Illustration1999 VOLVO VN, DESTROYED BY AN AXLE FIRE. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0446-91)*JB UPDATED 09/13/10*BF
1999 Volvo Vn
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Vn years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 0 of 9 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Suspension. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports2 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
9 reportsTHE STEERING SHAFT SECTOR OF THE U JOINT LOCKED UP.*JB
THE VEHICLE JUMPED RAILING AND THE CONSUMER LOST ALL STEERING RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK. *YH
CONSUMER STATED SIGNAL, FOOT VALVE, HOOD LATCH RELEASE HANDLE, HOOD SHOCK,AIR RIDE VALVE, FUEL GAUGE SENSOR WERE ALL REPLACED.*JB
THIS IS THE CONSUMERS FATHERS VEHICLE, THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCES FRONT TIRE PROBLEMS AND THE SUSPENSION BOLTS SHEARED OFF, RSBROWN@WPE.COM. *SLC
VEHICLE,(VN700 SERIES), IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER DASH. ALSO, CONSUMER STARTED OUT REPLACING THE U BOLTS, FRONT SHOCKS, TIRES, DRAG ARM, AND LEAF SPRINGS. THERE HAS BEEN EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR WHICH CAUSE A VIBRATION RESULTING IN NUMBNESS OF CONSUMERS ARMS AND HANDS. THE VEHICLE IS HARD TO STEER, LEA…
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VEHICLE,(VN700 SERIES), IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER DASH. ALSO, CONSUMER STARTED OUT REPLACING THE U BOLTS, FRONT SHOCKS, TIRES, DRAG ARM, AND LEAF SPRINGS. THERE HAS BEEN EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR WHICH CAUSE A VIBRATION RESULTING IN NUMBNESS OF CONSUMERS ARMS AND HANDS. THE VEHICLE IS HARD TO STEER, LEANS TO ONE SIDE AND DOES NOT LEVEL OUT. *JG
ACCESSORY PANEL OF CAB,LOCATED IN SLEEPER COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE. *JB
ABOUT 60K MILES OR SO I STARTED TO NOTICE A VERY MINOR VIBRATION THAT CONTINUED TO GET WORSE. TIRE WEAR WAS SHOWING PERFECT BRIDGESTONE R227'S FRONT AND R726 REAR. IT CONTINUED TO GRADUALLY GET WORSE TIRES STILL LOOKING FINE.
SLAVE CYLINDER FOR HYDRALIC CLUTCH FAILED LOOSING THE FLUID AND USE OF THE CLUTCH
Official recalls
502V037005 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
Aug 15, 2002
ON SOME HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ARVINMERITOR AXLE ASSEMBLIES WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH TRW MODEL 20EDL BALL SOCKETS, THE TIE ROD BALL-SOCKET BEARINGS HAVE A BELOW SPECIFICATION CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS WHICH CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR OUT OF THE SOCKET IN SOME APPLICATIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BALL SOCKET ASSEMBLIES. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERSEDES NHTSA CAMPAIGN NOS. 01V-139.001 AND 02V-037.002. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 25, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
01V093000 · Equipment:other:labels
Mar 22, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE WEIGHT CERTIFICATION LABEL WHICH CONTAINS FRONT GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS," DOES NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE ACTUAL FRONT GROSS AXLE WEIGHT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WHEN OPERATING THE TRUCK "BOBTAIL" WITH FULL FUEL TANKS AND TWO OCCUPANTS WITH AN ALLOWANCE FOR PERSONAL BELONGINGS, THE ACTUAL GROSS AXLE WEIGHT MAY EXCEED THE STATED RATING FOUND ON THE WEIGHT CERTIFICATION LABEL.
Remedy: THE WEIGHT CERTIFICATION LABEL WILL BE BROUGHT INTO COMPLIANCE BY ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING MEANS: (1) REPLACEMENT OF THE LABEL WITH ONE WHICH CONTAINS CORRECT INFORMATION; OR (2) REPLACEMENT OF FRONT AXLE TIRES, RIMS OR TIE ROD TUBE OR A COMBINATION THEREOF; OR (3) REPLACEMENT OR RELOCATION OF THE FUEL TANKS. DUE TO THE VARIOUS TRUCK CONFIGURATIONS, SEVERAL OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS ARE BEING SENT FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. THE FIRST OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS MAILED APRIL 26, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY OR LABEL WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
01V139001 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
Nov 20, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ARVINMERITOR AXLE ASSEMBLIES WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH TRW MODEL 20EDL BALL SOCKETS. THE TIE ROD BALL-SOCKET BEARINGS HAVE A BELOW SPECIFICATION CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS WHICH CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR OUT OF THE SOCKET IN SOME APPLICATIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BALL SOCKET ASSEMBLIES. THE CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY RECALL NO. 02V037002. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 17, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
99V225000 · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
Aug 18, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN ESPAR COMPACT HEATER MOUNTED IN THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT. THE FUEL-METERING PUMP THAT SUPPLIES FUEL TO THE COMPACT HEATER IS NOT WIRED THROUGH A ROLLOVER PROTECTION SWITCH. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH 49 CFR 393.77, "HEATERS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ROLLOVER, AND THE COMPACT HEATER WAS IN OPERATION, FUEL WOULD STILL BE SUPPLIED TO THE HEATER CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL WIRE THE FUEL-METERING PUMP THROUGH A ROLLOVER PROTECTION SWITCH.
