2003 Volvo VN recalls and problems

The 2003 Volvo VN has 4 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
3
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Volvo VN vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Volvo VN recalls

Recall 12V-510: Seat Belts

Reported Oct 18, 2012 · 1,496 vehicles affected · Volvo Trucks North America

Problem: Volvo is recalling certain model year 2002-2013 VHD and VN trucks, manufactured from August 4, 2000, through June 22, 2012, and equipped with bench passenger seats. The seat belt d-ring weld may not be sufficient enough to meet the seat belt pull test. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Risk: In the event of a crash, an insufficient seat belt weld may prevent the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant. This increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Fix: Volvo Trucks of America will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspected d-ring, free of change. The safety recall began on May 10, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.

Recall 04V-457: Visibility

Reported Sep 17, 2004 · 56,154 vehicles affected · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain trucks equipped with valeo wiper systems, the wiper motor may be susceptive to salt intrusion that could possibly lead to a condition where the connector overheats to a point where the connector could ignite.

Risk: If this occurs, excessive heat and smoke could result in an under hood fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the connector plate on the windshield wiper motor. Phase 2 of the recall began on november 1, 2004. Owners should contact volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

Recall 04V-315: Trailer Hitches

Reported Jul 2, 2004 · 1,374 vehicles affected · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain trucks, a malfunction in the solenoid valve may allow air to be released to fifth wheel latch when the park brake is engaged.

Risk: This condition could cause the fifth wheel latch to release inadvertently when the park brake is engaged, creating the potential for loss of the trailer. A crash could occur without prior warning.

Fix: Dealers will add an additional solenoid valve in series with the existing pneumatic circuit for the fifth wheel air release. The recall began on august 9, 2004. Owners should contact volvo at 1-800-528-6586.

Recall 04V-077: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Feb 13, 2004 · 2,112 vehicles affected · VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain heavy-duty class 8 trucks, the assembled engine pre-heater jumper wiring harness was incorrectly assembled.

Risk: The engine pre-heater could overheat resulting in damage to the pre-heater and other engine heat sensitive components near the pre-heater and the ability to re-start the engine could be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will repair the affected circuits in the jumper wiring harness connector. Owner notification is expected to begin during march 2004. 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.

2003 Volvo VN problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Unknown or Other1

Most reported parts

  • Suspension › Front › Hub — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 247,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Volvo VN complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Sep 1, 2010
2003 volvo 660, unit 1 struck the rear of unit 2. Unit 1 then went off the right side of the roadway and struck the guardrail. According to the police report, unit 1 was traveling to closely behind the truck in front of him. (Ohio traffic report # 10-0467-90) updated 09/13/10
Latches/Locks/Linkages · reported Apr 17, 2005
Hood shocks on volvo trucks are coming off at hood conection side. When pulling hood open if both shocks are lose hood can come over on driver, causing driver possible injuries.
Suspension · at 247,000 miles · reported Mar 6, 2005
The bearings in the integral hub/bearing on the right front wheel (Steering axle) failed at 247,000 miles. This is a unit designed to last the life of the vehicle, and there is no maintenance possible. This was a very low mileage for such a failure. No accident or injuries were caused by the failure because it was noticed before that could happen, but such a failure could cause a catastrophic accident. We paid approximately $625 for parts, labor, and shipping for a new part. The dealership removed an identical hub from a new truck on the lot and replaced our hub. I doubt they kept the old hub…

Other Volvo VN years

Compare all Volvo VN years · All Volvo models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Volvo VN have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Volvo VN: 12V-510 (seat belts), 04V-457 (visibility), 04V-315 (trailer hitches), 04V-077 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Volvo VN?

Owners report suspension problems most often (1 reports), followed by latches/locks/linkages (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 247,000 miles.

Are Volvo recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volvo dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.