Owners have filed 49 complaints
about the 1999 Volvo VN with NHTSA between 1999 and 2010.
The largest single group is the equipment & accessories.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 71
Against the median year of the Volvo VN. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 32
6.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 1999peak 38Sep 2010
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 Volvo VN
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA04016Opened 24 Jun 2004Closed 31 Mar 2005STEERING:COLUMN
STEERING BINDING
ODI'S INVESTIGATIONCONCLUDED THAT THE LEGS THAT RETAIN THE TURN SIGNAL CANCELING RING (TSCR), PART NUMBER 1607363, TO THE STEERING WHEEL INSTALLED IN MODEL YEAR 1998 - 1999 VN AND VHD SERIES VTNA (VOLVO TRUCK NORTH AMERICA) VEHICLES ARE PRONE TO CRACKING AND BREAKING.WHEN THE RETENTION LEGS BREAK, THE SEPARATED PIECES OF THE TSCR TYPICALLYREPOSE IN THE HOST CAVITY IN THE STEERING WHEEL HUB WHERE THEY WERE DEPOSITED.ODIFOUND THAT BROKEN PIECES OF THE TSCR EITHER (1) MIGRATED FROM THEIR HOST CAVITY AND DROPPED COMPLETELY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY OR (2) LODGED IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE STEE...
PE04014Opened 5 Feb 2004Closed 24 Jun 2004STEERING
STEERING BINDING
ODI'S PRELIMINARY EVALUATION FOCUSED ON THE POTENTIAL FOR A BROKEN, BENT, DEFORMED, FRAGMENTED OR DISPLACED TURN SIGNAL CANCELING RING (TSCR), VTNA PART NUMBER 1607363, TO RESTRICT THEVEHICLE OPERATOR'S ABILITY TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL.THE PE IDENTIFIED THIRTEEN VTNA WARRANTY CLAIMS THAT ALLEGE THAT THE TSCR HAD FAILED AND THAT THE VEHICLE STEERING EFFORT HAD BEEN ADVERSELY AFFECTED.TO DATE, ODI HAS NOT FOUND ANY SAMPLES OF A FAILED TSCR AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DEFINITIVELY ESTABLISH WHETHER A FAILED TSCR CAN OR CANNOT CONTRIBUTE TO INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.ODI BELIEVES THAT IT IS APPROPRI...
DP01006Opened 10 May 2001Closed 23 Jan 2002EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20021471,891 units in Canada
Suspension
Certain vehicles affected may contain tie rod assemblies, model 20-EDL, manufactured by TRW. These tie rods may display premature wear that could eventually lead to the ball stud seperating from the socket assembly causing a possible loss of steering control. Correction: Dealer will replace the tie rod assemblies.
Recall 20012611,074 units in Canada
Steering
The steer axle tie rod ball-socket assembly ball stud may separate from the socket due to premature wear. If this event occurs, there will be no steering control to the right steer axle with the potential for a vehicle crash. Correction: suspect tie rod ball-socket assemblies will be inspected and replaced as required by dealers.
Recall 2001144108 units in Canada
Label
On certain vehicles, the certification label which contains front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) information pursuant to the requirements of CMVSS 120 does not accurately reflect the actual front gross axle weight. When operating the truck "bobtail" with full fuel tanks and two occupants with an allowance for personal belongings, the actual gross axle weight may exceed the stated rating found on the weight certification label. Correction: Dealers will bring the weight certification label into compliance by one or more of the following means: (1) replacement of the label with one which contains correct information; or (2) replacement of front axle tires, rims or tie rod tube or a combination thereof; or (3) replacement or relocation of the fuel tanks. Due to the various truck configurations, several owner notification letters are being sent for this campaign.
Recall 20002932,092 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the steer axle tie rod ball-socket assembly ball stud may separate from the socket due to premature wear. if this event occurs. there will be no steering control to the right steer axle with the potential for a vehicle crash. Correction: Suspect tie rod ball-socket assemblies will be inspected and replaced as required.
Recall 1999196188 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the electrical circuit for the fuel metering pump that supplies fuel to the compact (parking) heater does not contain a rollover protection switch that would shut-off electrical current to the fuel metering pump in the event of a vehicle rollover. In a rollover, with the compact heater in operation, fuel would still be supplied to the heater creating the potential for a vehicle fire. Correction: A rollover protection switch will be installed.
