YearToAvoid

2021 Volvo VNL Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

13/100

#14 most-complained of 16 VNL years

The 2021 Volvo VNL has 0 owner complaints logged with NHTSA but carries 7 recalls covering steering, brakes, and suspension components. Its complaint index of 13 ranks 14th out of 16 model years, meaning most other VNL years score worse on reported problems.

Complaints
0
Recalls
7
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2021 Volvo VNL problems

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

No component data.

2021 Volvo VNL recalls

7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 21V858000Nov 4, 2021Steering3 vehicles

    Steering:hydraulic power assist:pump

    Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2021 VNL vehicles. A machining defect may cause pressure to build in the power steering pump, breaking the shaft seal and resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

    Risk: A loss of power steering assist increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the power steering pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 10, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2105.

  2. NHTSA 21V417000Jun 2, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires1,050 vehicles

    Wheels:hub

    Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2021-2022 VAH, VDH, VNL, AND VNR vehicles. The hubcap compression spring can cause the hubcap to separate.

    Risk: A separated hubcap can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will remove the hubcap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Mack's number for this recall is RVXX 2102.

  3. NHTSA 20V782000Dec 15, 2020Brakes6,982 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:critical fasteners

    Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling 2021 VNL, VNR, VAH, and VHD vehicles. The collets (internal jaws) for the brass fitting inserts used in the pneumatic pass-through plate may have been damaged during leak testing. As a result, the brass fitting may completely release the air brake line from the pass-through plate while under pressure. If this occurs on the park brake circuit, signal pressure that holds off the mechanical spring in the park brake chambers will be lost allowing the park brakes to apply.

    Risk: If the park brakes apply unexpectedly, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

    Remedy: Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air brake line for proper engagement of the fitting in the pass-through plate, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2006.

See all 7 recalls for the 2021 Volvo VNL →

2021 compared with other VNL years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2019No verdict5348—
2020No verdict709—
2021No verdict1307—
2022No verdict4727—
2023No verdict3313—

All Volvo VNL years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Volvo VNL reliable?
NHTSA lists 0 complaints for the 2021 VNL, and its complaint index of 13 ranks 14th worst out of 16 model years, meaning it has fewer reported problems than most other VNL years. It does carry 7 recalls.
What recalls affect the 2021 Volvo VNL?
The 2021 VNL has 7 recalls: a power steering pump machining defect, a hubcap separation issue, a brake line fitting problem, a brake pedal plate that could break, a king pin nut that may not have been properly tightened, incorrect axle weight rating labels, and loose steering gear fasteners.
Does the 2021 Volvo VNL have a steering recall?
Yes. NHTSA recall 21V858000 covers a power steering pump machining defect that can break the shaft seal and cause loss of power steering, and recall 20V535000 covers a king pin nut that may not have been properly tightened.
How does the 2021 VNL compare to other VNL years?
The 2021 VNL has a complaint index of 13 and ranks 14th of 16 years, well below years like 2016 (complaint index 100, marked Avoid) and 2012 (complaint index 93, marked Avoid).

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.