Owners have filed 11 complaints
about the 2006 Volvo VNL with NHTSA between 2006 and 2016.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 8 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 — 39
Against the median year of the Volvo VNL. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% 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.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2006 Volvo VNL
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Suspension
327.3%
Median failure at 40,000 miles
Steering
327.3%
Median failure at 893,000 miles
Lights
218.2%
Median failure at 300,000 miles
Wheels
19.1%
Tires
19.1%
Airbags
19.1%
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.
Aug 2006peak 3Oct 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 2006 Volvo VNL
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.
RQ11001Opened 23 May 2011Closed 20 Jan 2012VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Volvo Sleeper glass de-bonding
ODI opened Recall Query RQ11-001 after a review of EWR Field Reports identified lower bunk window separations on the subject vehicles.Volvo had issued three recalls for sleeper window separations since 2003.Additionally, Volvo had issued two bulletins for sleeper window issues during the same time period.The frequency of related actions led ODI to open this formal investigation.An Information Request (IR) letter was sent to Volvo on 23 June 2011.Volvo responded on 17 August 2011 and then provided updated warranty information on 9 January 2012.Volvo provided production change data and warranty...
Recalls on the 2006 Volvo VNL
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 201020910,401 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain trucks, the drag link may fail, which could result in a ball socket separation. A separation of the drag link will cause a complete loss of steering, and may result in a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, as required, replace the drag link assembly.
Recall 200914418,297 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may be susceptible to water intrusion, which could result in an electrical short circuit and a fire. This could cause property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.
Recall 200902548 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain trucks equipped with super single tires, vibration frequency from the suspension may result in fatigue cracking of the mounting brackets for the brake cam tubes. In time the crack could propagate and cause of the brake cam tube support bracket(s) to fail, which could result in a loss of brakes at the corresponding wheel end. This could increase stopping distances, possibly causing a vehicle crash resulting in property damage, personal injuries or death. Correction: Dealers will install an additional support bracket to the brake cam tubes.
Recall 200739414,742 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain trucks, the automatic circuit breakers used to protect the vehicle lighting system may not provide adequate protection. If a short circuit occurs, components and wiring may be subject to overheating, which could result in a vehicle fire, causing property damage and/or personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the circuit breakers with fuses.
Recall 20060235,573 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler inlet pipes and/or the pipes that connect the EGR valves to the cooler may fail (crack or break). If the pipes or the cooler inlet pipes fail and are left untreated, the air cleaner and inner fender may be subject to hot exhaust gases, which could potentially lead to a fire. Correction: Dealers will inspect the EGR cooler pipes and install a heat shield.
Recall 200533088 units in Canada
Suspension
Certain vehicles may develop a front wheel wobble when the tires become worn. If the wobble persists and is left untreated, damage may occur which could impair vehicle control. Correction: Dealers will replace front vertical shocks on each side of the front suspension and add a horizontal stabilizer. This correction will only be applied to vehicles that exhibit the wobble condition.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 893,000 milesBrigantine, NJ
STEERING
WAS DRIVING NORTH ON INTERSTATE 95 AT 55 MPH, WENT TO TURN WHEEL ON CURVE, AND HAD COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING. WHEEL TURNED, BUT WHEELS STAYED STRAIGHT. WAS SURROUNDED BY AT LEAST 10 OTHER VEHICLES WHO WERE ABLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY. I THEN RAN OFF SIDE OF ROAD INTO DITCH WITH TRAILER ATTACHED CARRYING 40,000 POUNDS WAS STUCK IN THE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10914433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowling Green, KY
