Owners have filed 164 complaints
about the 1998 Volvo VN610 with NHTSA between 1999 and 2007.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 96
Against the median year of the Volvo VN610. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 38
7.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
HUB
1933.3%
Interior/Under Dash
712.3%
Gasoline
712.3%
Manual Transmission
610.5%
Gear BOX (Other Than Rack AND Pinion)
58.8%
Glass, Side/Rear
58.8%
Diesel
47.0%
Clutch Assembly
47.0%
When owners complained
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.
Dec 1999peak 61Aug 2007
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 Volvo VN610
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...
EA02021Opened 6 Sep 2002Closed 6 Nov 2003SUSPENSION
FRONT SUSPENSION U-BOLTS LOOSEN OR BREAK
ODI'SINVESTIGATION DID NOT FIND ANY EVIDENCE THAT LOOSE OR BROKENFRONT SUSPENSION U-BOLTS HAVE CAUSED OR CONTRIBUTED TO ANY CRASHES OR NEAR MISS EVENTS.SEE THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSISREPORT FOR FULL TECHNICAL DETAILS.* 1996/1997 BUILT VEHICLES ARE DESIGNATED BY VOLVO AS 1998 MODEL YEAR.
PE01040Opened 3 Dec 2001Closed 26 Mar 2002ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SLEEPER BERTH FIRES
PE01041Opened 3 Dec 2001Closed 14 Jun 2002STEERING
STEERING GEARBOX OR U-JOINT
PE01042Opened 3 Dec 2001Closed 6 Sep 2002STEERING
STEERING AXLE U-BOLT
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 428,000 milesOley, PACrash
SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO VN610. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING POWER. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BROUGHT IN FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BALL JOINT THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE DRAG LINK FELL APART. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 430,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 428,000. UPDATED 10/16/07
NHTSA complaint #10199493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 428,000 milesOley, PACrash
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO VN610. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING POWER. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BROUGHT IN FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BALL JOINT THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE DRAG LINK FELL APART. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 430,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 428,000. UPDATED 10/16/07
NHTSA complaint #10199493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MT Holly Springs, PACrash
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
TRW MANUFACTURED BALL SOCKET ON DRAG LINK SEPARATED RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING. MINOR CRASH WITH NO INJURIES
NHTSA complaint #10037951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dalevill, IN1 injured
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE STEERING LOCKED LIKE WHEN HAVING A FLAT TIRE, CONSUMER WAS INJURED AFTER REPAIRS, CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED AGAIN, THE HEAT VENT FOR THE DASH WAS FOUND STUCK IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, HOWEVER CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THIS WAS CAUSED FROM THE ACCIDENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #565375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dalevill, IN1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE STEERING LOCKED LIKE WHEN HAVING A FLAT TIRE, CONSUMER WAS INJURED AFTER REPAIRS, CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED AGAIN, THE HEAT VENT FOR THE DASH WAS FOUND STUCK IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, HOWEVER CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THIS WAS CAUSED FROM THE ACCIDENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #565375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dalevill, IN1 injured
TIRES
WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE STEERING LOCKED LIKE WHEN HAVING A FLAT TIRE, CONSUMER WAS INJURED AFTER REPAIRS, CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED AGAIN, THE HEAT VENT FOR THE DASH WAS FOUND STUCK IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, HOWEVER CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THIS WAS CAUSED FROM THE ACCIDENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #565375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 428,000 milesOley, PACrash
SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO VN610. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING POWER. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BROUGHT IN FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BALL JOINT THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE DRAG LINK FELL APART. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 430,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 428,000. UPDATED 10/16/07
NHTSA complaint #10199493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 428,000 milesOley, PACrash
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO VN610. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING POWER. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BROUGHT IN FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BALL JOINT THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE DRAG LINK FELL APART. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 430,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 428,000. UPDATED 10/16/07
NHTSA complaint #10199493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MT Holly Springs, PACrash
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
TRW MANUFACTURED BALL SOCKET ON DRAG LINK SEPARATED RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING. MINOR CRASH WITH NO INJURIES
NHTSA complaint #10037951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victor, WV
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
CONSUMER STATES EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND POWER CLUTCH.
NHTSA complaint #565932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victor, WV
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CONSUMER STATES MUST HOLD BRAKE DOWN 5 SECONDS FOR CRUISE CONTROL TO WORK.
