2018 Volvo VNL Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
87/100
#3 most-complained of 16 VNL years
The 2018 Volvo VNL has a Complaint Index of 87, the third-worst year among 16 model years of the VNL, earning an Avoid verdict. It has 8 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and top issues in Engine and Transmission & Powertrain, each at a 38% share.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2018 Volvo VNL problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine3 (38%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (38%)
- Steering2 (25%)
- Airbags1 (13%)
- Brakes1 (13%)
- Electrical System1 (13%)
- Fuel System1 (13%)
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in a severe frontal collision with an overturned trailer, at 200,000 miles.
- Steering wheels were described as painful to grip, paired with a malfunctioning turn signal lever, reported at very low mileage.
- Vehicles vibrated violently at highway speeds between 57 and 65 mph, with repeated driveshaft replacements failing to resolve the issue.
- Front tires wore unevenly due to worn kingpin bushings, causing vibration and requiring full bushing replacement at 300,000 miles.
- Clutches failed to disengage when approaching a stop, sometimes with the vehicle rolling back and a transmission warning light illuminating, near 574,000 miles.
- Vehicles shut down unexpectedly while driving at various speeds, traced to a high pressure fuel pump filter, differential pressure sensor, and rear wire harness, at 537,850 miles.
2018 Volvo VNL recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V384000Jul 1, 2020Other89 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2021 VNL and VNR buses. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the rear drive axles stated on the Federal Certification Label exceeds the rating of the wheel hubs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Risk: If the rear axles are overloaded, over time the wheel hubs may fail prematurely, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners and send corrected replacement labels, free of charge. The recall began August 18, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX2002.
- NHTSA 19V509000Jul 2, 2019Electrical System235 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNR vehicles. The fuse in the transmission circuit may blow, preventing the transmission from shifting.
Risk: If the fuse blows the transmission may not shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuse, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX1903.
- NHTSA 19V208000Mar 18, 2019Structure & Body11,089 vehicles
Structure:body
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VNL and VNX vehicles configured as 740 and 760 sleeper models. The sleeper bunk window may detach and fall from the vehicle.
Risk: If a window detaches from the vehicle, it may strike another vehicle or pedestrian, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Volvo Trucks has notified owners, and dealers will replace the window hinge, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall on April 8, 2019 and will be sent a second notice when the remedy parts are available. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX1902.
2018 compared with other VNL years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Volvo VNL reliable?
- NHTSA data ranks the 2018 VNL as the third-worst year out of 16 model years, with a Complaint Index of 87 and a top problem area in Engine. It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other VNL years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Volvo VNL?
- NHTSA complaints show Engine and Transmission & Powertrain issues tied at a 38% share each, followed by Steering complaints at 25%. Median mileage at failure for engine complaints was 387,000, and for transmission complaints was 537,850.
- Does the 2018 Volvo VNL have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 VNL, covering the Engine, Transmission & Powertrain, Electrical System, Structure & Body, and Other components. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 VNL compare to other Volvo VNL model years?
- The 2018 VNL's Complaint Index of 87 is higher than most other years, ranking third-worst of 16 years tracked. The worst year is 2016 with a Complaint Index of 100.
- What mileage do 2018 Volvo VNL problems typically show up at?
- Median mileage at failure varies by system: 387,000 miles for Engine complaints, 537,850 miles for Transmission & Powertrain and Fuel System complaints, and 150,312.5 miles for Steering complaints.