2016 Volvo Vnl Safety Report
2016 VOLVO VNL Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Volvo Vnl
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Volvo Vnl. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (6) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (12) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 2 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2023 | Compare against the 2023 Volvo Vnl with 1 complaints and 3 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Volvo Vnl before buying across this generation. |
Volvo Vnl Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Volvo Vnl years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Volvo Vnl | 5 | 9 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Volvo Vnl | 8 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Volvo Vnl | 4 | 8 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Volvo Vnl | 2 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Volvo Vnl | 1 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Volvo Vnl Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Volvo Vnl, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Volvo onlyService Brakes
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Volvo onlyPower Train,Wheels
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Wheels issues Volvo onlySuspension,Power Train
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension,Power Train issues Volvo onlySuspension,Unknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension,Unknown Or Other issues Volvo onlyStructure
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Volvo onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Volvo Vnl
Reliability Score
The 2016 Volvo Vnl receives a reliability score of 87 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2016 Volvo Vnl
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Volvo Vnl:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling Recalled for issues with Cummins engines and engine cooling systems. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Recalled for steering issues in certain models. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes, Air Recalled for air service brake issues. |
Medium | Common | 2013-2017 miles |
| Suspension, Control Arm Upper Ball Joint Recalled for issues with control arm upper ball joints. |
Low | Common | 2009-2010 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Volvo Vnl:
Steering issues are a common problem.
Power train issues are a common problem.
Service brake issues are a common problem.
Suspension issues are a common problem.
Recall Details for the 2016 Volvo Vnl
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Volvo Vnl by NHTSA:
Summary: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Volvo VNL trucks equipped with Cummins ISX15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted.
Consequence: If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Cummins will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single screen filter banjo bolt will be replaced with a dual screen filter banjo bolt, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1802.
Summary: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2016 Volvo VNL and VNM trucks equipped with certain Dana Spicer D-Series and E-Series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.
Consequence: If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle on units cannot be sufficiently torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for t...
Summary: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 VNL and VNM trucks and certain model year 2017 VNX trucks. In the affected vehicles, incorrect software for controlling the electronic air dryer may result in oil and water contaminating the brake system.
Consequence: If the brake system becomes contaminated, braking performance could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module and replace the air dryer filter, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1608.
Summary: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 VNL, VNX, and VNM trucks manufactured from May 11, 2015, through April 18, 2016. The trucks may have been manufactured without a roll pin on the steering shafts. If the roll pin is missing, the lower steering shaft may disconnect from the junction block. Also, the bolt connecting the upper steering shaft to the lower steering shaft may not have been properly tightened. Either condition can lead to separation of the ...
Consequence: Separation of the steering shaft will result in complete loss of steering which may lead to a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Volvo is strongly recommending that the affected vehicles not be driven until the interim remedy is applied. An interim notice was sent to Volvo owners on March 16, 2016, and an interim repair is available now. A second notice was mailed on May 13, 2016. The final remedy is now available. Both remedies are free of charge. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-877-800-4945 opt #1. Vo...
Summary: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 VT trucks manufactured from April 9, 2008, through September 24, 2009, and certain 2016 model VNL and VNM trucks manufactured from January 2, 2015, through to November 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with USK non-greasable drag links that may experience corrosion of the ball joints due to the seals being compromised, possibly resulting in accelerated wear and failure of the ball joint.
Consequence: Failure of the ball joint may cause separation of the socket and a complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drag links, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1601. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall 15V-651.
Summary: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2015 and 2016 VNX and VNL trucks manufactured from May 20, 2014, through March 6, 2015, equipped with certain Haldex Life Seal Type 30/30 Long Stroke Air Brake Actuators manufactured January 9, 2014, to October 28, 2014. The affected actuators may have an incomplete attachment of the internal rubber diaphragm to the actuation mechanism of the parking brake section of the Life Seal actuator.
Consequence: If the diaphragm is not completely attached, there may be internal leakage from the service section past the diaphragm, potentially trapping air pressure in the parking brake section. This air pressure in turn, if not vented, may prevent full release of the actuator unit, and may induce brake drag and may result in overheated wheelend service brakes, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator and replace, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1501.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Volvo Vnl
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Volvo Vnl with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL630. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ARRIVED FROM THE MANUFACTURER WITH A REAR DRIVESHAFT THAT WAS NOT CALIBRATED. THE DRIVESHAFT WAS THREE TIMES OVER THE MAXIMUM SPECIFICATIONS WHERE THE TRANSMISSION AND DRIVESHAFT WERE ATTACHED. THE FAILURE IN MANUFACTURING CAUSED A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF VIBRATION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT ANY SPEED. CIT TRUC...
FRONT WHEELS LOOSE FROM FACTOR AND DEALER DIDN'T CHECK, TIRES PSI 1/2 WHAT SHOULD BEEN , DRIVE SHAFT OUT OF PHASE . DAMAGE THE TRUCK MORE .I KNOW OF ABOUT 20 OF THESE TRUCK WITH THE DRIVE SHAFT PROBLEM . DEALER AND FACTOR WONT FIX/ THIS IS NOT SAFE
VOLVO AND MACK DRIVE SHAFT OUT OF PHASE. I SHOWED MY DR. MY VIDEO OF MY TRUCK SHAKING. HE SAID YOU MIT AS WILL BE D W I
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL SEMI-TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. A SERIES OF INDEPENDENT MECHANICS CONFIRMED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT WAS LOOSE WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION. VOMAC SALES AND SERVICE MACK (5556 EAST MARGARET DRIVE, TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA 47803, (812) 233-6406) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MAD...