Recall 199912167 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the brake automatic slack adjuster pull pawl may not have been tightened to the specified torque. If this condition exists, the brake will lose further adjustment, and the affected wheel brake assembly will become ineffective. Correction: The slack adjuster pull pawl will be tightened to the specified torque at all wheel/brake locations.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Kalamazoo, MIFire
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
1999 VOLVO VN, DESTROYED BY AN AXLE FIRE. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0446-91)*JB UPDATED 09/13/10
NHTSA complaint #10354250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kalamazoo, MIFire
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
1999 VOLVO VN, DESTROYED BY AN AXLE FIRE. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0446-91)*JB UPDATED 09/13/10
NHTSA complaint #10354250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glenville, WVFire
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
ACCESSORY PANEL OF CAB,LOCATED IN SLEEPER COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #560651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Kalamazoo, MIFire
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
1999 VOLVO VN, DESTROYED BY AN AXLE FIRE. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0446-91)*JB UPDATED 09/13/10
NHTSA complaint #10354250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kalamazoo, MIFire
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
1999 VOLVO VN, DESTROYED BY AN AXLE FIRE. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0446-91)*JB UPDATED 09/13/10
NHTSA complaint #10354250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yakima, WA
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
THE STEERING SHAFT SECTOR OF THE U JOINT LOCKED UP.
NHTSA complaint #10007088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clayton, DE
STEERING
THE VEHICLE JUMPED RAILING AND THE CONSUMER LOST ALL STEERING RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK.
NHTSA complaint #565363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clayton, DE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
THE VEHICLE HAD LOW POWER ON HILLS AND WHEN THE TRUCK RUNS IT CUTS OFF.
NHTSA complaint #565363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poplar Bluff, MO
SUSPENSION
VEHICLE,(VN700 SERIES), IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE U-BOLTS AND ALSO HAD THEM REPLACED. VEHICLE IS ALSO EXPERIENCING EXCESS TIRE WEAR CAUSING VIBRATION IN DRIVERS ARMS AND HANDS. HAD FRONT SHOCKS AND LEAF SPRINGS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #565152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Schenevus, NY
SUSPENSION
THIS IS THE CONSUMERS FATHERS VEHICLE, THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCES FRONT TIRE PROBLEMS AND THE SUSPENSION BOLTS SHEARED OFF, RSBROWN@WPE.COM. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #565215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poplar Bluff, MO
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
VEHICLE,(VN700 SERIES), HAD THE DRAG ARM REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #565152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poplar Bluff, MO
SUSPENSION
VEHICLE,(VN700 SERIES), IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER DASH. ALSO, CONSUMER STARTED OUT REPLACING THE U BOLTS, FRONT SHOCKS, TIRES, DRAG ARM, AND LEAF SPRINGS. THERE HAS BEEN EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR WHICH CAUSE A VIBRATION RESULTING IN NUMBNESS OF CONSUMERS ARMS AND HANDS. THE VEHICLE IS HARD TO STEER, LEANS TO ONE SIDE AND DOES NOT LEVEL OUT.
NHTSA complaint #565152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poplar Bluff, MO
SUSPENSION
VEHICLE,(VN700 SERIES), IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE U-BOLTS AND ALSO HAD THEM REPLACED. VEHICLE IS ALSO EXPERIENCING EXCESS TIRE WEAR CAUSING VIBRATION IN DRIVERS ARMS AND HANDS. HAD FRONT SHOCKS AND LEAF SPRINGS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #565152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Schenevus, NY
SUSPENSION
THIS IS THE CONSUMERS FATHERS VEHICLE, THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCES FRONT TIRE PROBLEMS AND THE SUSPENSION BOLTS SHEARED OFF, RSBROWN@WPE.COM. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #565215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poplar Bluff, MO
TIRES
VEHICLE,(VN700 SERIES), IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER DASH. ALSO, CONSUMER STARTED OUT REPLACING THE U BOLTS, FRONT SHOCKS, TIRES, DRAG ARM, AND LEAF SPRINGS. THERE HAS BEEN EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR WHICH CAUSE A VIBRATION RESULTING IN NUMBNESS OF CONSUMERS ARMS AND HANDS. THE VEHICLE IS HARD TO STEER, LEANS TO ONE SIDE AND DOES NOT LEVEL OUT.
