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ProblemsByVinFile / 2011-VOLVO-VNLNHTSA data synced 5 days ago
Volvo
2011 Volvo VNL problems
The 2011 Volvo VNL has 12 active recall campaigns on file and only 4 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.
The 2011 Volvo VNL has 4 NHTSA owner complaints and 12 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Limited NHTSA data — only 4 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 12 active recalls on file.
0
Critical
12
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 VNL?
Not enough data for a verdict
Only 4 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 12 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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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2011 VNL· engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Volvo vnl. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the check engine and engine fault warning lamps illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the nox sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Volvo vnl. The contact stated that the truck cabin jerked out of control when a bump was hit or when driving on rough terrain. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the rear shocks; however, the failure recurred. The mechanic…
While driving, vehicle engine suddenly started running intermittent when hitting a bump or accellerating, then abruptly shut completely down while driving. Luckely the speed was low and we were able to stop, but ended up in the middle of the road. Upon inspection on the road,…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Volvo vnl truck. The contact stated the steering wheel locked up abnormally whenever the wheel was turned while the brakes were engaged. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer six times where there were various repairs performed. The repairs…
Had a problem with your 2011 Volvo VNL?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured June 21, 2010, to December 14, 2012
If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and Fontaine dealers will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel, free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1507.
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 VAH and VNL trucks manufactured May 12, 2010, to October 31, 2014
Premature tire failure could increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tires and set the road speed limiter, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1405.
Volvo Trucks of North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 VNL and 2014-2015 VNM trucks manufactured November 17, 2010, through February 5, 2014, and equipped with enhanced cruise control and without side fairings
If the active braking feature becomes disabled, the vehicle may not automatically activate the brakes as intended when the enhanced cruise control system is in use, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on August 12, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1402.
Limited NHTSA data. Only 4 owner complaints have been filed for the 2011 Volvo VNL, 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 2011 Volvo VNL?
Only 4 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 12 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2011 Volvo VNL without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2011 Volvo VNL?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2011 Volvo VNL 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 2011 Volvo VNL a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 4 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 2011 Volvo VNL?
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 VNL 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 2011 Volvo VNL?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 4 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.
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/2011/Volvo/VNL.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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