Owners have filed 67 complaints
about the 1998 Volvo VN770 with NHTSA between 1999 and 2003.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 43
Against the median year of the Volvo VN770. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 15
3% 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.
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.
Frame AND Members
520.0%
Glass, Side/Rear
416.0%
Gear BOX (Other Than Rack AND Pinion)
312.0%
Tread/Belt
312.0%
Interior/Under Dash
312.0%
Hood
312.0%
Electrical
28.0%
Clutch Assembly
28.0%
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 16Nov 2003
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 Volvo VN770
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...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 513 milesPowell, TNFire
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, CONSUMER SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT SMELL. SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE SLEEPER BIRTH AREA, THEN THE CABIN WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIRE INSPECTOR INDICATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE SWITCH THAT CONTROLLED THE BUILT IN REFRIGERATOR FREEZER. *NLM WHILE DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON 195 1998 VOLVO VN770 HAD SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT CAB. FIRE WAS A RESULT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE SWITCH THAT CONTROLLED THE BUILT IN REFRIGERATOR FREEZER. TRUCK WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10048447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 513 milesPowell, TNFire
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, CONSUMER SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT SMELL. SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE SLEEPER BIRTH AREA, THEN THE CABIN WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIRE INSPECTOR INDICATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE SWITCH THAT CONTROLLED THE BUILT IN REFRIGERATOR FREEZER. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10048450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 513 milesPowell, TNFire
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, CONSUMER SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT SMELL. SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE SLEEPER BIRTH AREA, THEN THE CABIN WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIRE INSPECTOR INDICATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE SWITCH THAT CONTROLLED THE BUILT IN REFRIGERATOR FREEZER. *NLM WHILE DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON 195 1998 VOLVO VN770 HAD SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT CAB. FIRE WAS A RESULT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE SWITCH THAT CONTROLLED THE BUILT IN REFRIGERATOR FREEZER. TRUCK WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10048447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 513 milesPowell, TNFire
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, CONSUMER SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT SMELL. SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE SLEEPER BIRTH AREA, THEN THE CABIN WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIRE INSPECTOR INDICATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE SWITCH THAT CONTROLLED THE BUILT IN REFRIGERATOR FREEZER. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10048450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, WV
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
THE WHEEL BEARING, AND FUEL GAUGE FAILED, THE TIRES EXPERIENCED PREMATURE TIRE WEAR, THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN SLEEPER DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, THE FUEL TANK BAFFLE WAS LOOSE.
NHTSA complaint #10007176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, WV
SUSPENSION
THE WHEEL BEARING, AND FUEL GAUGE FAILED, THE TIRES EXPERIENCED PREMATURE TIRE WEAR, THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN SLEEPER DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, THE FUEL TANK BAFFLE WAS LOOSE.
NHTSA complaint #10007176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, WV
EQUIPMENT
THE WHEEL BEARING, AND FUEL GAUGE FAILED, THE TIRES EXPERIENCED PREMATURE TIRE WEAR, THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN SLEEPER DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, THE FUEL TANK BAFFLE WAS LOOSE.
NHTSA complaint #10007176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, WV
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
THE WHEEL BEARING, AND FUEL GAUGE FAILED, THE TIRES EXPERIENCED PREMATURE TIRE WEAR, THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN SLEEPER DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, THE FUEL TANK BAFFLE WAS LOOSE.
NHTSA complaint #10007176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bainbridge, GA
TIRES
PER CONSUMER THE DEALERSHIP ACTION PONTIAC, GMC, VOLVO; DOTHAN AL; 334-794-8505,. IS REFUSING TO HONOR THEIR RECALL FOR VEHICLES' TIRE AND RIM NO RVXX02. TS
NHTSA complaint #10001717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Algona, IA
SUSPENSION
THE SHOCK ABSORBER BRACKET FELL OFF WHEN THE U-BOLTS ON THE REAR DRIVE AXLE BROKE. THERE WAS A FRONT END VIBRATION AT 65 MPH DUE TO A CRACK IN THE LEFT STEERING RIM. LATER ON, THE RIGHT STEERING TIRE WAS WORN TO THE CORD. THE NUT CAME OFF OF THE LEVELING ARM AND THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE NUT AND PUT ANOTHER LOCK NUT ON IT THERE HAVE BEEN NO OTHER PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #565926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Algona, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE DIAGNOSTIC UNIT AND THE RIGHT DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT.
NHTSA complaint #565926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Algona, IA
STRUCTURE
CONSUMER STATES IF THE VEHICLE HAS 100 GALLONS OF FUEL OR NO FUEL, THE VEHICLE IS STILL OVER WEIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #565926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
CONSUMER SATED THE POWER STEERING UNIT FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #565919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Piedmont, OH
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE HAS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #565905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Piedmont, OH
SUSPENSION
VEHICLE IS OVERWEIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #565905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO PICKING UP THE VEHICLE, HE REQUESTED TO HAVE THE TANKS MOVED BACKWARD AND MOVE THE 5TH WHEEL TO THE LAST MOUNTING HOLE, BECAUSE THE TRUCK WAS OVERWEIGHT, THEREFORE PUTTING ADDITIONAL WEIGHT ON THE STEER TIRES.
NHTSA complaint #565919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
CONSUMER STATED THE EXHAUST FELL OFF THE FIRST DAY OF PURCHASE.
NHTSA complaint #565919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
CONSUMER STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER WINDOW UNIT BROKE AT 13 MONTHS.
NHTSA complaint #565919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
CONSUMER STATED THE HOOD ALIGNMENT WAS NEVER RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #565919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Piedmont, OH
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
VEHICLE NEEDED POWER STEERING BOX INSTALLED.
NHTSA complaint #565905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
EQUIPMENT
CONSUMER STATED THE AIR DRYER MOUNT BROKE OFF DUE TO RUST AFTER 16 MONTHS, AND THE BUNK WIDOW CRANKING UNIT BROKE.
NHTSA complaint #565919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Littleton, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED DASH PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #565646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Banks, OR
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PLASTIC CLIPS FROM THE SLEEPER WINDOW BROKE AND HAS HAD ONE WINDOW COMPLETELY FALL OFF.
NHTSA complaint #565643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Banks, OR
SUSPENSION
EXPERIENCING SHUDDER IN STEERING WHEEL, FRONT SUSPENSION IS NOISY AND HAS A LOOSE FEEL, AND WORN BUSHINGS, CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE IS APPROXIMATELY 20,500 POUNDS WITH HALF TANK OF FUEL.
NHTSA complaint #565643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Banks, OR
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING HOSES AND VALVE IN SLEEPER COMPARTMENT FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #565643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Banks, OR
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE CLUTCH.
NHTSA complaint #565643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Banks, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING VARIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE DASH, WIRING IN THE SLEEPER AND WITH THE DIGITAL READOUT IN DASH FOR THE COMPUTER.
NHTSA complaint #565643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.