The 2016 draws 1.67 complaints per run and the 2018 1, a 1.7-fold gap within the same model. Half of all complaints arrive by 1 year of age, so 34.3% land after the 4-year basic warranty ends. The system owners report most is Suspension, with 32 complaints, typically at 1.2 years.
Volvo VNL years to avoid — and the best ones
| Model year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Enough history? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 | 3 | yes | |
| 2018 | 7 | 7 | yes | |
| 2016 | 10 | 6 | yes | |
| 2015 | 4 | 3 | yes | |
| 2014 | 8 | 8 | yes | |
| 2013 | 6 | 5 | yes | |
| 2012 | 4 | 3 | yes | |
| 2011 | 4 | 4 | yes | |
| 2008 | 3 | 3 | yes | |
| 2007 | 14 | 9 | yes | |
| 2006 | 6 | 5 | yes | |
| 2005 | 5 | 5 | yes | |
| 2004 | 3 | 3 | yes | |
| 2000 | 8 | 8 | yes | |
| 1999 | 11 | 11 | yes | |
| 1998 | 7 | 7 | yes |
Among the 9 Volvo VNL years with enough history, the three to walk away from are 2016, 2007, 2006; the three worth hunting are 2018, 2014, 2005.
When it starts to break
| Age at failure | Complaints | Running total | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 years | 30.3% | covered | |
| 1 year | 50.5% | covered | |
| 2 years | 59.6% | covered | |
| 3 years | 65.7% | covered | |
| 4 years | 76.8% | you pay | |
| 5 years | 83.8% | you pay | |
| 6 years | 93.9% | you pay | |
| 7 years | 96% | you pay | |
| 9 years | 98% | you pay | |
| 10 years | 99% | you pay | |
| 12 years | 100% | you pay |
Basic warranty on this car is 4 years / 50,000 miles. Only 65.7% of reported failures happen inside it — the remaining 34.3% come out of the owner's pocket. Powertrain cover (4 years / 50,000 miles) reaches further, but it only covers the engine and transmission, which account for about 18% of the complaints here.
What actually fails — and at what age
On the Volvo VNL, the early trouble is Suspension and Power Train — reported at around 1.2 years, so a car still under warranty is the one to check for it. What waits further out is Steering at 4.4 years — past every basic warranty, and the bill lands on whoever owns the car then.
| System | Complaints | Typical age | Crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 1.2 yrs | — | — | |
| Steering | 4.4 yrs | 7 | — | |
| Power Train | 1.3 yrs | 1 | 2 | |
| Service Brakes | 1.5 yrs | 1 | 2 | |
| Structure | 3 yrs | — | — | |
| Electrical System | 3.4 yrs | — | 1 | |
| Tires | 3.4 yrs | 2 | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 2.3 yrs | — | — |
Good year or bad year — the VIN settles it.
- Check any VIN against complaints for its exact build year and plant
- Exact value for that car, adjusted for its mileage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Alerts if a recall lands on a car in your garage
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Volvo VNL reliable?
By complaints per production run it is better than typical: 1.17 against 3.73 for the average car.
Which VNL years should you avoid?
By complaints per production run, 2016, 2007, 2006. The cleanest years old enough to judge are 2018, 2014, 2005. Years newer than 6 are left out: complaints keep arriving for years after a car is sold.
When do VNL problems usually start?
Half of all complaints arrive by 1 year of age. The most reported system is Suspension, typically at 1.2 years, followed by Steering.
Will the warranty cover VNL problems?
Mostly yes: basic cover is 4 years / 50,000 miles, and 65.7% of reported failures fall inside it. Powertrain cover lasts longer, but engine and transmission make up about 18% of the complaints here.
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