Owners have filed 11 complaints
about the 2014 Volvo VNL with NHTSA between 2014 and 2023.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 94
18.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 64
38% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2014 Volvo VNL
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
327.3%
Median failure at 390,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
19.1%
Wheels
19.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 100,000 mi
Tires
19.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 100,000 mi
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
19.1%
Median failure at 124 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
19.1%
Median failure at 200 miles
Body & Structure
19.1%
Median failure at 390,000 miles
Steering
19.1%
Median failure at 229,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
19.1%
Median failure at 200 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
337.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
225.0%
150,000+ miles
337.5%
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.
Apr 2014peak 2Apr 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2014 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.
AQ18005Opened 22 Oct 2018Closed 4 Aug 2023COMMUNICATION
Discrepancies in Required CFR Reporting
On October 22, 2018, an Audit Query (AQ18-005) was opened to assess the completeness and timeliness of Volvo Group's early warning reporting, safety recalls, and communications submissions to the agency.NHTSA's investigation determined that Volvo Group failed to recall vehicles in a timely fashion and to comply with other recall and reporting requirements, including notifying owners of recalls and reporting death and injury incidents.NHTSA and Volvo Group entered into a Consent Order on January 27, 2023 to resolve AQ18-005.As part of the Consent Order, Volvo Group agreed to a total civil penal...
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Defect Petition (DP) assessment in response to a defect petition received from owners of a 2015 Volvo VNL 780 tractor.Prior to submitting the letter the owners had submitted two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ).Their concerns included: cab sway, cab alignment , and loss of control.The petitioners further allege that due to a failure of the suspension system caused by cab misalignment one of them sustained a back injury while seated at the work station in the sleeper berth while traveling.The office received a total of six (6) complaints (...
PE13002Opened 7 Feb 2013Closed 3 Jul 2013POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Stop Lamp Switch Signal
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data from the manufacturer that indicated some number of subject vehicles equipped with the subject automated manual transmission had allegedly experienced a condition where the clutch failed to automatically disengage the transmission from the engine as intended. This may result in extended stopping distances and/or unintended forward motion of a vehicle previously at rest.To date, ODI is aware of 134 subject vehicles with one or more complaints or field reports related to this condition.Also, ODI is aware of 164...
Recalls on the 2014 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 2016643127 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles equipped with an electronic air dryer, the operating parameters may have been set incorrectly. This could allow condensation into the air brake system, potentially affecting brake system function in cold weather conditions and increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle control unit.
Recall 201537455 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the draglink ball socket boot may be damaged due to the angle of the ball stud. This could cause contaminants to enter the ball socket and cause corrosion, accelerating the wear of the ball. If left untreated, the ball joint could separate from the socket resulting in complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the draglink.
Recall 20145292,885 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles equipped with Eco-Roll, which allows the transmission to disengage from the engine in certain situations to conserve fuel, a defect in the software may prevent the drivetrain from reengaging when coming out of Eco-Roll. This could occur without prior warning and under certain conditions, extend stopping distances, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will update vehicle software.
Recall 20145286 units in Canada
Tires
On certain vehicles with a governed road speed setting of 113 kilometers per hour (70MPH) or more that are outfitted with 295/60 R22.5 XZA2 Energy Tires and used in an auto transport application (i.e. truck modified with frame mounted to the truck to carry automobiles over the truck's front axle), a premature tire failure may occur on the front or steer axle as a result of certain operating conditions (high speeds, load and road temperature). A tire failure could cause the driver to lose vehicle control, which may result in a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the tires and set the road speed governor.
Recall 2014388171 units in Canada
Engine
On certain model vehicles with a D16 engine, engine software parameters may have been incorrectly set at time of manufacture, which could cause the engine to stall. This would result in a loss of motive power and affect functioning of the power steering system as well as other safety systems. These issues could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will update vehicle software.
Recall 2014387831 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, bolts that hold the brake caliper to the backing plate may not have been tightened to specification, and could allow the brake caliper to separate from the backing plate. This would disable braking at the affected wheel, which could cause the vehicle to pull to one side during braking, and also increase stopping distances, which could result in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect bolts and repair as required.
