YearToAvoid

2008 Volvo Vnl Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

35/100

#14 most-complained of 21 Vnl years

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

The 2008 Volvo Vnl has 3 owner complaints and 12 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 35 out of 100 — #14 highest of 21 Vnl model years. The most reported problem area is brakes (1 complaints, 33% of the total).

Complaints
3
Recalls
12
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2008 Volvo Vnl problems

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

  1. Brakes1 (33%)
  2. Steering1 (33%)
  3. Structure & Body1 (33%)
2008 Volvo Vnl complaints: complaints filed per month1Jan 2013Dec 2014Mar 2016
3 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2013 to Mar 2016; peak Jan 2013 (1).

2008 Volvo Vnl recalls

12 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 13V268000Jun 26, 2013Transmission & Powertrain23,056 vehicles

    Power train:clutch assembly

    Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 VAH, VHD, VNL, VNM, and VT models. The affected vehicles were built without a redundant clutch disengagement switch. Without a redundant switch, a loss of signal from the brake air pressure switch can prevent the clutch from automatically disengaging when the brake is applied.

    Risk: Without a signal to disengage the clutch when the brakes are applied, the distance required to stop the truck may lengthen, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Volvo Trucks will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles if necessary. The recall began on August 26, 2013. Volvo's recall number is RVXX1303. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.

  2. NHTSA 10V492000Oct 12, 2010Other1,926 vehicles

    Equipment:other:labels

    Volvo is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 vhd, vnl, vnm, as well as 2008-2010 vt vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of part 567, "certification." the tire description may be incorrect on the vehicle's certification label.

    Risk: The misinformation on these labels could lead to a vehicle overloading that can increase risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the labels free of charge. The safety recall began on february 25, 2011. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

  3. 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.

See all 12 recalls for the 2008 Volvo Vnl →

2008 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
2006Caution5077—
2007Avoid95159—
2008No verdict35312—
2009No verdict3024—
2010No verdict004—

All Volvo Vnl years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Volvo Vnl a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Volvo Vnl ranks #14 of 21 among Vnl model years (Complaint Index 35/100). It has 3 complaints and 12 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Volvo Vnl?
The most reported problem areas are brakes (1 complaints), steering (1 complaints), and structure & body (1 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 80,605 miles.
Does the 2008 Volvo Vnl have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2008 Volvo Vnl, most recently reported 2013, covering transmission & powertrain, other, visibility & wipers, and brakes.

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.