2003 Volvo Vn problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension:front:hub (1) · Latches/Locks/Linkages:hood:latch (1)
Safety recalls (1)
Seat Belts 2012-10-18 · campaign 12V510000 · 1,496 vehicles
Defect: Volvo is recalling certain model year 2002-2013 VHD and VN trucks, manufactured from August 4, 2000, through June 22, 2012, and equipped with bench passenger seats. The seat belt d-ring weld may not be sufficient enough to meet the seat belt pull test. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Risk: In the event of a crash, an insufficient seat belt weld may prevent the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant. This increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Fix: Volvo Trucks of America will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspected d-ring, free of change. The safety recall began on May 10, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.
Service bulletins (104)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2026-09-21 · TSB 373-001 202609 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
overheating has been observed at the alternator power cable and ground cable connection, resulting in melted insulation around the terminal area. the alternator power cable connection should maintain a stable electrical contact without overheating or insulation damage during normal vehicle operat
Suspension 2026-03-03 · CBR 2246-5 032026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
cbr - z spring bracket wear. volvo chassis
Unknown Or Other 2025-07-28 · CBR 2488 072025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
cbr - a significant gps reporting issue is affecting fleet operations, with trucks maintaining back-office communication but failing to transmit gps location data.
Engine 2024-05-02 · CBR-2139 202405 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
cbr - 11 liter engines - fuel in oil.
Electrical System 2023-08-29 · CBR-2120 202308 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
cbr: volvo vhd & vn models - vehicle wil not start, pto active message displayed in cluster, pto light on when pto switch is turned off
Suspension 2023-08-14 · V728-005A 202308 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
tsb: barksdale leveling valve, leak test
Showing the 6 most recent of 104 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2010-09-01 · Unknown Or Other · 💥 crash“2003 volvo 660, unit 1 struck the rear of unit 2. unit 1 then went off the right side of the roadway and struck the guardrail. *bf according to the police report, unit 1 was traveling to closely behind the truck in front of him. (ohio traffic report # 10-0467-90) *jb updated 09/13/10*bf…”
2005-04-17 · Latches/Locks/Linkages:hood:latch“hood shocks on volvo trucks are coming off at hood conection side. when pulling hood open if both shocks are lose hood can come over on driver, causing driver possible injuries. *ak…”
2005-03-06 · Suspension:front:hub · 247,000 mi“the bearings in the integral hub/bearing on the right front wheel (steering axle) failed at 247,000 miles. this is a unit designed to last the life of the vehicle, and there is no maintenance possible. this was a very low mileage for such a failure. no accident or injuries were caused by the failure because it was noticed before that could happ…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.