Recall 201426070 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain model vehicles outfitted with enhanced cruise control and without side fairings, a programming error could result in the active braking feature of the enhanced cruise control to be disabled. As a result, the enhanced cruise control system may not automatically activate the brakes as designed. This could possibly result in a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will update the software of the control unit.
Recall 20134211,100 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain trucks, the seat belts may not comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 209 - Seat Belt Assemblies. Due to a defect in manufacturing, the seat belt buckle may not release as required by the standard. This could hinder egress from the vehicle in an emergency, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace affected seatbelt buckles.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 100,000 milesSmyrna, GACrash
WHEELS
ON 10/1, UNIT WAS LOCATED AT MILE MARKER 153 ON I-40 NEAR ASH FORK AZ, WHEN THEIR FRONT PASSENGER STEER TIRE'S TREAD DETACHED (MICHELIN XZA 3+ 275/80/R22.5 DOT#M5EJ00EX3213). THE TREAD ACTED LIKE A FLAIL AND CAUSED APPROXIMATELY $12,000 IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND BRING THE TRUCK SAFELY TO THE ROAD SHOULDER. A STATE TROOPER WAS CALLED TO THE SITE. ONCE HE ARRIVED, THE TROOPER INSURED THAT THE TRUCK WAS SAFE FROM TRAFFIC AND INSPECTED FOR DEBRIS/CAUSATION. HE FOUND NO DEBRIS TO CAUSE INCIDENT. HIS OPINION, ALONG WITH THE DRIVERS, IS THAT THE TIRE FAILED. THE TROOPER WOULD NOT PROVIDE AN ACCIDENT REPORT AS NO OTHER VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED AND NO PROPERTY ADDITIONAL DAMAGED. THE TEAM PERFORMS REGULAR VISUAL AND PRESSURE INSPECTIONS. THE TRUCK WAS DISABLED FOR WEEKS FROM THE INCIDENT. ONCE REPAIRED, THE TEAM NOTICED WHAT APPEARED TO BE READ SEPARATION ON THE MATCHED FRONT DRIVER STEER TIRE (SAME DOT#) AND REPLACED TIRE FOR SAFETY REASONS. TIRES ARE BEING HELD FOR ANALYSIS.
NHTSA complaint #10652803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSmyrna, GACrash
TIRES
ON 10/1, UNIT WAS LOCATED AT MILE MARKER 153 ON I-40 NEAR ASH FORK AZ, WHEN THEIR FRONT PASSENGER STEER TIRE'S TREAD DETACHED (MICHELIN XZA 3+ 275/80/R22.5 DOT#M5EJ00EX3213). THE TREAD ACTED LIKE A FLAIL AND CAUSED APPROXIMATELY $12,000 IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND BRING THE TRUCK SAFELY TO THE ROAD SHOULDER. A STATE TROOPER WAS CALLED TO THE SITE. ONCE HE ARRIVED, THE TROOPER INSURED THAT THE TRUCK WAS SAFE FROM TRAFFIC AND INSPECTED FOR DEBRIS/CAUSATION. HE FOUND NO DEBRIS TO CAUSE INCIDENT. HIS OPINION, ALONG WITH THE DRIVERS, IS THAT THE TIRE FAILED. THE TROOPER WOULD NOT PROVIDE AN ACCIDENT REPORT AS NO OTHER VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED AND NO PROPERTY ADDITIONAL DAMAGED. THE TEAM PERFORMS REGULAR VISUAL AND PRESSURE INSPECTIONS. THE TRUCK WAS DISABLED FOR WEEKS FROM THE INCIDENT. ONCE REPAIRED, THE TEAM NOTICED WHAT APPEARED TO BE READ SEPARATION ON THE MATCHED FRONT DRIVER STEER TIRE (SAME DOT#) AND REPLACED TIRE FOR SAFETY REASONS. TIRES ARE BEING HELD FOR ANALYSIS.
