problems with u-bolts possibly causing premature steer tire wear. *tt”Owner report · Suspension
Show 3 more owner reports
“A 12lb axle was placed on the front end of volvo truck. Smelled something burning near the wheel area. This caused the wheel bearings to melt onto the hub. Took truck to peterbilt dealership to check air brakes. Mechanic informed owner problem not brakes, but the axle. Brakes & axle needed replacing due to size of axle. *ak”Owner report · Power Train
“The truck was overweight on the front axle, consumer moved tanks and fifth wheel back. (vehicle model: brooks and dunn) *jg. Also the truck experienced electrical problems.*jb”Owner report · Electrical System
“Consumer is experiencing problems with premature steering tire wear, tracker is aligned every 6 months and tires are balanced every 3 months. *tt also there is a short somewhere allowing for problems witht he dash and the electric windows. *jg”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.
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.
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 1998 Volvo Volvo Truck reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Volvo Volvo Truck. The most complained-about area is suspension.
Does the 1998 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.