Owners have filed 29 complaints
about the 1995 Volvo WIA with NHTSA between 2001 and 2003.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
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 — 57
Against the median year of the Volvo WIA. 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 1995 Volvo WIA
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
724.1%
Suspension
620.7%
Electrical System
517.2%
Other & Unspecified
26.9%
Equipment & Accessories
26.9%
Steering
26.9%
Engine & Cooling
26.9%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
13.4%
Lights
13.4%
Body & Structure
13.4%
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.
Oct 2001peak 14Feb 2003
NHTSA investigations into the 1995 Volvo WIA
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.
DP01005Opened 9 Aug 2001Closed 3 Oct 2001UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MULTIPLE DEFECTS
ALLEGE THAT THE WIA MODEL INSTRUMENT PANEL AND BLOWER FAN MALFUNCTION AND THE 770 VNL STEERING DIFFICULTIES AND INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTION
PE99018Opened 3 Mar 1999Closed 14 Sep 1999SUSPENSION
TRUCK ROLLOVER CRASHES
ODI HAS RECEIVED A FLEET REPORT WHICH ALLEGES THAT THE AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM ON THE SUBJECT TRACTORS CONTRIBUTES TO A LOW SPEED ROLLOVER
Recalls on the 1995 Volvo WIA
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.
United States — NHTSA
02V238000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:SWITCH
CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE TWO TAIL LAMPS, BACK-UP LAMP,AND LICENSE TAG LAMP WERE MOUNTED ON INSUFFICIENTLY RIGID MOUNTS.
Risk: IT MAY NOT ALLOW THE DRIVER OF A REARWARD APPROACHING VEHICLE TO HAVE FULL VIEW OF THE LAMPS.
98V255000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION:LINES AND FITTINGS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE AIR SUSPENSION CONTROL VALVE SUPPLY LINE WAS NOT PLUMBED THROUGH AN AIR PRESSURE PROTECTION VALVE. IN THE EVENT OF A FAILURE, THERE WOULD BE LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN THE 'B' SYSTEM AIR RESERVOIR THAT SUPPLIES AIR PRESSURE FOR THE FRONT STEER AXLE BRAKES.
Risk: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
96V095000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
THE TRACTION SOLENOID EXHAUST CAN BE OBSTRUCTED DUE TO INADEQUATE DRAINAGE AND A BUILD-UP OF ROAD CONTAMINATION BETWEEN THE MOUNTING BRACKET AND THE SOLENOID HOUSING. THE OBSTRUCTED EXHAUST PREVENTS THE RELAY VALVE CONTROL AIR PRESSURE FROM VENTING AFTER A DIFFERENTIAL BRAKING TRACTION EVENT.
Risk: THIS CONDITION WOULD KEEP THE REAR AXLE SERVICE BRAKES APPLIED WITHOUT ANY BRAKE PEDAL MOVEMENT BY THE DRIVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
96V032000
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
THE REAR SUSPENSION AXLE RETENTION PLATE CAN BREAK UNDER NORMAL USE, AFFECTING AXLE ALIGNMENT.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF REAR AXLE STABILITY AFFECTING VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19982468,027 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the air ride suspension control valve supply line is not plumbed through an air pressure protection valve. In the event of an air suspension bag failure, there will be loss of air pressure in the "b" system which supplies air pressure to the front steer axle brakes. This could result in loss of front steer axle brakes and increased stopping distances. Correction: Air pressure protection valve will be installed.
Recall 199619636 units in Canada
Suspension
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH NEWAY ANCHORLOK REAR SUSPENSIONS. THE SUSPENSION EQUALIZING BEAM COULD HAVE DEFECTIVE SUSPENSION SHAFTS WHICH COULD FRACTURE INSIDE THE BEAM AND WORK LOOSE FROM THE BEAM. SHOULD THE SHAFT SEPARATE FROM THE BEAM, THE TRANSVERSE BEAM COULD CONTACT THE ROADWAY GENERATING SPARKS. THIS CONDITION MIGHT ALSO AFFECT VEHICLE STABILITY AND CONTROL WHICH COULD POSE A HAZARD TO OTHER USERS OF THE ROADWAY AND ADJACENT PROPERTY. CORRECTION: ALL EQUALIZING BEAMS WITH NON-CONFORMING SHAFTS WILL BE REPLACED.
