2018 Volvo Vnl Safety Report
2018 VOLVO VNL Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Volvo Vnl
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 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 (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (8) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | 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 | 2016 | Check the 2016 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Volvo Vnl | 4 | 8 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Volvo Vnl | 12 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Volvo Vnl | 5 | 9 | 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. |
2018 Volvo Vnl Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 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
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Volvo onlySteering
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Volvo onlyFuel System, Gasoline,Power Train
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel System, Gasoline,Power Train issues Volvo onlyVehicle Speed Control
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Vehicle Speed Control issues Volvo onlyElectrical System,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Engine issues Volvo onlyAir Bags,Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags,Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes issues Volvo onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Volvo Vnl
Reliability Score
The 2018 Volvo Vnl receives a reliability score of 85 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 2018 Volvo Vnl
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Volvo Vnl:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clutch Assembly Clutch assembly issues have been reported in certain 2018-2019 Volvo VNL vehicles, leading to clutch failure and disengagement problems. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Wiring Recalls have been issued for electrical system wiring issues, including fuses and circuit breakers, affecting 2018-2020 models. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel System Fuel system issues, particularly with gasoline power trains, have been reported, but are less frequent. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Vehicle Speed Control Vehicle speed control malfunctions have been reported, but are less frequent. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Volvo Vnl:
23% of reported issues are related to clutch assembly problems.
20% of reported issues are related to electrical system problems.
15% of reported issues are related to fuel system problems.
10% of reported issues are related to vehicle speed control problems.
Recall Details for the 2018 Volvo Vnl
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Volvo Vnl by NHTSA:
Summary: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2021 VNL and VNR buses. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the rear drive axles stated on the Federal Certification Label exceeds the rating of the wheel hubs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Consequence: If the rear axles are overloaded, over time the wheel hubs may fail prematurely, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo will notify owners and send corrected replacement labels, free of charge. The recall began August 18, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX2002.
Summary: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNR vehicles. The fuse in the transmission circuit may blow, preventing the transmission from shifting.
Consequence: If the fuse blows the transmission may not shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuse, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX1903.
Summary: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2018-2020 VNL and VNX vehicles configured as 740 and 760 sleeper models. The sleeper bunk window may detach and fall from the vehicle.
Consequence: If a window detaches from the vehicle, it may strike another vehicle or pedestrian, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Volvo Trucks has notified owners, and dealers will replace the window hinge, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall on April 8, 2019 and will be sent a second notice when the remedy parts are available. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX1902.
Summary: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volvo VNL vehicles equipped with an automated manual transmission. An internal component in the clutch assembly may fail, possibly resulting in unintended vehicle movement.
Consequence: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volvo has notified owners and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began February 1, 2019. Owners can contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1901.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Volvo Vnl
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Volvo Vnl with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
The contact owns a Volvo 2018 VNL64 Commercial vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle would shut down while driving at various speeds. There was no further information provided. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the high pressure fuel pump filter, the differential pressure sensor, the rear wire harness were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing...
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo VNL Truck. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was lunging forward and failed to properly respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no additional information provided. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; how...
The contact owns a 2018 Volvo VNL. The contact stated that while approaching a stop, the clutch failed to disengage. The contact also stated that after decelerating, he depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle rolled back. The contact stated that the check warning light illuminated, indicating to check the transmission at the next stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagn...
2019 COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT UNEVEN WEARING OF THE FRONT TIRES THEY CHECKED ALIGNMENT THEN SAME COMPLAINT IN MARCH 2020 NO DEFECTS FIND THEN IN JULY 02 2020 I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF VIBRATION , AFTER INSPECTION THEY FOUND PLASTIC BUSHINGS FOR BOTH KINGPINS WORN OUT AND REPLACED AS WHOLE SETS. MY COMPLAINT IS ABOUT PREMATURE FAILURE COMPONENTS AT 300000 MILES DUE TO USE OF PLASTI...
ENGINE WORKING NOT PROPERLY AND SHAKING!!!ITS HAPPENED IN 2019 !!! NOW THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN!!!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLVO VNL. WHILE DRIVING 57-65 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT TWICE, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED AND WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MA...
THE STEERING WHEEL ON ALL NEW 2018 VOLVO VNL760 TRACTORS IS PAINFUL TO USE, IMPOSSIBLE TO GRIP PROPERLY, AND HAS A MIS-FUNCTIONING TURN SIGNAL LEVER. PLEASE SEE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=8LT4MCUVUCG
A PRIOR WRECK HAPPEN SEMI TRUCK TRAILER CROSS MEDIAN AND LAY OVER BLOCKING ALL MY LANES IN THE DARK ON 09/10/18 TIME 0040 HRS RAINING WIPER ON . DID NOT SEE IT TILL FINAL SECONDS ROOF OF SEMI TRAILER FACING ME ON THE GROUND I DROVE THRU THE ROOF OF SEMI TRAILER WITH A LOAD OF CANDY IN IT AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF , EARLY WARNING DISTANCE SENSOR DID NOT GO OFF EXTREME DAMAGE TO FRONT HOOD , CAB A...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Volvo Vnl
Has the 2018 VOLVO VNL been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 VOLVO VNL has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 VOLVO VNL have?
The 2018 VOLVO VNL has 8 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 VOLVO VNL?
The 2018 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 2018 VOLVO VNL?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 VOLVO VNL involve power train (2 complaints), steering (2 complaints), fuel system, gasoline,power train (1 complaints). Other affected components include vehicle speed control, electrical system,engine, air bags,vehicle speed control,service brakes.
How many crash reports does the 2018 VOLVO VNL have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2018 VOLVO VNL out of 8 total complaints (12.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 VOLVO VNL have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 VOLVO VNL in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 VOLVO VNL?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 VOLVO VNL.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 VOLVO VNL?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 VOLVO VNL. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 VOLVO VNL?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 VOLVO VNL is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 8 complaints, 5 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 VOLVO VNL?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 VOLVO VNL are: 1. POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), 2. STEERING (2 complaints), 3. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN (1 complaints), 4. VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE (1 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 VOLVO VNL?
Be aware of potential clutch and electrical system issues. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure safe operation. The 2018 VOLVO VNL has 8 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2018 VOLVO VNL?
The 2018 VOLVO VNL receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 8 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Clutch Assembly and Electrical System Wiring.
What are the known issues with the 2018 VOLVO VNL?
Known issues with the 2018 VOLVO VNL include: Clutch Assembly, Electrical System Wiring, Fuel System, Vehicle Speed Control. These are based on patterns found across 8 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2018 Volvo VNL?
The most common issues are clutch assembly and electrical system problems.
Can the vehicle shut down while driving?
Yes, some owners have reported the vehicle shutting down while driving at various speeds.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Volvo VNL?
Yes, there are recalls for clutch assembly, electrical system wiring, and body structure issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential clutch and electrical system issues. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure safe operation.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Volvo Vnl
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Volvo Vnl. The data includes 8 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, 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