2002 Volvo VNL
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Volvo VNL is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 10 on record.
2002 Volvo VNL at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
2002 Volvo VNL recalls 7
VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2006 VNL AND VNM TRUCKS MANUFACTURED WITH A TRW SEALED DRAG LINKS. CERTAIN FACTORS CAN EXIST, WHICH IF LEFT UNTREATED MAY RESULT IN A BALL SOCKET SEPARATION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE BALL SOCKET OR THE DRAG LINK AS REQUIRED IF NECESSARY. AS PARTS ARE LIMITED, VOLVO TRUCKS MAILED AN INTERIM OWNER LETTER ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2010. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 14, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
VOLVO TRUCKS IS RECALLING 127,764 MY 2001-2008 VHD, VNL, VNM, AND MY 2005-2008 VT TRUCKS. A SEAL MAY FAIL ALLOWING WATER AND CONTAMINANTS TO SEEP INTO THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR.
Fix: VOLVO WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. SINCE THIS RECALL INVOLVES A LARGE NUMBER OF VEHICLES, VOLVO WILL RELEASE THE RECALL IN STAGES AS PARTS ARE RECEIVED. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THE VEHICLES LOCATED IN THE REGIONS/STATES THAT HAVE A CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEM…
ON CERTAIN HEAVY-DUTY TRUCKS, WHEN THE BUNK IS RAISED INTO THE STORED POSITION, AN OBJECT LEFT ON THE BUNK MAY INADVERTENTLY TURN ON A BUNK LAMP.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BUNK LAMP WITH A PUSH BUTTON ON/OFF SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 24, 2003. 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…
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTED TO THE CHASSIS MOUNTED ELECTRICAL INVERTER MAY ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THE INVERTER AND CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE INVERTER.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH JOST INTERNATIONAL JSK 37U SERIES FIFTH WHEELS, A FATIGUE CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE BRACKET PIN WELD UNDER CERTAIN LOADING CONDITIONS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRACKET PINS AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. 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 JOST INTERNATIONAL AT 616-846-7700 OR BY EMAIL TO RECALL@JOS…
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRUCK HUB UNITS MANUFACTURED BY SKF EXCLUSIVELY FOR USE ON ARVINMERITOR'S FF98X SERIES NON-DRIVE STEER AXLES, THE HUB UNIT BEARINGS CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FRONT AXLE HUBS. AN INTERIM NOTICE TO OWNERS WAS MAILED ON JUNE 25, 2003. FINAL OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2003. 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 SHO…
CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE TWO TAIL LAMPS, BACK-UP LAMP,AND LICENSE TAG LAMP WERE MOUNTED ON INSUFFICIENTLY RIGID MOUNTS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL ATTACH THE TWO TAIL LAMPS, BACK-UP LAMP, AND THE LICENSE TAP LAMP ON STIFFER BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 31, 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 CON…
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
2002 Volvo VNL common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 3
Volvo Sleeper glass de-bonding Closed
ODI opened Recall Query RQ11-001 after a review of EWR Field Reports identified lower bunk window separations on the subject vehicles. Volvo had issued three recalls for sleeper window separations since 2003. Additionally, Volvo had issued two bulletins for sleeper window issues during the same time period. The frequency of related actions led ODI to open this formal investigation. An Information Request (IR) letter…
NHTSA #RQ11001 · Visibility · opened May 2011 · closed Jan 2012Drag Link Failure Closed
EA09-003 is closed with the submission of Volvo's recall 10V-282 recalling approximately 111,034 Model Year (MY) 1998 through 2005 VN and VNL class 8 trucks. Volvo announced recall 10V-282 in response to NHTSA's recall request letter dated June 3, 2010 (available at NHTSA's web site www.safercar.gov). NHTSA found that these vehicles were designed and manufactured with a TRW ball joint that does not meet the combined…
NHTSA #EA09003 · Steering · opened Jan 2009 · closed Jul 2010INTEGRAL HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY Closed
THE COMPANIES INVOLVED IN THIS MATTER ARE: SKF (HUB MFR), ARVINMERITOR (FRONT AXLE MFR), AND VOLVO (MANUFACTURER OF CLASS VIII TRACTOR/TRUCKS). SKF IDENTIFIED MANUFACTURING DEFECTS FOR SPECIFIC BUILD DATES ON FRONT AXLE HUB AND BEARINGS (WHEEL BEARINGS) SUPPLIED TO ARVINMERITOR. AS A RESULT, ARVINMERITOR NOTIFIED VOLVO OF AXLES SUPPLIED WITH POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLIES. AS A RESULT OF THAT NOTIFICATION, 4…
NHTSA #PE02095 · Suspension · opened Dec 2002 · closed May 2003An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 66
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 66.
