This 2021 model shows critical reliability concerns, primarily driven by significant recall activity affecting steering and service brakes, hydraulic.
Key Factor:multiple critical recalls
β οΈ
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
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
π
Expert Analysis
π
Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
β οΈ
Primary Risk Area:Stall
βοΈ
Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.8)
π
Summary:
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
β οΈ
Most Reported Issue
1 complaints (100% of total)
β‘οΈ
Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
β
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
Official Safety Recalls (8)
Campaign: 20V241000
STEERING
βΌ
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
βΌ
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
βΌ
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
βΌ
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
βΌ
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
βΌ
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: 32,133
INV-2021-1001π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding VNR performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 6,716
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
Are there any recalls for the 2021 VOLVO VNR?
Yes, the 2021 VOLVO VNR has 8 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS, WHEELS:HUB.
Is the 2021 VOLVO VNR safe to drive?
The 2021 VOLVO VNR has 8 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 2021 VOLVO VNR 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.
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―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Steering
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
β
If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm steering recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.
π
If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all steering recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaigns:20V24100020V535000
2
Service brakes, hydraulic
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
β
If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm service brakes, hydraulic recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.
π
If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all service brakes, hydraulic recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaign:20V782000
3
Wheels
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
β
If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm wheels recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.
π
If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all wheels recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaign:21V417000
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 8 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 (2020 or 2022) show better safety metrics.
Budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on known problem areas.