Recall 1996054198 units in Canada
Steering
DUE TO HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT, THE KING PIN USED IN THE VOLVO 5.7 (12,500 LB) FRONT STEER AXLE MAY HAVE BEEN BROKEN DURING ASSEMBLY OF THE AXLE. CONTINUED OPERATION OF A VEHICLE WITH A BROKEN KING PIN MAY ALLOW THE PIN TO WORK LOOSE, CAUSE ERRATIC STEERING, AND RESULT IN POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND KING PIN REPLACED IF REQUIRED.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Merrill, WI
SUSPENSION
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PREMATURE TIRE WEAR.*AK
NHTSA complaint #565171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poland, IN
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
VEHICLE HAS A BROKEN WINDOW/GLASS. *JG (MODEL WIA6)
NHTSA complaint #565664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poland, IN
SUSPENSION
VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE SHOCKS. *JG (MODEL WIA6)
NHTSA complaint #565664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poland, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE DASH. CONSUMER IS ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING AND ALTERNATOR. *JG (MODEL WIA6)
NHTSA complaint #565664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poland, IN
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
VEHICLE HAS TROUBLE WITH THE MOUNTING BRACES ON THE BUMPER BREAKING. *JG (MODEL WIA6)
NHTSA complaint #565664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poland, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE DASH. CONSUMER IS ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING AND ALTERNATOR. *JG (MODEL WIA6)
NHTSA complaint #565664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Haysville, KS
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING TRANSMISISON PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR RIDE.
NHTSA complaint #565350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Haysville, KS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CONSUMER STATES TRUCK IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE DASH.
NHTSA complaint #565350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Haysville, KS
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE HAS HAD 5 SETS OF STEER TIRES AND 3 STEER AXLE ALIGNMENTS, THE TRUCK CONSTANTLY PULLS TO THE RIGHT, ALSO THE FIFTH WHEEL IS ALL THE WAY BACK AND THE BOLTS HOLDING THE AXLE TO THE FRAME ARE CAUSING THE TRUCK TO VIBRATE.
NHTSA complaint #565350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Haysville, KS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
CONSUMER STATES THE ENGINE HAS SHUT DOWN 4O TIMES WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #565350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macon, GA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
THE CLUTCH ALWAYS NEEDS ADJUSTING AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #565303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Evansville, IN
SUSPENSION
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE STEERING IS SLOPPY AND CHUNKS WHEN TURNING, THE VEHICLE IS GREASED EVERY WEEK AND THE U-BOLTS ARE CHECKED, A 3 AXLE ALIGNMENT WAS JUST COMPLETED, THERE IS LOTS OF VIBRATION IN THE CAB. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #565049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
CONSUMER STATES THE TRUCK IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA complaint #565091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aumsville, OR
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
CONSUMER STATES BOTH BLOWER FANS HAD TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #563234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macon, GA
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
THE CLUTCH ALWAYS NEEDS ADJUSTING AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #565303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Evansville, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS, CONSUMER STATES THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE RIGHT DOOR AND THAT THE COMPUTER BOARDS IN THE DASH HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, THE DASH LED ARE STILL OUT HALF THE TIME. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #565049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macon, GA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
THE CLUTCH ALWAYS NEEDS ADJUSTING AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #565303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macon, GA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
THE CLUTCH ALWAYS NEEDS ADJUSTING AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #565303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macon, GA
STEERING
VEHICLE IS SHOWING PROBLEMS WITH STEERING WITH UNEXPECTED SWAY LEFT TO RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #565303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macon, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE INTERIOR LIGHTING WORKS INTERMITTENTLY, INCLUDING DASH LIGHTS.
NHTSA complaint #565303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macon, GA
SUSPENSION
VEHICLE IS SHOWING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEER AXLE TIRES WEARING PREMATURELY REQUIRING ANNUAL REPLACEMENT, THERE IS EXCESSIVE VIBRATION, THE U-JOINTS ARE WEARING OUT, THERE ARE NOISES COMING FROM THE FRONT END (REPAIRED, SOURCE UNKNOWN),ALSO FRONT AXLE IS TOO HEAVY, CONSUMER MUST REGULATE BY MOVING THE 5TH WHEEL AND LOWERING THE FUEL.
NHTSA complaint #565303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macon, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE SURGES.
NHTSA complaint #565303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macon, GA
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
THE CLUTCH ALWAYS NEEDS ADJUSTING AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #565303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macon, GA
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
THE CLUTCH ALWAYS NEEDS ADJUSTING AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #565303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
CONSUMER STATED THE TRUCK WAS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA complaint #565091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.