The most-reported VNL run is 4V4NC9EH2GN (2016 builds) with 4 complaints, 3.3× the typical run. Suspension problems make up 29% of reports; 2016 is the worst model year at 1.7 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 87 recall campaigns for VNL model years 1997–2025.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Volvo VNL has 95 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 14% of every VNL complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4V4NC9EH2GN•••••• | 2016 | — | — | |
| 4V4NC9GH27N•••••• | 2007 | 1 | — | |
| 4V4NC9GH07N•••••• | 2007 | — | 1 | |
| 4V4NC9EH6CN•••••• | 2012 | — | — | |
| 4V4NC9EH4GN•••••• | 2016 | — | — | |
| 4V4NC9EH2DN•••••• | 2013 | — | — | |
| 4V4NC9EH9FN•••••• | 2015 | — | — | |
| 4V4NC9EH8KN•••••• | 2019 | — | — | |
| 4V4NC9TJX6N•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| 4VG7DECH3WN•••••• | 1998 | — | — | |
| 4VG7DARH9WN•••••• | 1998 | — | — | |
| 4VG7DARH3WN•••••• | 1998 | — | — |
Each of the other 83 VNL runs has 1 complaint or fewer.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Volvo VNL the gap between build years is 1.7×: a 2016 car draws 1.7 complaints per run, a 1998 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 | 3 | — | |
| 2018 | 7 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2016 | 10 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2015 | 4 | 3 | — | |
| 2014 | 8 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2013 | 6 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 4 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2011 | 4 | 4 | — | |
| 2008 | 3 | 3 | — | |
| 2007 | 14 | 9 | 2 | |
| 2006 | 6 | 5 | — | |
| 2005 | 5 | 5 | 2 | |
| 2004 | 3 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2000 | 8 | 8 | 1 | |
| 1999 | 11 | 11 | — | |
| 1998 | 7 | 7 | — |
Heaviest year here is 2016 at 1.7 complaints per run; lightest is 1998 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 29% of everything Volvo VNL owners report: Suspension, 32 of 111 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | — | — | |
| Steering | 7 | — | |
| Power Train | 1 | 2 | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 2 | |
| Structure | — | — | |
| Electrical System | — | 1 | |
| Tires | 2 | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | — | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 87 recall campaigns on the Volvo VNL; the 6 below cover build years 1997 to 2017. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 13V268000 | Power Train:clutch Assembly | 2007–2014 |
| 09V173000 | Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor | 2001–2008 |
| 07V573000 | Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers | 2003–2008 |
| 10V282000 | Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection | 2001–2006 |
| 02V238000 | Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch | 1997–2002 |
| 16V928000 | Service Brakes, Air | 2013–2017 |
13V268000 was opened in 2013 on cars built from 2007: 6 years on the road before the recall.
How serious were they
Of the 111 reports on the Volvo VNL, 9.9% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Volvo VNL | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 111 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 11 (9.9%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 4 (3.6%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 6 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 71% above the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Volvo VNL share of that is 111 complaints over 95 runs, 0.01% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Volvo VNL VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 111 NHTSA complaints from 95 VNL runs and 87 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which VNL production run has the most complaints?
4V4NC9EH2GN, a 2016 build, with 4 complaints. The typical VNL run has 1.2.
Which VNL years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2016 is heaviest at 1.7 complaints per run and 1998 lightest at 1.
How many VNL complaints involve a crash?
9.9% of 111 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 4 involved a fire.
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