YearToAvoid

2009 Volvo Vnl Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

30/100

#15 most-complained of 21 Vnl years

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

The 2009 Volvo Vnl has 2 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 30 out of 100 — #15 highest of 21 Vnl model years. The most reported problem area is suspension, wheels & tires (2 complaints, 100% of the total).

Complaints
2
Recalls
4
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2009 Volvo Vnl problems

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

  1. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (100%)
  2. Brakes1 (50%)
  3. Electrical System1 (50%)
  4. Engine1 (50%)
  5. Steering1 (50%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain1 (50%)
2009 Volvo Vnl complaints: complaints filed per month6Oct 2009Jun 2015
7 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2009 to Jun 2015; peak Oct 2009 (6).

2009 Volvo Vnl recalls

4 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 10V359000Aug 3, 2010Visibility & Wipers3,984 vehicles

    Visibility:glass, side/rear

    Volvo trucks is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 vnl, vt, and 780 trucks manufactured from march 1, 2008 through february 6, 2009. The bottom track that attaches to the arms used to open and close the window may de-bond, which results in the glass coming loose at the bottom.

    Risk: The upper window hinges may fail and allow the glass to fall out of the window frame creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair as required free of charge. The safety recall began on december 1, 2010. Owners may contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

See all 4 recalls for the 2009 Volvo Vnl →

2009 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
2007Avoid95159—
2008No verdict35312—
2009No verdict3024—
2010No verdict004—
2011No verdict45412—

All Volvo Vnl years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Volvo Vnl a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 Volvo Vnl ranks #15 of 21 among Vnl model years (Complaint Index 30/100). It has 2 complaints and 4 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volvo Vnl?
The most reported problem areas are suspension, wheels & tires (2 complaints), brakes (1 complaints), and electrical system (1 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 20,782 miles.
Does the 2009 Volvo Vnl have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2009 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.