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2006 Volvo VNL steering problems
moderate
Owners of the 2006 Volvo VNL have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
1
Avg fix
$700
steering complaints on the Volvo VNL, by model year
Volvo trucks is recalling certain model year 2001-2006 vnl and vnm trucks manufactured with a trw sealed drag links
Ball socket separation at the drag link results in complete loss of steering, and therefore can result in a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the ball socket or the drag link as required if necessary. As parts are limited, Volvo trucks mailed an interim owner letter on september 2, 2010. The safety recall began on february 14, 2011. Owners may contact Volvo trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented
repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall
(it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service BulletinKC-2174Jun 2022
Volvo Chassis - Drag Link Inspection And Replacement Criteria
Volvo Chassis - Equipped With An Automated Manual Transmission (AMT, I-Shift ) - Error Code 126 Displayed In Premium Tech Tool (PTT ) While Performing The Calibration Procedure After The Shift Control Housing Has Been Removed And Installed, Rewritten to improve return from multiple search terms.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting
3 most recent
steering
· filed 10/07/2016
Was driving north on interstate 95 at 55 MPH, went to turn wheel on curve, and had complete loss of steering. Wheel turned, but wheels stayed straight. Was surrounded by at least 10 other vehicles who were able to move out of the way. I then ran off side of road into ditch with trailer attached carrying 40,000 pounds was stuck in the highway.
steering
· filed 09/21/2011
Vehicle was inspected at a local shop where they advised that the drag link was on recall and it had to be replaced due to a safety issue. Drag link was in a very bad shape and I was advised that I was not to conduct driving in that condition. Repairs have been processed, now I need to be paid for the recall part. Please contact me directly for more information. VIN: [xxx] yr: 2006 model: vnl…
steering
· filed 08/22/2006
Russo trucking, corp. Owns two Volvo trucks with major steering and front axle problems, which Volvo trucks of north america and the dealer nextran truck center at pompano beach, fl seems that can't fix, we have taken our trucks to try to fix the problem to several places, and nobody has been able to fix it, we are afraid that our Volvo trucks can cause an accident. I will mention some of the…
Had steering trouble with your 2006 Volvo VNL?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 Volvo VNL?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Volvo/VNL.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.