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2016 Volvo VNL powertrain problems

severe 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →

Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes

When does it fail?

Of the 6 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Volvo VNL, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.

0-25k
1 (50%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
1 (50%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)

Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.

What stands out

No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 Bulletin KC-202 Feb 2024

CBR - Automated Manual Transmission ( AMT ) Flywheel Pilot Bearing Wear On Input Shaft.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin CBR-2112 202307 Jul 2023

CBR: Programming Failure - Chassis With Cummins Engine And An Allison Transmission

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin KC-183 Oct 2022

Volvo Chassis - ( AMT, I-Shift ) - Transmission Grinding When Downshifting ; Range Synchronizer (Synchro) Timing Procedure - US07 And Newer

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin KC-751 Jun 2022

Vehicles Equipped With An Automated Manual Transmission Model D or F ( AMT-D, AMT-F ) - Transmission Oil Leakage From Transmission Input Shaft Seal Or Output Shaft Seal - US10 And Newer Emissions, Common Model Years 2010 And Newer

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin KC-405 Jun 2022

Warranty Automated Manual Transmission ( AMT, I-Shift, mDrive ) Control Housing Assembly; Guidelines For Filing A Claim For Chassis Return Visit With Transmission Issues After A Repair Requiring Control Housing Removal And Reinstallation - US07 And Newer

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

What owners are reporting 6 most recent

powertrain · filed 08/22/2018

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Volvo vnl semi-truck. While driving various low and high speeds, the vehicle vibrated. A series of independent mechanics confirmed that the driveshaft was loose within the transmission. Vomac sales and service mack (5556 east margaret drive, terre haute, indiana 47803, (812) 233-6406) was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was…

powertrain · filed 06/18/2019

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Volvo vnl630. The contact stated that the vehicle arrived from the manufacturer with a rear driveshaft that was not calibrated. The driveshaft was three times over the maximum specifications where the transmission and driveshaft were attached. The failure in manufacturing caused a considerable amount of vibration while the vehicle was being driven at any speed. Cit…

powertrain · filed 03/31/2019

Front wheels loose from factor and dealer didn't check, tires PSI 1/2 what should been , drive shaft out of phase . Damage the truck more .I know of about 20 of these truck with the drive shaft problem . Dealer and factor wont fix/ this is not safe

powertrain · 11,000 mi · filed 03/28/2019

Volvo and mack drive shaft out of phase. I showed my dr. My video of my truck shaking. He said you mit as will be d w I

powertrain · 104,000 mi · filed 01/01/2018

My stupid dealer cit trucks could not find y my truck was shaking so they played with transmission programing its an I shift no clutch peddle . Stonington il. Got fuel at f.s. Coming back cross rail road tracks and tried to stop for rt 48 . The clutch would not release .this the 4 time .

powertrain · filed 01/01/2018

New Volvo truck mid march 2016 it had a shake that got worse . My dealer cit trucks was to stupid find the problem. Anther dealer look at it. The rear drive shaft was out of phase but how after almost 80000 miles the rear ends are going out . My truck is not the only one out there . Videos can be seen at you tube- Volvo shakes and Volvo truck shakes

Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 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 powertrain problem on the 2016 Volvo VNL?

It's a meaningful issue. 6 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.

At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?

Based on the 6 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 57,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?

No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.

Related

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/2016/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.
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