The 2021 Volvo VNR presents a concerning reliability outlook due to multiple recalls affecting critical systems such as steering and hydraulic brakes. This raises significant safety implications for both daily operations and overall vehicle stability, especially given the peak failure range of 0-20k miles.
Key Factor:Critical safety vulnerabilities
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (8) than the average VOLVO vehicle (0.8). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
8 recalls for this vehicle0.8 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
The presence of eight significant recalls in the 2021 Volvo VNR, particularly those impacting steering and service brake systems, cannot be understated. Any failures in these areas not only jeopardize the vehicle's operational efficiency but also pose serious safety risks to drivers and other road users. The potential for failure in hydraulic braking under pressure is especially alarming, as it could lead to catastrophic accidents if not addressed promptly. In a segment where dependability is paramount, such vulnerabilities tarnish the brand's otherwise strong reputation for engineering excellence.
In an industry often scrutinized for reliability, the Volvo VNRβs recalls shift perceptions from its image as a leader in innovation and durability to one grappling with fundamental issues. Potential buyers and current owners alike must navigate these pitfalls with caution, ensuring that all necessary inspections and repairs are prioritized to uphold safety standards.
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:Stall
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.8)
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Summary: Comparatively, the 2021 Volvo VNRβs recall history places it below expectations for a brand synonymous with safety. While previous models boasted fewer issues, this year's recalls reflect a troubling trend that could impact overall consumer trust over time.
Safety & Reliability Score
26/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-64
Complaint Impact-0.05
Investigation Impact-10
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 VOLVO VNR
Model Year2021
MakeVOLVO
ModelVNR
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more β
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb20
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
May23
ISSUEFirst Report
Jul23
RECALLRecall Issued
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
1 complaints (100% 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 1 consumer complaints by severity level.
π‘Medium
1(100%)
β Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
STEERINGSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICWHEELSSERVICE BRAKES, AIREQUIPMENTEQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITYELECTRICAL SYSTEM
π―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
Schedule an inspection of the steering system immediately to verify fastener integrity.
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Request detailed service records focusing on steering system repairs or inspections before purchasing.
Campaigns:21V-12021V-121
2
Service Brakes
Issue: Risk of air brake line releasing pressure due to damaged fittings.
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Check for recall notifications regarding pump assembly and have it serviced without delay.
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Confirm that all recall work related to service brakes has been completed upon review.
Campaign:21V-120
3
Wheels
Issue: Hubcap compression spring may cause separation leading to wheel detachment.
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'Examine wheel components thoroughly if experiencing unusual noises or vibrations.
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'Inspect wheel assembly before purchase; inquire about any previous incidents or repairs.
Campaign:21V-121
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLVO dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (8)
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: 20V782000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling 2021 VNL, VNR, VAH, and VHD vehicles. The collets (internal jaws) for the brass fitting inserts used in the pneumatic pass-through plate may have been damaged during leak testing. As a result, the brass fitting may completely release the air brake line from the pass-through plate while under pressure. If this occurs on the park brake circuit, signal pressure that holds off the mechanical spring in the park brake chambers will be lost allowing the park brakes to apply.
Consequence
If the park brakes apply unexpectedly, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air brake line for proper engagement of the fitting in the pass-through plate, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2006.
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: 21V417000
WHEELS:HUB
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2021-2022 VAH, VDH, VNL, AND VNR vehicles. The hubcap compression spring can cause the hubcap to separate.
Consequence
A separated hubcap can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the hubcap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Mack's number for this recall is RVXX 2102.
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: 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: 20V535000
STEERING
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Summary
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2021 VNL, VHD, and VNR vehicles. The king pin nut may not have been installed or properly tightened during axle assembly.
Consequence
If the king pin is missing or not tightened properly, the knuckle may separate from the axle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volvo Trucks will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to make sure that the king pin nut is installed and that it properly tightened, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-458-1522. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX 2003.
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.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2023 VNR Electric vehicles equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). When the adaptive cruise control braking activates under light load conditions, it can trigger an aggressive braking response.
Consequence
Overly aggressive braking can result in the rear axle skidding, the brakes locking up, and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will secure wiring and remove radar antennas and brackets from the vehicle. The anti-lock braking system will be reprogrammed to disable adaptive cruise control. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks' number for this recall is RVXX2303.
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.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2024 VNR Electric vehicles. The coolant line in the high voltage battery pack may not be fully seated and locked, which can result in the loss of coolant and an electrical short circuit.
Consequence
A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Volvo Trucks will work with the battery manufacturer Akasol to inspect and replace the batteries, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Truck's number for this recall is RVXX 2304.
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
2 investigations
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 VNR.
INV-2021-1000π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding VNR performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 16,317
INV-2021-1001π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding VNR performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 15,914
Consumer Complaints
1 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 VNR.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Stall100%
Accident100%
VisibilityπΆ Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
This Is a volvo semi tractor 2021 the original sunvisor was removed from tractor. And an off brand replacement was installed which is substantially smaller by 4 inches on each side of visor + it's mounted in wrong direction making morning and evening's very difficult due too extremely bright glares from sun even head lights Led signage. It's a danger I don't like ! Bike lanes,people crossing the street, baby strollers etc. It's very unsafe for a semi tractor trailer. I would assume cutting an airline pilots visor would create the same blinding spot. Our shop would not change thee original so they found some little garage that need the business and they changed them. I do not want to be personally liable. I do believe it falls under 393.3. Are other hubs around the country refused to replace the original visors I called them to ask they said it's illegal and they will not remove original visors. I have drove for this company for 35 years no accidents and they suspended me for using a little piece of cardboard I had clipped on the visor to block the sun there is a camera and it was not blocked. This a major liability for me if involved in an accident it's o ly a matter of time before something bad will happen. I do not want to hurt anyone or myself with this dangerous situation. Thank you I have researched everything and have all the documents and the name of illegal installation company. I have been driving safely for years. This is a horrible way to drive 80000lbs leaning over arm rest or using pillar to duck from sun.Your help is vidal to safe trucking Thank you I can meet at an office and bring all documentation about this illegal act .Thank you
Frequently Asked Questions
πYear-over-Year Context
β‘οΈStable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
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
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified VOLVO service centerβrepairs are performed at no cost to you.
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 VNR iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a VOLVO specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.