2015 Volvo VNL Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
67/100
#6 most-complained of 16 VNL years
The 2015 Volvo VNL has a Complaint Index of 67 with 5 complaints and 9 recalls, ranking 6th worst among 16 model years — a Caution year, not among the worst but not the best either. Suspension issues dominate, accounting for 60% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2015 Volvo VNL problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (60%)
- Other1 (20%)
- Steering1 (20%)
- Structure & Body1 (20%)
What owners report
- Owners report the cab bottoming out and swaying aggressively left to right while driving.
- One owner described the cab suspension twisting about 3 inches to the left, tied to a reported fault.
- A cab bottoming-out event was reported to have caused loss of control after hitting a bridge abutment, with median mileage at failure for suspension complaints at 64,900 and this specific report logged at 79,800 miles.
- Owners say they raised the swaying and bottoming-out issue with Volvo technicians, who reportedly acknowledged seeing it in other Volvo trucks without identifying a cause.
2015 Volvo VNL recalls
9 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V617000Aug 21, 2019Suspension, Wheels & Tires20 vehicles
Suspension:front
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2015 VNL vehicles equipped with Meritor FF967 Non-Drive Front Steer axles. The axles missed the heat treating operation during manufacturing, reducing their strength and possibly causing the axle beams to fracture.
Risk: Fracture of the axle beam can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo Trucks will notify the affected vehicle owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the axles as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 27, 2019. Owners may contact Meritor customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX1905.
- 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 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.
2015 compared with other VNL years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Volvo VNL reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2015 VNL has a Complaint Index of 67, ranking 6th worst out of 16 model years tracked, and it carries a Caution verdict relative to other VNL years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Volvo VNL?
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints make up 60% of reported issues, followed by Steering and Structure & Body at 20% each, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- Does the 2015 Volvo VNL have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 9 recalls affecting the 2015 VNL, covering brakes, suspension, electrical system, transmission/powertrain, and collision avoidance systems. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- What year VNL should I avoid instead of the 2015?
- Among VNL years, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018 carry an Avoid verdict, with 2016 having the highest Complaint Index at 100, higher than the 2015's index of 67.