99V055004 · Service Brakes, Air
May 10, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR AIR BRAKE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS. SOME OF THE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS HAD INSUFFICIENT TORQUE APPLIED TO THE GUIDE PAWL CAP SCREW.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WITHOUT SUFFICIENT TORQUE ON THE GUIDE PAWL CAP SCREW, THE BRAKES COULD GRADUALLY LOSE ADJUSTMENT, INCREASING THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE TORQUE ON THE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTER GUIDE PAWL. IF THERE IS NO TORQUE, THE BRAKES WILL BE ADJUSTED AND THE GUIDE PAWL WILL BE TIGHTENED TO 15-20 FT. LBS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4EA04016 · Steering Binding
Opened Jun 24, 2004 · Closed Mar 31, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column
ODI'S INVESTIGATIONCONCLUDED THAT THE LEGS THAT RETAIN THE TURN SIGNAL CANCELING RING (TSCR), PART NUMBER 1607363, TO THE STEERING WHEEL INSTALLED IN MODEL YEAR 1998 - 1999 VN AND VHD SERIES VTNA (VOLVO TRUCK NORTH AMERICA) VEHICLES ARE PRONE TO CRACKING AND BREAKING.WHEN THE RETENTION LEGS BREAK, THE SEPARATED PIECES OF THE TSCR TYPICALLYREPOSE IN THE HOST CAVITY IN THE STEERING WHEEL HUB WHERE THEY WERE DEPOSITED.ODIFOUND THAT BROKEN PIECES OF THE TSCR EITHER (1) MIGRATED FROM THEIR HOST CAVITY AND DROPPED COMPLETELY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY OR (2) LODGED IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE STEERING WHEEL PROXIMATE TO THE TSCR.ODI SIMULATED VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND POSITIONS THAT A SEPARATED PIECE OF THE TSCR MIGHT BECOME LODGED WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY, BUT NONE OF THESE SIMULATIONS GENERATED ANY APPRECIABLE INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:column
ODI'S INVESTIGATIONCONCLUDED THAT THE LEGS THAT RETAIN THE TURN SIGNAL CANCELING RING (TSCR), PART NUMBER 1607363, TO THE STEERING WHEEL INSTALLED IN MODEL YEAR 1998 - 1999 VN AND VHD SERIES VTNA (VOLVO TRUCK NORTH AMERICA) VEHICLES ARE PRONE TO CRACKING AND BREAKING.WHEN THE RETENTION LEGS BREAK, THE SEPARATED PIECES OF THE TSCR TYPICALLYREPOSE IN THE HOST CAVITY IN THE STEERING WHEEL HUB WHERE THEY WERE DEPOSITED.ODIFOUND THAT BROKEN PIECES OF THE TSCR EITHER (1) MIGRATED FROM THEIR HOST CAVITY AND DROPPED COMPLETELY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY OR (2) LODGED IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE STEERING WHEEL PROXIMATE TO THE TSCR.ODI SIMULATED VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND POSITIONS THAT A SEPARATED PIECE OF THE TSCR MIGHT BECOME LODGED WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY, BUT NONE OF THESE SIMULATIONS GENERATED ANY APPRECIABLE INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT.
Steering
ODI'S INVESTIGATIONCONCLUDED THAT THE LEGS THAT RETAIN THE TURN SIGNAL CANCELING RING (TSCR), PART NUMBER 1607363, TO THE STEERING WHEEL INSTALLED IN MODEL YEAR 1998 - 1999 VN AND VHD SERIES VTNA (VOLVO TRUCK NORTH AMERICA) VEHICLES ARE PRONE TO CRACKING AND BREAKING.WHEN THE RETENTION LEGS BREAK, THE SEPARATED PIECES OF THE TSCR TYPICALLYREPOSE IN THE HOST CAVITY IN THE STEERING WHEEL HUB WHERE THEY WERE DEPOSITED.ODIFOUND THAT BROKEN PIECES OF THE TSCR EITHER (1) MIGRATED FROM THEIR HOST CAVITY AND DROPPED COMPLETELY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY OR (2) LODGED IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE STEERING WHEEL PROXIMATE TO THE TSCR.ODI SIMULATED VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND POSITIONS THAT A SEPARATED PIECE OF THE TSCR MIGHT BECOME LODGED WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY, BUT NONE OF THESE SIMULATIONS GENERATED ANY APPRECIABLE INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT.
PE04014 · Steering Binding
Opened Feb 5, 2004 · Closed Jun 24, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
ODI'S PRELIMINARY EVALUATION FOCUSED ON THE POTENTIAL FOR A BROKEN, BENT, DEFORMED, FRAGMENTED OR DISPLACED TURN SIGNAL CANCELING RING (TSCR), VTNA PART NUMBER 1607363, TO RESTRICT THEVEHICLE OPERATOR'S ABILITY TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL.THE PE IDENTIFIED THIRTEEN VTNA WARRANTY CLAIMS THAT ALLEGE THAT THE TSCR HAD FAILED AND THAT THE VEHICLE STEERING EFFORT HAD BEEN ADVERSELY AFFECTED.TO DATE, ODI HAS NOT FOUND ANY SAMPLES OF A FAILED TSCR AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DEFINITIVELY ESTABLISH WHETHER A FAILED TSCR CAN OR CANNOT CONTRIBUTE TO INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.ODI BELIEVES THAT IT IS APPROPRIATE TO CONDUCT FURTHER INVESTIGATION(EA LEVEL) TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE CHARACTERISTICS OF TSCR FAILURES AND TO ASSESS THE EFFECT, IF ANY, THAT THESE TYPES OF FAILURES COULD HAVE ON VEHICLE STEERING EFFORT.
DP01006 · Equipment Certification Label
Opened May 10, 2001 · Closed Jan 23, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Equipment:other:labels
There is no summary currently available
EA01011 · U-BOLT Failures On Drive -AXLE Assemblie
Opened Apr 18, 2001 · Closed Jul 30, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
No summary supplied.