STEERING
VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AT A LOCAL SHOP WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE DRAG LINK WAS ON RECALL AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A SAFETY ISSUE. DRAG LINK WAS IN A VERY BAD SHAPE AND I WAS ADVISED THAT I WAS NOT TO CONDUCT DRIVING IN THAT CONDITION. REPAIRS HAVE BEEN PROCESSED, NOW I NEED TO BE PAID FOR THE RECALL PART. PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY FOR MORE INFORMATION. VIN: [XXX] YR: 2006 MODEL: VNL MAKE: VOLVO INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10426696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300,000 milesLoganville, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE CLEAR PLASTIC THAT COVERED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WOULD IMPAIR THE DISTANCE OF ILLUMINATION CAUSING HIM TO UTILIZE THE HIGH BEAMS INSTEAD IN ORDER TO PROPERLY SEE THE ROADWAY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO PURCHASE A KIT TO IMPROVE THE ILLUMINATION DISTANCE. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 430,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300,000. UPDTATED 2/17/11 *CN THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE LIGHTS. UPDATED 02/28/11
NHTSA complaint #10373146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union City, PA
TIRES
2006 VOLVO VNL64T, UNIT 2 TIRE AND RIM CAME OFF AT MILE POST 57.8. UNIT 2 DIDN'T REALIZE HE LOST HIS TIRE AND RIM UNTIL HE WAS AT MILE POST 53. SUPPLEMENTED OH-2 WITH TURNPIKE DAMAGE. SEVERAL VEHICLES WERE DAMAGE. *BF OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH POLICE REPORT NUMBERS;10-0237-89, 10-0238-89, AND 10-0240-898. *JB UPDATED 08/05/10 *BF UPDATED 10/13/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE WHEELS DID NOT COME OFF THE POWER UNIT. THE TIRE AND RIMS CAME OFF THE TRAILER. UPDATED 10/19/10
NHTSA complaint #10345522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union City, PA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
2006 VOLVO VNL64T, UNIT 2 TIRE AND RIM CAME OFF AT MILE POST 57.8. UNIT 2 DIDN'T REALIZE HE LOST HIS TIRE AND RIM UNTIL HE WAS AT MILE POST 53. SUPPLEMENTED OH-2 WITH TURNPIKE DAMAGE. SEVERAL VEHICLES WERE DAMAGE. *BF OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH POLICE REPORT NUMBERS;10-0237-89, 10-0238-89, AND 10-0240-898. *JB UPDATED 08/05/10 *BF UPDATED 10/13/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE WHEELS DID NOT COME OFF THE POWER UNIT. THE TIRE AND RIMS CAME OFF THE TRAILER. UPDATED 10/19/10
NHTSA complaint #10345522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Bloomfield, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I DRIVE A 2006 VNL VOLVO WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON DIM YOU CANNOT HARDLY SEE THE ROAD MOST OF THE TIME ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS RAINING I HAVE SPOKEN TO MANY DRIVERS WITH THIS SAME TYPE OF TRUCK AND THEY ALL SAY THE SAME THING ABOUT THE POOR LIGHTING SYSTEM WHEN ON DIM I HAVE CHECKED EVERYTHING TO TRY AND FIGURE OUT THE CAUSE OR REASON FOR THIS INCLUDING HOW MANY VOLTS ARE GETTING TO THE LIGHTS AND EVEN REPLACING THE BULBS MANY TIMES WITH DIFFERENT BRANDS AND USING A HIGHER WATTAGE BULB WITH NO BETTER RESULTS MANY TIMES I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN A WRECK BECAUSE OF THIS AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE VOLVO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM I HAVE DRIVEN THIS TRUCK SINCE IT WAS NEW AND IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THIS WAY.
NHTSA complaint #10254451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesWeston, FL
SUSPENSION:FRONT
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TRACTOR TRAILER'S STEERING SYSTEM PULLED TO EITHER SIDE WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP IN MANY DIFFERENT STATES WHO DETERMINED ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER EQUIPMENT FOR HEAVY TRUCK ALIGNMENT SO IT HAD BEEN REFERRED TO OTHER COMPANIES WITH THE SPECIALIZED ALIGNMENT EQUIPMENT. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN IN FOR ALIGNMENT NINE TIMES, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. ALSO, THE TREAD LOCATED IN MIDDLE OF BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE EXCESSIVELY WORN OUT. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE ALIGNMENT AS THE SOURCE OF THIS IRREGULAR WEAR. THE THIRD PROBLEM WAS ON THE SEMI REAR AXLE, WHICH WAS NOT PARALLEL TO THE MIDDLE AXLE CREATING IRREGULAR ANGULAR DISPLACEMENT OF THE TRAILER, WHICH ENTAILED A SERIOUS RISK TO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. THE INNER TIRE OF THE REAR AXLE WORE EXCESSIVELY INDICATING STRUCTURAL DEFECT IN THE AXLE MOUNTING.