NHTSA complaint #10652803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Shevlin, MN
ENGINE
The affected component is part of the exhaust aftertreatment system, also known as the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. These systems were implemented in nearly all Class 8 truck engines in the U.S. to meet 2010 emissions standards. The degradation could put the engines out of compliance with emissions standards. This is a very costly repair in excess of $10,000 in a truck with only 466,000 miles on it. we have had in many times and lots of repair cost to try to keep the truck in compliance and continues to go in Derate.
NHTSA complaint #11518334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canton, MI
ENGINE
VOLVO ENGINE INJECTOR AIR LEAK ON ANTIFREEZE AND VOLVO THEY NO ONE FIX DE INJECTOARE THEY ARE BAD
NHTSA complaint #11374593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sullivan, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE RECALL STATES: IMPROPERLY FUNCTIONING ON-BOARD EMISSION-RELATED DIANOTIC SYSTEM THAT VIOLATES CALIFORNIA AND FEDERAL STANDARD AND REGULATIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10994121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 390,000 milesYork, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLVO VNL. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE GRILL WAS BENT FROM THE CONTINUAL OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE HOOD. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT A VALVE AND THE GRILL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GRILL WAS NEVER PROPERLY ATTACHED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 390,000.
NHTSA complaint #10883580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 390,000 milesYork, PA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLVO VNL. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED COOLANT LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE GRILL WAS BENT FROM THE CONTINUAL OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE HOOD. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT A VALVE AND THE GRILL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GRILL WAS NEVER PROPERLY ATTACHED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 390,000.
NHTSA complaint #10883580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 229,000 milesMaterville, IL
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRAG LINK IN THE STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 229,000.
NHTSA complaint #10782917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSmyrna, GACrash
WHEELS
ON 10/1, UNIT WAS LOCATED AT MILE MARKER 153 ON I-40 NEAR ASH FORK AZ, WHEN THEIR FRONT PASSENGER STEER TIRE'S TREAD DETACHED (MICHELIN XZA 3+ 275/80/R22.5 DOT#M5EJ00EX3213). THE TREAD ACTED LIKE A FLAIL AND CAUSED APPROXIMATELY $12,000 IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND BRING THE TRUCK SAFELY TO THE ROAD SHOULDER. A STATE TROOPER WAS CALLED TO THE SITE. ONCE HE ARRIVED, THE TROOPER INSURED THAT THE TRUCK WAS SAFE FROM TRAFFIC AND INSPECTED FOR DEBRIS/CAUSATION. HE FOUND NO DEBRIS TO CAUSE INCIDENT. HIS OPINION, ALONG WITH THE DRIVERS, IS THAT THE TIRE FAILED. THE TROOPER WOULD NOT PROVIDE AN ACCIDENT REPORT AS NO OTHER VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED AND NO PROPERTY ADDITIONAL DAMAGED. THE TEAM PERFORMS REGULAR VISUAL AND PRESSURE INSPECTIONS. THE TRUCK WAS DISABLED FOR WEEKS FROM THE INCIDENT. ONCE REPAIRED, THE TEAM NOTICED WHAT APPEARED TO BE READ SEPARATION ON THE MATCHED FRONT DRIVER STEER TIRE (SAME DOT#) AND REPLACED TIRE FOR SAFETY REASONS. TIRES ARE BEING HELD FOR ANALYSIS.
