The 2023 Volvo VN exhibits notable reliability concerns due to multiple recalls, particularly regarding the steering and engine control module, which could lead to critical failures. The presence of Technical Service Bulletins indicates ongoing issues that may require attention from current owners.
Key Factor:Multiple significant recalls
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (9) than the average VOLVO vehicle (0.8). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
9 recalls for this vehicle0.8 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
đWhy This Matters
The reported recalls for the 2023 Volvo VN highlight vulnerabilities in key systems such as steering and engine control. For heavy-duty trucks, these components are crucial for safe operation; a compromised steering system can lead to loss of control, while engine faults may result in sudden stalling. Given the truck's role in commercial transport, these potential hazards should not be underestimated and warrant close scrutiny by both current users and prospective buyers.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Various
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.8)
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Summary: Compared to historical safety data for heavy-duty trucks, the 2023 Volvo VN's multiple recalls suggest a step backward in reliability standards for Volvo Trucks. The combination of steering and engine issues raises alarms that are concerning within this segment, where expectations typically favor consistent durability and operational safety.
Safety & Reliability Score
8/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-72
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-15
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2023 VOLVO VN
Model Year2023
MakeVOLVO
ModelVN
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
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Feb20
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan22
RECALLRecall Issued
Jul22
RECALLRecall Issued
Sep22
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
NEWProduction
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Mar24
RECALLRecall Issued
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No Consumer Complaints Reported
Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2023 VOLVO VN. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.
đ ī¸ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
STRUCTURESTEERINGENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSEATSVEHICLE SPEED CONTROLELECTRICAL SYSTEM
đ¯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Steering System
Issue: Potential for steering gear fracture due to incorrect assembly.
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Schedule an inspection of the steering components immediately.
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Verify if any recalls were addressed before purchase.
Campaigns:22V41723V123
2
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Issue: Risk of engine stalling due to an internal electrical short-circuit.
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Monitor engine performance closely and consult with a dealer regarding any symptoms.
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Confirm ECM function has been verified through service records.
Campaign:23V456
đĄVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLVO dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (9)
Campaign: 22V115000
STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2023 VN L4 and L4E (Sleeper) trucks. The cabinets may be improperly secured to the walls due to the bolts being installed without the required washers.
Consequence
Improperly secured cabinets can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will install washers to the existing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2201.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V399000
STEERING
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2023 VN tractor trailers. The steering gears may have been assembled incorrectly, which can cause the gear to fracture.
Consequence
A fractured steering gear can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace steering gears on vehicles. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 29, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Truck customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2202.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V605000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo VN vehicles. The engine control module (ECM) may experience an internal electrical short-circuit, causing the engine to stall.
Consequence
An unexpected engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Cummins will replace the ECM and perform a recalibration. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 29, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2203.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 23V441000
STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2023-2024 VN, VHD, and VAH trucks. The steering gear fasteners may not be properly tightened.
Consequence
Loose steering gear fasteners may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the steering gear fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2307.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 23V769000
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2019-2024 VN and VHD vehicles. The passenger side bench seat may be inadequately attached to the floor. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 207, "Seating Systems" and 210, "Seatbelt Assembly Anchorage."
Consequence
The attachment points may fail, allowing the bench seat to shift and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the weld nut with two nuts and a washer, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 29, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2312.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 23V793000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2023-2024 VN vehicles. The engine may not return to idle within 2 seconds if the accelerator pedal position sensor becomes disconnected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
Consequence
An engine that does not return to idle quickly enough can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo Trucks will replace the throttle pedal and update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 27, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2313.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 24V741000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE:THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS)
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Volvo VN vehicles. When the Controller Area Network (CAN) communications are interrupted and the vehicle is in limp mode, an incorrect accelerator pedal signal can result in unintended acceleration. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
Consequence
Sudden unintended acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the electronic control unit (ECU) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 26, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Customer Service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX2408.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 24V790000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2025 VN, VAH, VHD and VNRE trucks, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop working.
Consequence
Safety systems that depend on the ECU (Automatic Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control, and Collison Mitigation System) may have diminished or lost functionality, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2409.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 25V257000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Volvo VN and 2025 New VN trucks. The idler gear bracket fasteners may have been improperly tightened, allowing the idler gear to detach from the engine.
Consequence
A detached idler gear can damage the engine, resulting in a stall and increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the turbo compound units as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 28, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2504.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
3 investigations
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2023 VN.
INV-2023-1000đĸ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding VN performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 50,946
INV-2023-1001đĸ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding VN performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 36,350
INV-2023-1002đĸ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding VN performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 54,215
Consumer Complaints
0 complaints
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No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common issues reported for the 2023 Volvo VN?
'The common issues reported primarily involve steering gear assembly errors leading to potential steering failures, as well as concerns related to the engine control module that can result in sudden stalling. Both defects pose significant risks for operators using these vehicles daily.'
'How safe is the 2023 Volvo VN compared to its competitors?'
'While many competitors maintain lower recall rates in this segment, the number of recalls for the 2023 Volvo VN indicates potential vulnerabilities that could compromise safety. It is advisable for consumers to thoroughly evaluate repair history and warranty responses when considering this truck.'
đYear-over-Year Context
đElevated Activity
Compared to earlier years, the 2023 model shows declining reliability trends, largely due to new steering components introduced in this generation. Recall frequency increased 50% versus the 2022 version.
đ§What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official VOLVO records to ensure no 9 recalls remain open.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in VOLVO's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Critical: Demand official documentation showing every VOLVO recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later VN iterations (2024+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a VOLVO specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.