MY STUPID DEALER CIT TRUCKS COULD NOT FIND Y MY TRUCK WAS SHAKING SO THEY PLAYED WITH TRANSMISSION PROGRAMING ITS AN I SHIFT NO CLUTCH PEDDLE . STONINGTON IL. GOT FUEL AT F.S. COMING BACK CROSS RAIL ROAD TRACKS AND TRIED TO STOP FOR RT 48 . THE CLUTCH WOULD NOT RELEASE .THIS THE 4 TIME .
NEW VOLVO TRUCK MID MARCH 2016 IT HAD A SHAKE THAT GOT WORSE . MY DEALER CIT TRUCKS WAS TO STUPID FIND THE PROBLEM. ANTHER DEALER LOOK AT IT. THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT WAS OUT OF PHASE BUT HOW AFTER ALMOST 80000 MILES THE REAR ENDS ARE GOING OUT . MY TRUCK IS NOT THE ONLY ONE OUT THERE . VIDEOS CAN BE SEEN AT YOU TUBE- VOLVO SHAKES AND VOLVO TRUCK SHAKES
VOLVO AND MACK TRUCKS DRIVE SHAFTS OUT OF PHASE. MAKING IT SHAKE AND EAT UP TIRES AND WEAR TRUCK OUT SHOULD BE RECALLED
MY NEW VOLVO TRUCK SHAKES AND STARTING TO HOP R JUMP 30K MILES HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/EU119G9VYCU
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CAB WOULD SWAY BACK AND FORTH CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LEAN TO THE SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAB BUSHINGS WERE AND CAB NEEDED TO BE LEVELED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,00...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CONTACT FELT AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION IN THE WHEELS. THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT, ESPECIALLY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE BRAKE DRUMS WERE CHANGED, BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAIL...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE ISSUE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRE...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLVO VNL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY SHOOK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Volvo Vnl
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Suspension
Opened 2015-09-28 · Closed 2016-04-08
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Defect Petition (DP) assessment in response to a defect petition received from owners of a 2015 Volvo VNL 780 tractor.Prior to submitting the letter the owners had submitted two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ).Their concerns included: cab sway, cab alignment , and loss of control.The petitioners further allege that due to a failure of the suspension system caused by cab misalignment one of them sustained a back injury while seated at the w...
Component: Communication
Opened 2018-10-22 · Closed 2023-08-04
On October 22, 2018, an Audit Query (AQ18-005) was opened to assess the completeness and timeliness of Volvo Group's early warning reporting, safety recalls, and communications submissions to the agency.NHTSA's investigation determined that Volvo Group failed to recall vehicles in a timely fashion and to comply with other recall and reporting requirements, including notifying owners of recalls and reporting death and injury incidents.NHTSA and Volvo Group entered into a Consent Order on January ...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Volvo Vnl
Has the 2016 VOLVO VNL been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 VOLVO VNL has 6 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 VOLVO VNL have?
The 2016 VOLVO VNL has 12 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 VOLVO VNL?
The 2016 VOLVO VNL does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 VOLVO VNL?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 VOLVO VNL involve power train (5 complaints), service brakes (2 complaints), power train,wheels (1 complaints). Other affected components include suspension,power train, suspension,unknown or other, structure.
How many crash reports does the 2016 VOLVO VNL have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2016 VOLVO VNL out of 12 total complaints (16.7% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 VOLVO VNL have?
There are no fire reports for the 2016 VOLVO VNL in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 VOLVO VNL?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 VOLVO VNL.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 VOLVO VNL?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 VOLVO VNL.
Should I buy a 2016 VOLVO VNL?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 VOLVO VNL is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 12 complaints, 6 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 VOLVO VNL?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 VOLVO VNL are: 1. POWER TRAIN (5 complaints), 2. SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN,WHEELS (1 complaints), 4. SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN (1 complaints), 5. SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 5 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 VOLVO VNL?
Be cautious of steering and power train issues, as well as service brake and suspension problems. Check for recalls and address any mechanical issues promptly. The 2016 VOLVO VNL has 12 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2016 VOLVO VNL?
The 2016 VOLVO VNL receives a reliability score of 87/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 12 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 2 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and Engine Cooling and Steering.
What are the known issues with the 2016 VOLVO VNL?
Known issues with the 2016 VOLVO VNL include: Engine and Engine Cooling, Steering, Service Brakes, Air, Suspension, Control Arm Upper Ball Joint. These are based on patterns found across 12 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 VOLVO VNL?
Yes, there are recalls for engine cooling, steering, and service brakes.
What are the common mechanical issues with the 2016 VOLVO VNL?
Common issues include steering problems, power train issues, service brake issues, and suspension problems.
How can I prevent shaking and vibrations in my 2016 VOLVO VNL?
Ensure regular maintenance, check for drive shaft alignment, and address any mechanical issues promptly.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of steering and power train issues, as well as service brake and suspension problems. Check for recalls and address any mechanical issues promptly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Volvo Vnl
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Volvo Vnl. The data includes 12 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-17