NHTSA complaint #10652803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSmyrna, GACrash
TIRES
ON 10/1, UNIT WAS LOCATED AT MILE MARKER 153 ON I-40 NEAR ASH FORK AZ, WHEN THEIR FRONT PASSENGER STEER TIRE'S TREAD DETACHED (MICHELIN XZA 3+ 275/80/R22.5 DOT#M5EJ00EX3213). THE TREAD ACTED LIKE A FLAIL AND CAUSED APPROXIMATELY $12,000 IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND BRING THE TRUCK SAFELY TO THE ROAD SHOULDER. A STATE TROOPER WAS CALLED TO THE SITE. ONCE HE ARRIVED, THE TROOPER INSURED THAT THE TRUCK WAS SAFE FROM TRAFFIC AND INSPECTED FOR DEBRIS/CAUSATION. HE FOUND NO DEBRIS TO CAUSE INCIDENT. HIS OPINION, ALONG WITH THE DRIVERS, IS THAT THE TIRE FAILED. THE TROOPER WOULD NOT PROVIDE AN ACCIDENT REPORT AS NO OTHER VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED AND NO PROPERTY ADDITIONAL DAMAGED. THE TEAM PERFORMS REGULAR VISUAL AND PRESSURE INSPECTIONS. THE TRUCK WAS DISABLED FOR WEEKS FROM THE INCIDENT. ONCE REPAIRED, THE TEAM NOTICED WHAT APPEARED TO BE READ SEPARATION ON THE MATCHED FRONT DRIVER STEER TIRE (SAME DOT#) AND REPLACED TIRE FOR SAFETY REASONS. TIRES ARE BEING HELD FOR ANALYSIS.
NHTSA complaint #10652803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesCambridge, MA
POWER TRAIN
ON THE FIRST DAY I TOOK THIS BRAND NEW 2014 VOLVO VNL SLEEPER TRUCK OFF THE LOT THE DEF SYSTEM FAILED AND SHUT MY TRUCK DOWN I WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET IT BACK TO THE DEALER'S. MASSIVE DRIVE LINE VIBRATION ALSO FELT BUT DEALER COULD NOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM SIX MONTHS LATER TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I ALSO SUFFERED 3 OF 8 SHOCK FAILURE TRUCK WAS FLOATING AND SWAYING IN HIGH WINDS VERY DANGEROUS. THE ALTERNATOR FAILED SIX MONTHS LATER NO WARNING STARTING OVER CHARGING I WAS GOING THROUGH THE SYSTEM CHECK AND DETECTED IT BEFORE IT BLEW AN ECM. I ALSO SUFFERED A OIL PRESSURE SENSOR FAILURE THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN IN THE VOLVO TRUCKS SINCE THEIR 2009 MODEL AND THEY ARE STILL USING THE OLD SENSORS. I HAVE SUFFERED MASSIVE DOWN TIME AND LOSS OF REVENUE DUE TO THIS AND HOPE THEY IMPROVE THEIR PRODUCT. THEIR ARE MANY OTHER DRIVER SUFFERING THESE SAME PROBLEM BUT DUE TO COMPUTER ILLITERACY THEY CAN'T GIVE VOICE TO THEIR ISSUES THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10595377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesCambridge, MA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
ON THE FIRST DAY I TOOK THIS BRAND NEW 2014 VOLVO VNL SLEEPER TRUCK OFF THE LOT THE DEF SYSTEM FAILED AND SHUT MY TRUCK DOWN I WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET IT BACK TO THE DEALER'S. MASSIVE DRIVE LINE VIBRATION ALSO FELT BUT DEALER COULD NOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM SIX MONTHS LATER TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I ALSO SUFFERED 3 OF 8 SHOCK FAILURE TRUCK WAS FLOATING AND SWAYING IN HIGH WINDS VERY DANGEROUS. THE ALTERNATOR FAILED SIX MONTHS LATER NO WARNING STARTING OVER CHARGING I WAS GOING THROUGH THE SYSTEM CHECK AND DETECTED IT BEFORE IT BLEW AN ECM. I ALSO SUFFERED A OIL PRESSURE SENSOR FAILURE THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN IN THE VOLVO TRUCKS SINCE THEIR 2009 MODEL AND THEY ARE STILL USING THE OLD SENSORS. I HAVE SUFFERED MASSIVE DOWN TIME AND LOSS OF REVENUE DUE TO THIS AND HOPE THEY IMPROVE THEIR PRODUCT. THEIR ARE MANY OTHER DRIVER SUFFERING THESE SAME PROBLEM BUT DUE TO COMPUTER ILLITERACY THEY CAN'T GIVE VOICE TO THEIR ISSUES THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10595377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124 milesBloomington, MN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO PROPERLY CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD AND REDUCED VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124. UPDATED 06/10/14*LJ UPDATED 8/22/2017
NHTSA complaint #10583022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.