This 2020 model shows critical reliability concerns, primarily driven by significant recall activity affecting steering and structure.
Key Factor:multiple critical 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)
πWhy This Matters
Brake and steering systems are the foundation of vehicle control. Issues in these areas directly influence insurance risk assessments.
Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.
Given this model year's elevated concern level, budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Focus Area:critical safety systems
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Expert Analysis
The 2020 VNL analysis highlights key safety metrics.
Safety & Reliability Score
13/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-72
Complaint Impact-0.15
Investigation Impact-15
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2020 VOLVO VNL
Model Year2020
MakeVOLVO
ModelVNL
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more β
Feb19
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb19
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb20
RECALLRecall Issued
May20
RECALLRecall Issued
Sep20
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
1 complaints (33% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 3 consumer complaints by severity level.
π’Low
3(100%)
β Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.
Mileage Failure Analysis
βοΈEngineering Insight
Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 80k-100k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 117,990 miles.
π Mileage data extracted from 2 of 3 complaints (67% coverage)
0-20k
0 reports (0%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
1 reports (50%)
100k+
1 reports (50%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
POWER TRAINELECTRICAL SYSTEMSTEERINGSTRUCTURESERVICE BRAKES, AIREQUIPMENT
Official Safety Recalls (9)
Campaign: 19V510000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2019-2020 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNR vehicles. The t-bolt clasps on the transmission auxiliary air tank straps may have been over-tightened, resulting in potential deformation to the strap where the t-bolt is anchored.
Consequence
The deformation of the air tank strap t-bolts may cause the t-bolt to disconnect from the strap allowing the tank to drop to the ground and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the air tank strap, 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 RVXX1904.
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.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 19V509000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
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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.
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.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 20V241000
STEERING
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2021 VNL and VNR trucks. The steering gear fasteners may have not been properly tightened.
Consequence
The loose fasteners may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the steering gear fasteners to specification, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2001.
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.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 20V613000
STRUCTURE:BODY
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020 VNL vehicles. The window hinge and mounting hardware are insufficient to hold the window in place if the truck is driven with the sleeper bunk windows open.
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. The recall began October 29, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2005.
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.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 19V208000
STRUCTURE:BODY
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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.
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.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 19V756000
STEERING
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020 VNL and VNR vehicles equipped with HD94 Sheppard gear variants. The steering gear mounting fasteners may be insufficiently tightened, allowing the steering gear to loosen.
Consequence
A loose steering gear can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-torque the steering gear to a higher value. Additionally, the steering gear will be replaced, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2019. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX1906.
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.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 20V536000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2021 VAH, VHD, VNL and VNR vehicles. The die cast pedal plate may break at one of its attachment points, possibly resulting in the brake pedal dislodging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Consequence
A dislodged brake pedal would be inoperable, increasing a risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the pedal plates if required, free of charge. The recall began October 7, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX2004.
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.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 20V384000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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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.
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.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 23V900000
STEERING
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling one 2020 VNL truck. The steering gear assembly may have been assembled incorrectly with fewer recirculating balls than are required, which may result in a loss of steering control.
Consequence
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
A dealer will inspect and replace the defective gears as necessary, free of charge. An owner notification letter was mailed February 7, 2024. The owner may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is RVXX2316.
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.
NHTSA Investigations
3 investigations
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2020 VNL.
INV-2020-1000π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding VNL performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 6,714
INV-2020-1001π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding VNL performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 45,858
INV-2020-1002π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding VNL performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 47,219
Consumer Complaints
3 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 VNL.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Warning33%
Steering/Suspensionπ΅ Low
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2020 Volvo VNL-860. The contact stated that her husband was driving at 65 MPH and towing a 53-foot trailer, and the steering wheel would overcompensate while making adjustment, left or right to stay centered in lane. The failure lead to constant steering adjustments. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the leaf springs and bushings needed to be replaced. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken to a second dealer were it was diagnosed and had the gear box replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
THE OWNER PROGRAMMED A 5 MINUTE IDLE SHUT OFF AND DID NOT PROVIDE ANYTHING FOR ME AS THE DRIVER TO STAY WARM AT NIGHT I WAS DRIVING DURING WINTER AND TRAVELING TO STATES LIKE WYOMING WHERE IT REACHED 23 DEGREES. HE HAS MANY THINGS NOT UP TO DOT REGULATIONS WITH HIS TRUCK, LOT OF THINGS ARE NOT WORKING AND DAMAGED. HE ALSO DIDN'T DO ANY TYPE OF A PRE EMPLOYMENT DRUG TEST OR FOR ANY OF THE OTHER DRIVERS HE HIRED. HE THREATENED NOT TO PAY ME AND WITHHELD MY PAY ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. HE STOLE 800.00 FROM MY BACK ACCOUNT FOR DAMAGES TO HIS COMPANY TRUCK THAT I HADN'T DRIVEN FOR 3 WEEKS I AND CURRENTLY TAKING HIM TO COURT TO GET MY MONEY BACK. HE HAS SCREWED OVER PLENTY OF DRIVERS AND SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #19V509000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Body/Interiorπ΅ Low
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 VOLVO VNL TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SLEEPER BUNK WINDOW DETACHED ON TOP HOWEVER, THE BOTTOM BRACKETS PREVENTED THE WINDOW FROM COMPLETELY DETACHING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. WESTFALL GMC TRUCK INC LOCATED AT 3915 RANDOLPH RD, RANDOLPH, MO 64161 (816) 455-7262, WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V208000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V208000 (STRUCTURE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,980.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any recalls for the 2020 VOLVO VNL?
Yes, the 2020 VOLVO VNL has 9 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS, STEERING.
Is the 2020 VOLVO VNL safe to drive?
The 2020 VOLVO VNL has 9 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.
Where can I check if my 2020 VOLVO VNL has open recalls?
You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local VOLVO dealer.
π―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Steering
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
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If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm steering recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.
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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all steering recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaigns:20V24100019V75600023V900000
2
Structure
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
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If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm structure recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.
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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all structure recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaigns:20V61300019V208000
3
Power train
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
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If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm power train recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.
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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all power train recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaign:19V510000
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLVO dealer to verify recall completion status.
π§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.
π
If You Own This Vehicle
Verify all 9 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your VOLVO dealer.
If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyβrecall repairs are always free.
Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
π
If You're Buying Used
Request full service history and documentation of all recall completions.
Consider whether adjacent model years (2019 or 2021) show better safety metrics.
Budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on known problem areas.