Model year record

1999 Volvo Vn recalls & problems

The 1999 Volvo Vn has 5 safety recalls and 9 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is equipment (14 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints9filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 2reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SteeringAug 15, 2002

Linkages › Tie rod assembly

Recall 02V03700519,915 vehicles

Problem: ON SOME HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ARVINMERITOR AXLE ASSEMBLIES WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH TRW MODEL 20EDL BALL SOCKETS, THE TIE ROD BALL-SOCKET BEARINGS HAVE A BELOW SPECIFICATION CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS WHICH CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR OUT OF THE SOCKET IN SOME APPLICATIONS.
Risk: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BALL SOCKET ASSEMBLIES. THIS CAMPAIGN SUPERSEDES NHTSA CAMPAIGN NOS. 01V-139.001 AND 02V-037.002. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 25, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

EquipmentMar 22, 2001

Other › Labels

Recall 01V0930001,577 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE WEIGHT CERTIFICATION LABEL WHICH CONTAINS FRONT GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS," DOES NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE ACTUAL FRONT GROSS AXLE WEIGHT.
Risk: WHEN OPERATING THE TRUCK "BOBTAIL" WITH FULL FUEL TANKS AND TWO OCCUPANTS WITH AN ALLOWANCE FOR PERSONAL BELONGINGS, THE ACTUAL GROSS AXLE WEIGHT MAY EXCEED THE STATED RATING FOUND ON THE WEIGHT CERTIFICATION LABEL.
Fix: THE WEIGHT CERTIFICATION LABEL WILL BE BROUGHT INTO COMPLIANCE BY ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING MEANS: (1) REPLACEMENT OF THE LABEL WITH ONE WHICH CONTAINS CORRECT INFORMATION; OR (2) REPLACEMENT OF FRONT AXLE TIRES, RIMS OR TIE ROD TUBE OR A COMBINATION THEREOF; OR (3) REPLACEMENT OR RELOCATION OF THE FUEL TANKS. DUE TO THE VARIOUS TRUCK CONFIGURATIONS, SEVERAL OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS ARE BEING SENT FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. THE FIRST OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS MAILED APRIL 26, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY OR LABEL WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

SteeringNov 20, 2000

Linkages › Tie rod assembly

Recall 01V13900113,373 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ARVINMERITOR AXLE ASSEMBLIES WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH TRW MODEL 20EDL BALL SOCKETS. THE TIE ROD BALL-SOCKET BEARINGS HAVE A BELOW SPECIFICATION CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS WHICH CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR OUT OF THE SOCKET IN SOME APPLICATIONS.
Risk: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BALL SOCKET ASSEMBLIES. THE CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY RECALL NO. 02V037002. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 17, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

VisibilityAug 18, 1999

Defroster/defogger/hvac system

Recall 99V225000352 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN ESPAR COMPACT HEATER MOUNTED IN THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT. THE FUEL-METERING PUMP THAT SUPPLIES FUEL TO THE COMPACT HEATER IS NOT WIRED THROUGH A ROLLOVER PROTECTION SWITCH. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH 49 CFR 393.77, "HEATERS."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ROLLOVER, AND THE COMPACT HEATER WAS IN OPERATION, FUEL WOULD STILL BE SUPPLIED TO THE HEATER CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL WIRE THE FUEL-METERING PUMP THROUGH A ROLLOVER PROTECTION SWITCH.

