2016 Volvo VNL Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 16 VNL years
The 2016 Volvo VNL ranks worst of all model years covered, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 12 NHTSA complaints. Transmission & powertrain issues make up 58% of complaints, and 6 recalls apply, including one do-not-drive steering recall.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 6
- incl. Do Not Drive
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2016 Volvo VNL problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain7 (58%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (25%)
- Brakes2 (17%)
- Other1 (8%)
- Steering1 (8%)
- Structure & Body1 (8%)
What owners report
- Drive shaft reported to be out of phase, causing shaking felt through the cab and accelerated tire wear, in some cases tied to crash reports.
- Brake pedal application produced violent vehicle shaking or abnormal wheel vibration, with one failure reported at 39,000 miles and dealers unable to pinpoint the cause.
- Steering complaints describe the truck veering independently to the left in rain, especially while braking, at a reported failure mileage of 5,000.
- Suspension complaints describe shaking and hopping/jumping at highway speed, with one failure reported at 30,000 miles.
- Cab reported to sway and lean to the side while driving, traced by a technician to worn cab bushings, at a reported mileage of 120,000.
2016 Volvo VNL recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 18V668000Sep 25, 2018Engine3,705 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Volvo VNL trucks equipped with Cummins ISX15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted.
Risk: If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Cummins will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single screen filter banjo bolt will be replaced with a dual screen filter banjo bolt, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1802.
- NHTSA 17V536000Aug 29, 2017Steering470 vehicles
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016 Volvo VNL and VNM trucks equipped with certain Dana Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.
Risk: If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle on units cannot be sufficiently torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1702.
- 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.
2016 compared with other VNL years
Frequently asked questions
- Should I avoid a 2016 Volvo VNL?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2016 VNL carries a Complaint Index of 100, the highest (worst) among the model years covered, and is rated Avoid relative to other VNL years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2016 Volvo VNL?
- Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 58% of complaints, mainly drive shaft problems reported at a median mileage of 11,000 miles, and this is listed as the top problem area.
- Does the 2016 Volvo VNL have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2016 VNL, covering the engine, steering, brakes, and suspension. One of these, a steering roll pin recall, is a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2016 VNL compare to other VNL years?
- The 2016 VNL has the highest Complaint Index (100) of the years with data, ranking worst overall, ahead of other Avoid-rated years like 2012, 2014, and 2018.