1998 Volvo Vn recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
6 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. 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."
What could happen: 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.
The fix: DEALERS WILL WIRE THE FUEL-METERING PUMP THROUGH A ROLLOVER PROTECTION SWITCH.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1998 VN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 99V225000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Summary: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL WIRE THE FUEL-METERING PUMP THROUGH A ROLLOVER PROTECTION SWITCH.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 1999. 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
2. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE ELECTRONIC MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL) AND HEADLIGHTS CAN FAIL WITHOUT WARNING RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF THE DRL AND HEADLIGHT FUNCTIONS.
What could happen: IF THESE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRL CONTROL MODULE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1998 VN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V092000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE ELECTRONIC MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL) AND HEADLIGHTS CAN FAIL WITHOUT WARNING RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF THE DRL AND HEADLIGHT FUNCTIONS.
Consequence: IF THESE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRL CONTROL MODULE.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING LATE MAY 1998. 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 TRUCK AT 1-800-528-6586. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
3. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A FAL 8.0 FRONT STEER AXLE. THE UPPER STEERING ARM CAN FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE UPPER STEERING ARM AND REPLACE IT, IF REQUIRED.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1998 VN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V297000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A FAL 8.0 FRONT STEER AXLE. THE UPPER STEERING ARM CAN FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE UPPER STEERING ARM AND REPLACE IT, IF REQUIRED.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 30, 1998. 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 TRUCK AT 1-800-528-6586. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
4. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH HALDEX MANIFOLD DASH VALVES (MDV) USED IN TRACTOR AND TRAILER PARKING BRAKES. THESE VALVES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." A LOSS OF THE ISOLATION OF THE TWO BRAKE SYSTEM CIRCUITS CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES WHEN THERE IS ANOTHER FAILURE OF ONE OF THE TWO BRAKE CIRCUITS.
What could happen: THE LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES CAN OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT VALVES.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1998 VN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 00V002002.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: PARKING BRAKE
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH HALDEX MANIFOLD DASH VALVES (MDV) USED IN TRACTOR AND TRAILER PARKING BRAKES. THESE VALVES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." A LOSS OF THE ISOLATION OF THE TWO BRAKE SYSTEM CIRCUITS CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES WHEN THERE IS ANOTHER FAILURE OF ONE OF THE TWO BRAKE CIRCUITS.
Consequence: THE LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES CAN OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT VALVES.
Notes: VOLVO TRUCK RECALL NO. RVXX0002. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 28, 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
5. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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.
What could happen: 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.
The 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…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1998 VN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 01V093000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-528-6586.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
6. Wheels / tires
What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AFTERMARKET ALUMINUM DUAL WHEELS, 22.5X8.25, ONE-PIECE, TUBELESS, SUPPLIED BY ACCURIDE/AKW. CERTAIN DESIGN REVISIONS COMBINED WITH PROCESS CONDITIONS CAUSED FATIGUE CRACKS IN THESE WHEELS.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE FAILURE OF THESE WHEELS.
The fix: ACCURIDE/AKW WILL REPLACE THESE WHEELS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1998 VN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V120001.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: WHEELS:RIM
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AFTERMARKET ALUMINUM DUAL WHEELS, 22.5X8.25, ONE-PIECE, TUBELESS, SUPPLIED BY ACCURIDE/AKW. CERTAIN DESIGN REVISIONS COMBINED WITH PROCESS CONDITIONS CAUSED FATIGUE CRACKS IN THESE WHEELS.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE FAILURE OF THESE WHEELS.
Remedy: ACCURIDE/AKW WILL REPLACE THESE WHEELS.
Notes: ACCURIDE/AKW WILL CONDUCT THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY CAMPAIGN FOR THIS RECALL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 27, 1998. OWNERS WHO DO NOT HAVE THEIR WHEELS REPLACED FREE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ACCURIDE/KAISER AT 1-888-665-9189 OR VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 1998 Volvo Vn owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Suspension (10), Electrical system (4), Equipment (4), Lights (4), Body / structure (4).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/27/2010 · Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 VOLVO VN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SPORADICALLY BECOME EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE STEERING DRAG LINK WAS REPLACED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER RECALL CONCERNING THE STEERING DRAG LINK IN SEPTEMBER 20…
04/18/2002 · Suspension
CONSUMER STATED THE ALTERNATOR AND IDLE PULLEY WERE BAD, THE AIR DRYER WAS REBUILT, AND THE TORQUE ARM, FOOT VALVE AND SHOCKS WERE REPLACED.*JB
04/18/2002 · Suspension
CONSUMER STATED THE CAB VISOR LIGHT, RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SEAL AND BEARINGS, TRACTOR PROTECTION VALVE, SEAT VALVE TORQUE ARM AND HOOD RELEASE, BAD AIR DRYER AND PROPORTION WERE ALL REPLACED.*JB
04/18/2002 · Suspension
CONSUMER STATES THE DASH LIGHT DIMMER SWITCH WAS REPLACED, DRIVER SUNVISOR WAS REPLACED, A NEW STARTER AND ALL SHOCKS WERE REPLACED.*JB
04/18/2002 · Suspension
CONSUMER STATED THE SUNVISOR, TORQUE ARM AND TRACTOR PROTECTION VALVE WERE REPLACED AND THE HOOD RELEASE WAS BROKEN.*JB
04/18/2002 · Transmission / drivetrain
CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT VALVE, TURN SIGNAL SWITCH, CLUTCH AND CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER WERE ALL REPLACED.*JB
04/18/2002 · Suspension
CONSUMER STATES THE DRIVE AXLE SHOCKS AND TORQUE ARM WERE REPLACED, THE AIR DRYER WAS REBUILT, THE HOOD SHOCK,THE DASH DIMMER SWITCH AND CAB BLOWER MOTOR WERE ALSO REPLACED.*JB
04/18/2002 · Equipment
CONSUMER STATED THE STEREO WAS REPLACED.*JB