2014 Volvo VNL Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
80/100
#4 most-complained of 16 VNL years
The 2014 Volvo VNL has a Complaint Index of 80, ranking 4th worst among 16 model years, with 8 complaints, 12 recalls, and a top problem area of Engine (38% of complaints). NHTSA data supports an Avoid verdict relative to other VNL years.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 12
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2014 Volvo VNL problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine3 (38%)
- Fuel System1 (13%)
- Other1 (13%)
- Steering1 (13%)
- Structure & Body1 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (13%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (13%)
What owners report
- Front steer tires have lost tread while driving on the highway, causing the driver to fight for control before pulling over.
- Windshield wipers have failed to clear the windshield properly, cutting visibility at very low mileage.
- The DEF system has shut the truck down on the first day of ownership, followed months later by transmission failure and drive-line vibration.
- The steering wheel has seized suddenly at highway speed, traced to a failed drag link.
- Coolant has leaked from under the vehicle along with a bent grille from repeated hood opening, with the coolant leak recurring after repair.
- Engine injectors have leaked air into the antifreeze system, with owners reporting the problem was not fixed.
2014 Volvo VNL recalls
12 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V928000Dec 22, 2016Brakes5,547 vehicles
Service brakes, air
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 VNL and VNM trucks and certain model year 2017 VNX trucks. In the affected vehicles, incorrect software for controlling the electronic air dryer may result in oil and water contaminating the brake system.
Risk: If the brake system becomes contaminated, braking performance could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module and replace the air dryer filter, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1608.
- NHTSA 15V634000Oct 8, 2015Electrical System101 vehicles
Electrical system
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Volvo VNL trucks manufactured December 1, 2011, to September 1, 2013, equipped with certain Electric Auxiliary Power Units (APU), part number BA600, manufactured by Idle Free Systems (IFS). The affected APUs have metal housings whose mounting points may crack and tear. Additionally, the mounting bolts of the power units may loosen or possibly fail.
Risk: If the mounting points crack and tear or the attaching bolts loosen or fail, the power unit may detach from the truck, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners and IFS dealers will inspect the APU for damage and, where needed, install a welded gusset upgrade kit to strengthen the APU C-channels. All units will receive stronger clamping brackets. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586, or IFS customer service at 1-920-206-9333. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1506.
- NHTSA 15V524000Aug 17, 2015Brakes2,854 vehicles
Service brakes
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured May 31, 2011, to December 1, 2014. In the affected trucks, the trailer hand brake handle may not to return to the off position due to being restricted by the cut out in the trim panel.
Risk: If the brake handle does return to the off position, the trailer service brakes may drag causing the wheel end to overheat and potentially cause a wheel end fire or tire blowout. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trim panel slot and make it longer, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-258-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1504.
2014 compared with other VNL years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 Volvo VNL reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a Complaint Index of 80 for the 2014 VNL, the 4th worst of 16 model years tracked, with 8 complaints and 12 recalls, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other VNL years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2014 Volvo VNL?
- Engine issues make up 38% of complaints for the 2014 VNL, the largest single category, with a median failure mileage of 390,000 miles in that group.
- How many recalls does the 2014 Volvo VNL have?
- NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2014 Volvo VNL, covering brakes, electrical system, suspension/tires, transmission, collision avoidance, and engine components. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- Did the 2014 Volvo VNL have tire failures?
- Yes. NHTSA recorded a complaint about front steer tire tread separation at 100,000 miles that caused a crash, and a related recall covering premature tire failure on 2011-2014 VNL and VAH trucks.
- How does the 2014 VNL compare to other years?
- The 2014 VNL's Complaint Index of 80 is worse than 2011 (40), 2013 (60), 2015 (67), and 2019 (53), but better than 2016 (100) and 2012 (93), which are also marked Avoid.