NHTSA complaint #565932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victor, WV
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER STATES THAT TIRES WERE PULLED OFF AT 70,000 MILES DUE TO PREMATURE STEER TIRE WEAR.
NHTSA complaint #565932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victor, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS THE WIRING HARNESS WHICH WAS REPLACED TWICE.
NHTSA complaint #565932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victor, WV
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ENGINE BRAKE (EXHAUST BRAKE) IS FAULTY. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE ROCKER ARMS HAVE WORN OUT.
NHTSA complaint #565932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raymond, OH
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
CONSUMER STATES U-JOINTS AND SEAL IN FRONT OF POWER DIVIDER FAILED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE NEW CLUTCH PRESSURE PLATE THROW OUT PILOT BEARING.
NHTSA complaint #565933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dalevill, IN1 injured
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE STEERING LOCKED LIKE WHEN HAVING A FLAT TIRE, CONSUMER WAS INJURED AFTER REPAIRS, CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED AGAIN, THE HEAT VENT FOR THE DASH WAS FOUND STUCK IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, HOWEVER CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THIS WAS CAUSED FROM THE ACCIDENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #565375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raymond, OH
STEERING
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING VARIOUS STEERING PROBLEMS SUCH AS THE SECTOR SHAFT END CAP AND SNAP RING FELL OFF, THE STEERING GEAR BOX HAD TO BE REPLACED AND TIE ROD ENDS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #565933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dalevill, IN1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE STEERING LOCKED LIKE WHEN HAVING A FLAT TIRE, CONSUMER WAS INJURED AFTER REPAIRS, CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED AGAIN, THE HEAT VENT FOR THE DASH WAS FOUND STUCK IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, HOWEVER CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THIS WAS CAUSED FROM THE ACCIDENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #565375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingsville, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE LED DISPLAY THAT CARRIES THE VOLMETER FAILED AND WAS REPLACED, BUT FAILED AGAIN. TWO GAUGE ARRAYS ON THE DASH DO NOT HAVE LIGHTS.
NHTSA complaint #565631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunnyvale, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE DASH.
NHTSA complaint #565931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raymond, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CONSUMER STATES EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE DASH. ON SEVERAL OCCASISIONS THE DASH LIGHTS AND GAUGES OPERATE ERRATICALLY.
NHTSA complaint #565933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingsville, MO
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING TIRES AND THEY HAD TO BE REPLACED AT LESS THAN 50,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #565370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunnyvale, CA
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY OVER WEIGHT ON THE FRONT AXLE, FORCING CONSUMER TO TRAVEL WITH LESS THAN HALF OF FUEL CAPACITY. TRUCK WEIGHS AROUND 12,000 WHEM EMPTY OR NO LOAD. WITH FULL FUEL, CAN REACH 12,500 TO 13,000. STEER TIRES VIBRATE AND START TO DETERIORATE AT ABOUT 60,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #565931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raymond, OH
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER STATES EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH U-BOLTS AND REAR SUSPENSION LEVELING VALVE.
NHTSA complaint #565933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dalevill, IN1 injured
TIRES
WHILE DRIVING, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE STEERING LOCKED LIKE WHEN HAVING A FLAT TIRE, CONSUMER WAS INJURED AFTER REPAIRS, CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED AGAIN, THE HEAT VENT FOR THE DASH WAS FOUND STUCK IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, HOWEVER CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THIS WAS CAUSED FROM THE ACCIDENT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #565375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raymond, OH
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
CONSUMER STATES THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE FRONT HEATER FAN FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #565933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingsville, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
CONSUMER STATES THE LCD GRAPHICS DISPLAY WAS SHOWING TRIP MILES, MPG, VOLTMETER, AT 98,000 THE MANUFACTURER REPLACED THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, HOWEVER AT 240,000 CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HIMSELF AND THE MANUFACTURER IS OFFERING NO SOLUTIONS.
NHTSA complaint #565370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raymond, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SERVO VALVE FAILED CAUSING AIR LEAKS. SLACK ADJUSTER ALSO FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #565933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Agassiz, CD
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
CONSUMER STATES HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #565361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Agassiz, CD
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER STATES THE AIR BAGS DROPPED.
NHTSA complaint #565361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Agassiz, CD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CONSUMER STATES EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #565361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.