Model year guide

2003 Volvo VNL

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Volvo VNL is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 14 on record.

2003 Volvo VNL — representative photo
Representative photo

2003 Volvo VNL at a glance

Safety recalls9
Owner complaints2

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2003 Volvo VNL recalls 9

Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection NHTSA Campaign #10V282000 · manufacturer #RVXX1003 · 24/06/2010

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.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor NHTSA Campaign #09V173000 · manufacturer #RVXX0902 · 21/05/2009

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…

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers NHTSA Campaign #07V573000 · manufacturer #RVXX0707 · 14/12/2007

ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, THE CIRCUIT PROTECTION (I.E. AUTOMATIC CIRCUIT BREAKERS) USED TO PROTECT THE VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS WITH FUSES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System NHTSA Campaign #06V021000 · manufacturer #RVXX0601 · 26/01/2006

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH D12D ENGINES, THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) COOLER INLET PIPES OR THE PIPES THAT CONNECT THE EGR VALVES TO THE COOLER MAY CRACK OR BREAK.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE EGR COOLER PIPES AS REQUIRED AND INSTALL A HEAT SHIELD FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM OWNER LETTER WAS MAILED ON FEBRUARY 17, 2006, TO ADVISE ON PRECAUTIONS THAT THE OWNER CAN TAKE UNTIL PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED STARTING MARCH 3, 2006, THAT P…

Wheels NHTSA Campaign #05V498000 · manufacturer #RVXX0506 · 02/11/2005

CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT STEER AXLE AIR SUSPENSION MAY DEVELOP A FRONT WHEEL WOBBLE WHEN THE TIRES BECOME WORN.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPAIR AND REPLACE THE FRONT VERTICAL SHOCKS ON EACH SIDE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND ADD A HORIZONTAL STABILIZER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 20, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Equipment:recreational Vehicle/trailer NHTSA Campaign #03V516000 · manufacturer #RVXX0308 · 10/12/2003

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…

Electrical System:wiring NHTSA Campaign #03V260000 · manufacturer #RVXX0304 · 22/07/2003

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.

Trailer Hitches:fifth Wheel Assembly NHTSA Campaign #03V204000 · 30/05/2003

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…

Visibility:glass, Side/rear NHTSA Campaign #03V038000 · manufacturer #RVXX0302 · 06/02/2003

ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS, THE SLEEPER SECTION UPPER SIDE WINDOW GLASS MAY DE-BOND FROM THE WINDOW OPENING SLIDE TRACK MECHANISM.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDOW. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 26, 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 TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

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.

2003 Volvo VNL common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Interior Lighting
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

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 2012

Drag 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 2010

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 67

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 67.

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 2023

TSB: Barksdale Leveling Valve, Leak Test

Bulletin V728-005A 202308 · Suspension · Aug 2023

CBR: Programming Failure - Chassis With Cummins Engine And An Allison Transmission

Bulletin CBR-2112 202307 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Power Train, Electrical System · Jul 2023

Engine 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 2022

Warranty 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 2022

DTC 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 2022

Programming Failure - Chassis With Cummins Engine And An Allison Transmission

Bulletin KC-2112 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Power Train · Jun 2022

AMT Control Housing Bench Testing - False Failures

Bulletin KC-2028 · Power Train · Jun 2022

Volvo Chassis - Drag Link Inspection And Replacement Criteria

Bulletin KC-2174 · Steering, Suspension · Jun 2022

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the VNL. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 7

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2003 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 2010

Other

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 2009

Electrical

On certain trucks, the automatic circuit breakers used to protect the vehicle lighting system may not provide adequate protection. If a short circuit occurs, components and wiring may be subject to overheating, which could result in a vehicle fire, causing property damage and/or personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the circuit breakers with fuses.

Transport Canada #2007394 · Dec 2007

Engine

On certain vehicles, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler inlet pipes and/or the pipes that connect the EGR valves to the cooler may fail (crack or break). If the pipes or the cooler inlet pipes fail and are left untreated, the air cleaner and inner fender may be subject to hot exhaust gases, which could potentially lead to a fire. Correction: Dealers will inspect the EGR…

Transport Canada #2006023 · Jan 2006

Suspension

Certain vehicles may develop a front wheel wobble when the tires become worn. If the wobble persists and is left untreated, damage may occur which could impair vehicle control. Correction: Dealers will replace front vertical shocks on each side of the front suspension and add a horizontal stabilizer. This correction will only be applied to vehicles that exhibit the wobble condi…

Transport Canada #2005330 · Oct 2005

Electrical

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 2003

Source: 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.

2003 Volvo VNL vehicles on record

Other Volvo VNL model years

2003 Volvo VNL — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Volvo VNL have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2003 Volvo VNL. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Volvo VNL?

Across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, electrical system, interior lighting.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.