NHTSA complaint #10167690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesWeston, FL
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TRACTOR TRAILER'S STEERING SYSTEM PULLED TO EITHER SIDE WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP IN MANY DIFFERENT STATES WHO DETERMINED ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER EQUIPMENT FOR HEAVY TRUCK ALIGNMENT SO IT HAD BEEN REFERRED TO OTHER COMPANIES WITH THE SPECIALIZED ALIGNMENT EQUIPMENT. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN IN FOR ALIGNMENT NINE TIMES, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. ALSO, THE TREAD LOCATED IN MIDDLE OF BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE EXCESSIVELY WORN OUT. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE ALIGNMENT AS THE SOURCE OF THIS IRREGULAR WEAR. THE THIRD PROBLEM WAS ON THE SEMI REAR AXLE, WHICH WAS NOT PARALLEL TO THE MIDDLE AXLE CREATING IRREGULAR ANGULAR DISPLACEMENT OF THE TRAILER, WHICH ENTAILED A SERIOUS RISK TO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. THE INNER TIRE OF THE REAR AXLE WORE EXCESSIVELY INDICATING STRUCTURAL DEFECT IN THE AXLE MOUNTING.
NHTSA complaint #10167690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weston, FL
AIR BAGS
RUSSO TRUCKING, CORP. OWNS TWO VOLVO TRUCKS WITH MAJOR STEERING AND FRONT AXLE PROBLEMS, WHICH VOLVO TRUCKS OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE DEALER NEXTRAN TRUCK CENTER AT POMPANO BEACH, FL SEEMS THAT CAN'T FIX, WE HAVE TAKEN OUR TRUCKS TO TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM TO SEVERAL PLACES, AND NOBODY HAS BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT, WE ARE AFRAID THAT OUR VOLVO TRUCKS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I WILL MENTION SOME OF THE SHOPS WHERE WE HAVE TAKEN OUR TRUCKS: ML TIRE IN MIAMI, VOLVO IN POMPANO BEACH, FL, JOSAN IN ORLANDO, FL, VOLVO DEALER IN NC, VOLVO DEALER IN KNOXVILLE, TN, VOLVO DEALER IN ARKANSAS, VOLVO DEALER IN CHATTANOOGA, TN, VOLVO DEALER IN CT. ETC.
NHTSA complaint #10166260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weston, FL
STEERING
RUSSO TRUCKING, CORP. OWNS TWO VOLVO TRUCKS WITH MAJOR STEERING AND FRONT AXLE PROBLEMS, WHICH VOLVO TRUCKS OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE DEALER NEXTRAN TRUCK CENTER AT POMPANO BEACH, FL SEEMS THAT CAN'T FIX, WE HAVE TAKEN OUR TRUCKS TO TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM TO SEVERAL PLACES, AND NOBODY HAS BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT, WE ARE AFRAID THAT OUR VOLVO TRUCKS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I WILL MENTION SOME OF THE SHOPS WHERE WE HAVE TAKEN OUR TRUCKS: ML TIRE IN MIAMI, VOLVO IN POMPANO BEACH, FL, JOSAN IN ORLANDO, FL, VOLVO DEALER IN NC, VOLVO DEALER IN KNOXVILLE, TN, VOLVO DEALER IN ARKANSAS, VOLVO DEALER IN CHATTANOOGA, TN, VOLVO DEALER IN CT. ETC.
NHTSA complaint #10166260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weston, FL
SUSPENSION
RUSSO TRUCKING, CORP. OWNS TWO VOLVO TRUCKS WITH MAJOR STEERING AND FRONT AXLE PROBLEMS, WHICH VOLVO TRUCKS OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE DEALER NEXTRAN TRUCK CENTER AT POMPANO BEACH, FL SEEMS THAT CAN'T FIX, WE HAVE TAKEN OUR TRUCKS TO TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM TO SEVERAL PLACES, AND NOBODY HAS BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT, WE ARE AFRAID THAT OUR VOLVO TRUCKS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I WILL MENTION SOME OF THE SHOPS WHERE WE HAVE TAKEN OUR TRUCKS: ML TIRE IN MIAMI, VOLVO IN POMPANO BEACH, FL, JOSAN IN ORLANDO, FL, VOLVO DEALER IN NC, VOLVO DEALER IN KNOXVILLE, TN, VOLVO DEALER IN ARKANSAS, VOLVO DEALER IN CHATTANOOGA, TN, VOLVO DEALER IN CT. ETC.
NHTSA complaint #10166260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.