Volvo VNM problems

3 safety recalls. 0 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

Reliability score

9.4 / 10

Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Active recalls showing 3 of 3

severe NHTSA 16V467000 27/06/2016

Volvo Trucks North America, (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013 VNM and VNL trucks manufactured April 16, 2012, to May 4, 2012

The improperly heat treated axles may fracture, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the axles for specific heat code serial numbers. The affected axles will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2016. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1605.

severe NHTSA 15V643000 13/10/2015

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.

severe NHTSA 12V036000 01/02/2012

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 VHD AND MODEL YEAR 2011-2013 VNL AND VNM VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 2, 2010, THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2012, AND EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX ATR-6 TRACTION RELAY VALVES

INADVERTENT BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND LEAD TO A FIRE. INADVERTENT BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE WHEELS TO LOCK-UP LEADING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: VOLVO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND PROVIDE A TEMPORARY REPAIR UNTIL BENDIX DEVELOPS A PERMANENT REMEDY. A PERMANENT REMEDY HAS BEEN DEVELOPED AND NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Common questions

Is the 2013 Volvo VNM reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 9.4 out of 10 based on 0 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Volvo VNM is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 Volvo VNM?

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 VNM 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 2013 Volvo VNM?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 0 complaints on file, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 21 hours ago. 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 complete a quote or purchase.