2016 Volvo VNL: owner complaints and recalls
Analysis of 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA and 6 recall campaigns. Updated 2026-07-25.
12
Complaints
6
Recalls
2
Crash reports
0
Fire reports
0
Injuries
66.7
Severity index
Severity index 66.7 - Medium. This weights crashes, fires, injuries and fatalities per 100 complaints; see methodology.
What actually fails
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 7 | 58.3% |
| SUSPENSION | 2 | 16.7% |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2 | 16.7% |
| WHEELS | 1 | 8.3% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 | 8.3% |
| STRUCTURE | 1 | 8.3% |
| STEERING | 1 | 8.3% |
The single most-reported system is POWER TRAIN, cited in 7 of 12 complaints (58.3%). One complaint can name several systems, so these shares overlap and do not total 100%.
Complaints filed per year
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 3 |
Complaint volume is rising - the last three years carry 1.4x the filings of the three before them, which usually signals a wear-related defect surfacing with age.
Recall campaigns
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V668000 | 25/09/2018 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL | Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Volvo VNL trucks equipped with Cummins ISX15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted. |
| 17V536000 | 29/08/2017 | STEERING | Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016 Volvo VNL and VNM trucks equipped with certain Dana Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen. |
| 16V928000 | 22/12/2016 | SERVICE BRAKES, AIR | Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 VNL and VNM trucks and certain model year 2017 VNX trucks. In the affected vehicles, incorrect software for controlling the electronic air dryer may result in oil and water contaminating the brake syste |
| 16V097000 | 17/02/2016 | STEERING | Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 VNL, VNX, and VNM trucks manufactured from May 11, 2015, through April 18, 2016. The trucks may have been manufactured without a roll pin on the steering shafts. If the roll pin is missing, the lower s |
| 15V026000 | 22/01/2015 | PARKING BRAKE:DRIVELINE:HYDRAULIC:ACTUATOR | Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2015 and 2016 VNX and VNL trucks manufactured from May 20, 2014, through March 6, 2015, equipped with certain Haldex Life Seal Type 30/30 Long Stroke Air Brake Actuators manufactured January 9, 2014, to October 28 |
| 16V095000 | 19/02/2016 | SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT | Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 VT trucks manufactured from April 9, 2008, through September 24, 2009, and certain 2016 model VNL and VNM trucks manufactured from January 2, 2015, through to November 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are |
Source. US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public complaint and recall APIs (api.nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-07-25. Complaints are unverified consumer reports; volume is influenced by how many units were sold and how long the vehicle has been on the road. Not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer.