YearToAvoid

2006 Volvo Vnl Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

50/100

#11 most-complained of 21 Vnl years

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

The 2006 Volvo Vnl has 7 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 50 out of 100 — #11 highest of 21 Vnl model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is steering (3 complaints, 43% of the total).

Complaints
7
Recalls
7
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2006 Volvo Vnl problems

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

  1. Steering3 (43%)
  2. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (43%)
  3. Electrical System2 (29%)
  4. Airbags1 (14%)
2006 Volvo Vnl complaints: complaints filed per month3Aug 2006Sep 2006Jan 2009Jul 2010Dec 2010Sep 2011Oct 2016
9 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2006 to Oct 2016; peak Aug 2006 (3).

2006 Volvo Vnl recalls

7 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 09V030000Jan 27, 2009Brakes366 vehicles

    Service brakes, air

    Volvo trucks is recalling 366 my 2006-2009 vnl trucks equipped with super single tires, bendix brake cam tubes, and volvo air suspension. The vibration frequency from the suspension with super single tires may result in a fatigue crack of the mounting brackets for the brake cam tube.

    Risk: If left untreated, the crack can propagate and cause failure of the brake cam tube support bracket(s), which can result in loss of brakes at the corresponding wheel end increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will add a support bracket to the brake cam tube. The recall began on june 30, 2009. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

See all 7 recalls for the 2006 Volvo Vnl →

2006 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—
2008No verdict35312—

All Volvo Vnl years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2006 Volvo Vnl a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 Volvo Vnl ranks #11 of 21 among Vnl model years (Complaint Index 50/100, verdict: Caution). It has 7 complaints and 7 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Volvo Vnl?
The most reported problem areas are steering (3 complaints), suspension, wheels & tires (3 complaints), and electrical system (2 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 300,000 miles.
Does the 2006 Volvo Vnl have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2006 Volvo Vnl, most recently reported 2010, covering steering, visibility & wipers, brakes, and electrical system.

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.