NHTSA complaint #565152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poplar Bluff, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
VEHICLE,(VN700 SERIES), IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER DASH. ALSO, CONSUMER STARTED OUT REPLACING THE U BOLTS, FRONT SHOCKS, TIRES, DRAG ARM, AND LEAF SPRINGS. THERE HAS BEEN EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR WHICH CAUSE A VIBRATION RESULTING IN NUMBNESS OF CONSUMERS ARMS AND HANDS. THE VEHICLE IS HARD TO STEER, LEANS TO ONE SIDE AND DOES NOT LEVEL OUT.
NHTSA complaint #565152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Salt Lake, UT
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT VALVE, BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, CAB MOTOR BLOWER AND STEERING COLUMN WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #8007904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Salt Lake, UT
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT VALVE WAS UPDATED, THE FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT, HOOD SHOCKS, STEERING AXLE SHOCKS, CAB MOTOR BLOWER, ALTERNATOR, BUNK HEATER CONTROL WERE ALL REPLACED, ALSO THE FOOT VALVE WENT BAD AND THE HOOD RELEASE BROKE.
NHTSA complaint #8007904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Salt Lake, UT
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT STEER WHEEL SEAL, SLEEPER HEATER VALVE, WINDOW MOTOR, OVERHEAD CABINET, FOOT VALVE, CAB BLOWER MOTOR, SUSPENSION LEVELING VALVE, STEERING COLUMN WERE REPLACED, THE INTERRUPT SWITCH WAS BAD.
NHTSA complaint #8007904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Salt Lake, UT
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT STEER WHEEL SEAL, SLEEPER HEATER VALVE, WINDOW MOTOR, OVERHEAD CABINET, FOOT VALVE, CAB BLOWER MOTOR, SUSPENSION LEVELING VALVE, STEERING COLUMN WERE REPLACED, THE INTERRUPT SWITCH WAS BAD.
NHTSA complaint #8007904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Salt Lake, UT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT, AIR RIDE VALVE, CAB MOTOR BLOWER, FOOT VALVE AND IDLER PULLEY WERE INOPERTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #8007904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Salt Lake, UT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CONSUMER STATED SIGNAL, FOOT VALVE, HOOD LATCH RELEASE HANDLE, HOOD SHOCK,AIR RIDE VALVE, FUEL GAUGE SENSOR WERE ALL REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #8007904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Salt Lake, UT
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER STATED THE LEFT STEER AXLE WHEEL SEAL, ACC DRIVE SEAL, LEFT STEER WHEEL SEAL NEW SEAT VALVE AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #8007904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Salt Lake, UT
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT VALVE WAS UPDATED, THE FUEL SENDING UNIT, CAB MOTOR BLOWER REAR AXLE SHOCKS, STARTER AND BUNK CONTROL MODULE WERE ALL REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #8007904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Salt Lake, UT
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT VALVE WAS UPDATED, THE FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT, HOOD SHOCKS, STEERING AXLE SHOCKS, CAB MOTOR BLOWER, ALTERNATOR, BUNK HEATER CONTROL WERE ALL REPLACED, ALSO THE FOOT VALVE WENT BAD AND THE HOOD RELEASE BROKE.
NHTSA complaint #8007904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Salt Lake, UT
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT STEER WHEEL SEAL, SLEEPER HEATER VALVE, WINDOW MOTOR, OVERHEAD CABINET, FOOT VALVE, CAB BLOWER MOTOR, SUSPENSION LEVELING VALVE, STEERING COLUMN WERE REPLACED, THE INTERRUPT SWITCH WAS BAD.
NHTSA complaint #8007904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Salt Lake, UT
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT SIDE STEER AXLE, STEREO, BUNK RESISTOR MODULE, CAB BLOWER MOTOR, FOOT VALVE, AND BUNK BLOWER MOTOR WERE REPLACED, THE SEAT VALVE WAS UPDATED.
NHTSA complaint #8007904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Salt Lake, UT
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT SIDE STEER AXLE, STEREO, BUNK RESISTOR MODULE, CAB BLOWER MOTOR, FOOT VALVE, AND BUNK BLOWER MOTOR WERE REPLACED, THE SEAT VALVE WAS UPDATED.
NHTSA complaint #8007904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.