CBR: Volvo VHD & VN Models - Vehicle Wil Not Start, PTO Active Message Displayed In Cluster, PTO Light On When PTO Switch Is Turned Off
Bulletin CBR-2120 202308 · Electrical System · Aug 2023TSB: Barksdale Leveling Valve, Leak Test
Bulletin V728-005A 202308 · Suspension · Aug 2023CBR: Programming Failure - Chassis With Cummins Engine And An Allison Transmission
Bulletin CBR-2112 202307 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Power Train, Electrical System · Jul 2023Engine Control Module (EMS) Software (MSW) Information â?? August 2022; Improvement List (Change Log) - US21+OBD22 (13L VGT, TC) And US17+OBD22 (11L) Emissions
Bulletin CBR-2201 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2022Warranty Automated Manual Transmission ( AMT, I-Shift, mDrive ) Control Housing Assembly; Guidelines For Filing A Claim For Chassis Return Visit With Transmission Issues After A Repair Requiring Control Housing Removal And Reinstallation - US07 And Newer
Bulletin KC-405 · Power Train · Jun 2022DTC U012100 - Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module, No Additional Information
Bulletin KC-2119 · Service Brakes, Air · Jun 2022(Back Office) - Cruise Control Inoperative After Updating Software VECU5 Without ESP Package (UESP)
Bulletin KC-2143 · Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2022Programming Failure - Chassis With Cummins Engine And An Allison Transmission
Bulletin KC-2112 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Power Train · Jun 2022AMT Control Housing Bench Testing - False Failures
Bulletin KC-2028 · Power Train · Jun 2022Volvo Chassis - Drag Link Inspection And Replacement Criteria
Bulletin KC-2174 · Steering, Suspension · Jun 2022Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the VNL. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 6
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2002 Volvo VNL. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Suspension
On certain trucks, the drag link may fail, which could result in a ball socket separation. A separation of the drag link will cause a complete loss of steering, and may result in a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, as required, replace the drag link assembly.
Transport Canada #2010209 · Jun 2010Other
On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may be susceptible to water intrusion, which could result in an electrical short circuit and a fire. This could cause property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.
Transport Canada #2009144 · May 2009Electrical
On certain vehicles, when the bunk is raised into the stored position, an object left on the bunk may inadvertently turn on a bunk lamp and limit air circulation to the lamp. The lamp and object touching the lamp may smoke or smolder as a result. Correction: Dealer will install a new bunk lamp which incorporates a push button on/off switch.
Transport Canada #2003333 · Dec 2003Electrical
On certain vehicles, the wiring harness connected to the chassis mounted electrical inverter may allow water to enter the inverter and cause an electrical short in the inverter, which may result in a fire. Correction: Dealer will replace the suspect wiring harness.
Transport Canada #2003203 · Aug 2003Suspension
On certain vehicles, a manufacturing defect will result in premature spalling of the wheel bearings, which in turn will lead to eventual breakdown of the bearing. Correction: Dealer will replace both steer axle hubs.
Transport Canada #2003159 · Jun 2003Other
On certain vehicles, the sleeper section upper side window glass may de-bond from the window opening slide track mechanism. If the window is open and this event occurs, the window glass could separate from the window frame and become a hazard to oncoming vehicle and/or person. Correction: Dealer will inspect and replace the window glass as required.
Transport Canada #2003056 · Mar 2003Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Volvo VNL
The Volvo VN is a heavy-duty truck produced by the Swedish vehicle manufacturer Volvo Trucks. Initially developed in North America, it was introduced in 1996 as the second generation Volvo Class 8 tractor. For the 2000 model year, the VN was officially renamed VNL. Other models included the VNM and the VNR.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
2002 Volvo VNL vehicles on record
2002 Volvo VNL4V4NC9RH82N319604
2002 Volvo VNL4V4MC9GH22N330404
2002 Volvo VNL4V4NC9TJ02N331953
2002 Volvo VNL4V4NC9RH12N260606
2002 Volvo VNL4V4NC9RH42N260602
2002 Volvo VNL4V4NC9TH03N344331
2002 Volvo VNL4V4NC9TJX2N320202
2002 Volvo VNL4V4NC9JH73N339310
2002 Volvo VNL4V4NC9GH43N337988
2002 Volvo VNL4V4NC9GH83N347116