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ProblemsByVin File / 2005-VOLVO-VHD NHTSA data synced 5 days ago
Volvo

2005 Volvo VHD problems

The 2005 Volvo VHD has 6 active recall campaigns on file and only 3 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.

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The 2005 Volvo VHD has 3 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

Volvo VHD owner complaints by model year
Model yearOwner complaintsRecalls
2005 VHD (this page) 3 6
2006 VHD 0 6
2007 VHD 2 10
2008 VHD 2 10
2005 Volvo VHD
Photo: Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 · representative photo of the Volvo VHD
0 5 10
Reliability score
Not rated

Limited NHTSA data — only 3 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 6 active recalls on file.

0
Critical
6
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2005 VHD?
Not enough data for a verdict

Only 3 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 6 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2005 VHD's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2005 VHD · suspension
While driving at 40 MPH consumer felt vibration, and then noticed wheels rolling passed the vehicle. The brakes were applied, but failed to stop the vehicle. It coasted to a complete stop on its own. Vehicle was towed to the impound. The right rear duel wheel separated and…
10/04/2004 · at 1,700 mi · NHTSA ODI #10094967.0
2005 VHD · visibility
Dt: 2005 Volvo s60 t5. The consumer stated the windshield has a glare from the dashboard which interferes with driver's visibility. The glare has been on windshield since the consumer purchased the car. There has not been any accident yet. The consumer contacted the…
09/29/2005 · NHTSA ODI #10138129.0
2005 VHD · powertrain
The vehicle started shaking uncontrollably followed by a loud banging noise coming from the front. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the transmission bolt sheared off, causing the transmission to drop down from the vehicle. Transmission needed…
01/04/2005 · NHTSA ODI #10106787.0
Had a problem with your 2005 Volvo VHD? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Active recalls showing 3 of 6

severe NHTSA 18V766000 October 30, 2018

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2004-2019 Volvo VHD trucks equipped with snow plow lamp preparation kits

The driver may operate the vehicle with the snow plow headlights on but the marker and tail lamps off, reducing the vehicle's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the software related to the plow lights, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1804.
severe NHTSA 12V510000 October 18, 2012

Volvo is recalling certain model year 2002-2013 VHD and VN trucks, manufactured from August 4, 2000, through June 22, 2012, and equipped with bench passenger seats

In the event of a crash, an insufficient seat belt weld may prevent the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant. This increases the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Fix: Volvo Trucks of America will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspected d-ring, free of change. The safety recall began on May 10, 2013. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000.
severe NHTSA 09V173000 May 21, 2009

Volvo trucks is recalling 127,764 my 2001-2008 vhd, vnl, vnm, and my 2005-2008 vt trucks

If this happens a short circuit may occur, which over time could possibly lead to a vehicle fire.

Fix: Volvo will replace the wiper motor free of charge. Since this recall involves a large number of vehicles, Volvo will release the recall in stages as parts are received. Priority will be given to the vehicles located in the regions/states that have a corrosive environment. The recall began on september 30, 2009. Owners may contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
View all 6 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2005 Volvo VHD reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 3 owner complaints have been filed for the 2005 Volvo VHD, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.

Should you avoid the 2005 Volvo VHD?

Only 3 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 6 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2005 Volvo VHD without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.

What should I check before buying a used 2005 Volvo VHD?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2005 Volvo VHD to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.

Is the 2005 Volvo VHD a good used car to buy?

Hard to say from federal data alone — only 3 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2005 Volvo VHD?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

How do I check if my Volvo VHD has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Volvo VHD?

Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 3 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Volvo/VHD. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Volvo. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you purchase through them.
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