The 2020 Volvo VNL presents a mixed reliability profile with multiple recalls, particularly concerning its steering and powertrain components. Given the average failure mileage of 117,990 miles, potential buyers must remain vigilant regarding these issues.
Key Factor:Frequent powertrain 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
The presence of nine recalls within a single model year for the 2020 Volvo VNL raises significant flags regarding its reliability. Specific issues such as steering gear fasteners that may not have been properly tightened can lead to compromised handling and control, which is critical in any vehicle but especially for commercial trucks like the VNL. Additionally, the potential for automatic transmission faults due to the over-tightening of t-bolt clasps could affect performance and safety under heavy loads, underscoring the need for thorough inspection.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
Considering Volvo's historical emphasis on engineering excellence, the frequency of recalls in this model suggests an unexpected deviation from their usual standards. This vehicle's safety trend is now viewed as less favorable compared to other recent models, which typically maintained fewer defects and recalls.
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
With peak failure occurrences noted between 80k-100k miles, current Volvo VNL owners are likely at risk of experiencing significant issues as they approach these mileage milestones. It indicates that critical systems may begin to falter after extended use, warranting proactive maintenance checks before reaching these thresholds.
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
π―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Steering
Issue: Steering gear fasteners may not have been properly tightened.
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Inspect steering components immediately for tightness and integrity.
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Request detailed service history focusing on steering repairs or inspections.
2
Powertrain
Issue: Transmission circuit fuses may blow, preventing shifting.
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Have the transmission system inspected regularly to identify signs of fuse failure.
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Ask about any completed work related to transmission systems or fuse replacements.
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLVO dealer to verify recall completion status.
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: 20,890
INV-2020-1001π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding VNL performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 37,342
INV-2020-1002π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding VNL performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 41,781
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
'What are common issues with the 2020 Volvo VNL truck?'
'The most prevalent problems reported with the 2020 Volvo VNL involve its steering and powertrain components. Issues include potentially improperly tightened steering gear fasteners and automatic transmission fuses blowing unexpectedly. It's essential for potential buyers to confirm whether these problems have been addressed in prior service records.'
'How does the mileage impact reliability for a used 2020 Volvo VNL?'
'Mileage plays a crucial role in assessing used vehicles like the 2020 Volvo VNL; significant failures tend to occur between 80k-100k miles. Buyers should be particularly cautious if considering models approaching this range since they might require immediate attention to critical systems that could compromise safety and performance.'
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.
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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 VNL iterations (2021+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a VOLVO specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.