YearToAvoid

2005 Volvo Vnl Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

80/100

#5 most-complained of 21 Vnl years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2005 Volvo Vnl has 6 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 80 out of 100 — #5 highest of 21 Vnl model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is steering (4 complaints, 67% of the total). Complaints report 2 crashes and 1 injury.

Complaints
6
Recalls
6
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2005 Volvo Vnl problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Steering4 (67%)
  2. Engine2 (33%)
  3. Electrical System1 (17%)
2005 Volvo Vnl complaints: complaints filed per month2Aug 2009Nov 2010Jan 2011Dec 2011Dec 2014Apr 2018
7 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2009 to Apr 2018; peak Aug 2009 (2).

2005 Volvo Vnl recalls

6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 10V282000Jun 24, 2010Steering63,788 vehicles

    Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  2. NHTSA 09V173000May 21, 2009Visibility & Wipers127,764 vehicles

    Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor

    Volvo trucks is recalling 127,764 my 2001-2008 vhd, vnl, vnm, and my 2005-2008 vt trucks. A seal may fail allowing water and contaminants to seep into the windshield wiper motor.

    Risk: If this happens a short circuit may occur, which over time could possibly lead to a vehicle fire.

    Remedy: Volvo will replace the wiper motor free of charge. Since this recall involves a large number of vehicles, volvo will release the recall in stages as parts are received. Priority will be given to the vehicles located in the regions/states that have a corrosive environment. The recall began on september 30, 2009. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

  3. NHTSA 07V573000Dec 14, 2007Electrical System104,845 vehicles

    Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers

    On certain heavy duty trucks, the circuit protection (i.e. Automatic circuit breakers) used to protect the vehicle lighting system may not provide adequate protection.

    Risk: If a short circuit occurs and is left untreated, components and wiring may be subject to overheating which could possibly result in a vehicle fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the circuit breakers with fuses. The recall began on february 25, 2008. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

See all 6 recalls for the 2005 Volvo Vnl →

2005 compared with other Vnl years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005Avoid8066—
2006Caution5077—
2007Avoid95159—

All Volvo Vnl years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2005 Volvo Vnl a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Volvo Vnl ranks #5 of 21 among Vnl model years (Complaint Index 80/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 6 complaints and 6 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Volvo Vnl?
The most reported problem areas are steering (4 complaints), engine (2 complaints), and electrical system (1 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 663,985 miles.
Does the 2005 Volvo Vnl have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2005 Volvo Vnl, most recently reported 2010, covering steering, visibility & wipers, electrical system, and engine.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.