Service brakes, airMay 10, 1999

Service brakes, air

Recall 99V055004285 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR AIR BRAKE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS. SOME OF THE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS HAD INSUFFICIENT TORQUE APPLIED TO THE GUIDE PAWL CAP SCREW.
Risk: WITHOUT SUFFICIENT TORQUE ON THE GUIDE PAWL CAP SCREW, THE BRAKES COULD GRADUALLY LOSE ADJUSTMENT, INCREASING THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE TORQUE ON THE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTER GUIDE PAWL. IF THERE IS NO TORQUE, THE BRAKES WILL BE ADJUSTED AND THE GUIDE PAWL WILL BE TIGHTENED TO 15-20 FT. LBS.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Fires	Typical mileage*
EquipmentElectrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.	14	0	—
SuspensionMultiple axle	12	1	—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Linkages › Drag › Link › Connection	6	0	—
Electrical systemAlternator/generator/regulator; Wiring › Interior/under dash	5	0	—
Power trainClutch assembly; Axle assembly	2	1	—
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating element; Windshield	2	1	—
Exterior lightingBrake lights › Switch	2	0	—
StructureBody › Hood	2	0	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	2	0	—
Fuel system, gasoline	1	0	—
Tires	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Power train › Axle assemblyFire
1999 VOLVO VN, DESTROYED BY AN AXLE FIRE. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0446-91)*JB UPDATED 09/13/10*BF
Jul 31, 2010
Steering › Gear box › Shaft sector
THE STEERING SHAFT SECTOR OF THE U JOINT LOCKED UP.*JB
Feb 11, 2003
Steering
THE VEHICLE JUMPED RAILING AND THE CONSUMER LOST ALL STEERING RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK. *YH
Aug 1, 1999
Fuel system, gasoline
CONSUMER STATED SIGNAL, FOOT VALVE, HOOD LATCH RELEASE HANDLE, HOOD SHOCK,AIR RIDE VALVE, FUEL GAUGE SENSOR WERE ALL REPLACED.*JB
Apr 18, 2002
Suspension
THIS IS THE CONSUMERS FATHERS VEHICLE, THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCES FRONT TIRE PROBLEMS AND THE SUSPENSION BOLTS SHEARED OFF, RSBROWN@WPE.COM. *SLC
Aug 15, 2001
Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
VEHICLE,(VN700 SERIES), IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER DASH. ALSO, CONSUMER STARTED OUT REPLACING THE U BOLTS, FRONT SHOCKS, TIRES, DRAG ARM, AND LEAF SPRINGS. THERE HAS BEEN EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR WHICH CAUSE A VIBRATION RESULTING IN NUMBNESS OF CONSUMERS ARMS AND HANDS. THE VEHICLE IS HARD TO STEER, LEANS TO ONE SIDE AND DOES NOT LEVEL OUT. *JG
Aug 15, 2001
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating elementFire
ACCESSORY PANEL OF CAB,LOCATED IN SLEEPER COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE. *JB
Apr 1, 2001
Suspension
ABOUT 60K MILES OR SO I STARTED TO NOTICE A VERY MINOR VIBRATION THAT CONTINUED TO GET WORSE. TIRE WEAR WAS SHOWING PERFECT BRIDGESTONE R227'S FRONT AND R726 REAR. IT CONTINUED TO GRADUALLY GET WORSE TIRES STILL LOOKING FINE.
Feb 4, 2000

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

STEERING BINDINGClosed
ODI'S INVESTIGATIONCONCLUDED THAT THE LEGS THAT RETAIN THE TURN SIGNAL CANCELING RING (TSCR), PART NUMBER 1607363, TO THE STEERING WHEEL INSTALLED IN MODEL YEAR 1998 - 1999 VN AND VHD SERIES VTNA (VOLVO TRUCK NORTH AMERICA) VEHICLES ARE PRONE TO CRACKING AND BREAKING.WHEN THE RETENTION LEGS BREAK, THE SEPARATED PIECES OF THE TSCR TYPICALLYREPOSE IN THE HOST CAVITY IN THE STEERING WHEEL HUB WHERE THEY WERE DEPOSITED.ODIFOUND THAT BROKEN PIECES OF THE TSCR EITHER (1) MIGRATED FROM THEIR HOST CAVITY AND DROPPED COMPLETELY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY OR (2) LODGED IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE STEERING WHEEL PROXIMATE TO THE TSCR.ODI SIMULATED VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND POSITIONS THAT A SEPARATED PIECE OF THE TSCR MIGHT BECOME LODGED WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY, BUT NONE OF THESE SIMULATIONS GENERATED ANY APPRECIABLE INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT.
EA04016 · opened Jun 24, 2004 · closed Mar 31, 2005
STEERING BINDINGClosed
ODI'S PRELIMINARY EVALUATION FOCUSED ON THE POTENTIAL FOR A BROKEN, BENT, DEFORMED, FRAGMENTED OR DISPLACED TURN SIGNAL CANCELING RING (TSCR), VTNA PART NUMBER 1607363, TO RESTRICT THEVEHICLE OPERATOR'S ABILITY TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL.THE PE IDENTIFIED THIRTEEN VTNA WARRANTY CLAIMS THAT ALLEGE THAT THE TSCR HAD FAILED AND THAT THE VEHICLE STEERING EFFORT HAD BEEN ADVERSELY AFFECTED.TO DATE, ODI HAS NOT FOUND ANY SAMPLES OF A FAILED TSCR AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DEFINITIVELY ESTABLISH WHETHER A FAILED TSCR CAN OR CANNOT CONTRIBUTE TO INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.ODI BELIEVES THAT IT IS APPROPRIATE TO CONDUCT FURTHER INVESTIGATION(EA LEVEL) TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE CHARACTERISTICS OF TSCR FAILURES AND TO ASSESS THE EFFECT, IF ANY, THAT THESE TYPES OF FAILURES COULD HAVE ON VEHICLE STEERING EFFORT.
PE04014 · opened Feb 5, 2004 · closed Jun 24, 2004
EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATION LABELClosedLed to recall 01V093000
There is no summary currently available
DP01006 · opened May 10, 2001 · closed Jan 23, 2002
U-BOLT FAILURES ON DRIVE -AXLE ASSEMBLIEClosed
EA01011 · opened Apr 18, 2001 · closed Jul 30, 2002