2005 Volvo Vnl problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (4) · Exterior Lighting (1) · Engine (1)
Safety recalls (1)
Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection 2010-06-24 · campaign 10V282000 · 63,788 vehicles
Defect: VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2006 VNL AND VNM TRUCKS MANUFACTURED WITH A TRW SEALED DRAG LINKS. CERTAIN FACTORS CAN EXIST, WHICH IF LEFT UNTREATED MAY RESULT IN A BALL SOCKET SEPARATION.
Risk: BALL SOCKET SEPARATION AT THE DRAG LINK RESULTS IN COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING, AND THEREFORE CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE BALL SOCKET OR THE DRAG LINK AS REQUIRED IF NECESSARY. AS PARTS ARE LIMITED, VOLVO TRUCKS MAILED AN INTERIM OWNER LETTER ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2010. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 14, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
Service bulletins (74)
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 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
Power Train 2023-07-24 · CBR-2112 202307 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
cbr: programming failure - chassis with cummins engine and an allison transmission
Engine And Engine Cooling 2022-08-29 · CBR-2201 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
engine control module (ems) software (msw) information â august 2022; improvement list (change log) - us21+obd22 (13l vgt, tc) and us17+obd22 (11l) emissions
Power Train 2022-06-21 · KC-2112 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
programming failure - chassis with cummins engine and an allison transmission
Service Brakes, Air 2022-06-21 · KC-2119 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
dtc u012100 - lost communication with anti-lock brake system (abs) control module, no additional information
Showing the 6 most recent of 74 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2018-04-16 · Engine · 622,253 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo isx st2 heavy truck (na). the contact stated that coolant was leaking onto the ground. additionally, the coolant compartment was low and had to be refilled several times by the contact. the coolant low warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired…”
2014-12-01 · Steering · 721,000 mi · 💥 crash“tl* the contact owned a 2005 volvo vnl. while driving approximately 40 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn without warning. as a result, the contact crashed the vehicle into a ditch. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the shaft stripped inside the internal steering column. the vehicle was deemed destroy…”
2011-12-19 · Steering · 772,539 mi · 💥 crash“tl* the contact owns a 2005 volvo vnl. while driving approximately 65 mph, the front end of the vehicle became extremely light and the steering became difficult to maneuver. the contact crashed into a concrete wall but was not injured. the vehicle was towed to a local auto body shop where the technician advised that the drag link, lug nuts and the …”
2011-01-13 · Exterior Lighting · 638,000 mi“tl*the contact owns a 2005 volvo vnl. the contact stated that the low beam headlamp reflector lens would not illuminate the road surface properly causing extremely poor visibility. the manufacturer was notified and stated that the headlamp assembly would need to be replaced. the failure mileage was approximately 638,000. updated 03/02/11 *bf u…”
2010-11-10 · Steering · 689,970 mi“tl*the contact owns a 2005 volvo vnl. while driving approximately 40 mph he attempted to turn the steering wheel to the left but the vehicle veered to the right. the vehicle was driven onto the emergency lane and shut off. in order to continue driving the vehicle he tightened some of the steering mechanisms himself. the vehicle was not taken to a…”
2009-08-28 · Steering · 350,000 mi“tl*the contact owns a 2005 volvo vnl. the contact stated that in warmer weather conditions the engine would stall without any prior warnings. as a consequence his risk for vehicle crash is increased. it would take approximately thirty minutes to restart. the vehicle was taken to a dealer in which the technician did not identify the cause of the f…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.